I just had a CT guided trigeminal nerve block done today (8 hrs ago) at the hospital. It was with IV sedation, but it didn't do a thing for me so it was truly truly awful. I started to cry it was so painful and I couldn't stop crying for a good half hr after the procedure. I just wanted to hide under the blanket and disappear. They went in through the side in the jaw joint and then deep into the where the ganglion is at the foramen ovale. They injected 2 numbing agents which didn't last long at all (only a couple hrs) and a steroid which will take a few days to see if it will have any effect. Right now my jaw is very very sore and I can't move it or chew very well. I'm not sure how long that will last. I'm still shaking and emotionally raw. I had been looking forward to at least a little reprieve from my pain with the sedation - but I didn't even get that. I've had constant pain since the beg of Jan. and I haven't found anything at all to help with the pain. So far I've tried Amitriptyline, Lyrica, Zonisamide - Lortab, Fioricet, Tramadol - Zomig, and Relpax. All OTC pain relievers. Seen dentist, GP, ENT, ENT nerve specialist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, pain management specialist (who ordered this nerve block). I was already previously being treated for anxiety and depression. Anyway. I'm just in a tailspin. It was a really really awful day and I am discouraged and in pain. That's all.
edit: have also tried all the OTC pain relievers, not that those other meds are OTC pain relievers.;)
I am so very sorry. it breaks my heart to hear from people like you who are trying so hard to just live with a tolerable level of pain & then one more disappointment. I hope & pray there are better days to come.