Managing Your Surgical Pain with Nerve Blocks

Transcription

1 2011 Managing Your Surgical Pain with Nerve Blocks

2 Managing Your Surgical Pain with Nerve Blocks This leaflet answers questions that patients often asked about nerve blocks. What are Nerve Blocks? A nerve block sends freezing medicine [local anesthetic] through a small needle to a spot near the nerves. This causes numbness and weakness to the part of your body being operated on. It is like what the dentist uses to numb a specific area of your mouth before filling a tooth. Why should I have a nerve block? To have surgery, you need to be completely comfortable. For some types of surgery, such as belly [abdominal] surgery, you need to have a general anesthetic. This is where you get drugs that put you to sleep. If you are having surgery on an arm or a leg, the nerves can be blocked so that you have no pain during surgery and less pain after surgery. In some cases the nerve block is all that you need to keep you completely comfortable, and you do not need general anesthesia. If you have many medical problems, or have side effects from general anesthesia, having a block may be a safer choice for you. With a nerve block you will have less chance of upset stomach or throwing-up, as you will not need as much pain medicine. We may also give you a medicine to help 1

3 you relax along with the block. This may make you sleepy enough to take a light nap during your surgery! When will I be given a nerve block? The nerve block is done just before your surgery in the Block room or in the operating room. How is a Nerve Block done? First, the anesthesiologist [your Block doctor] cleans and numbs the skin around the block area. You will be given a medicine to help you relax. Using a special needle, a machine, called a nerve stimulator, and an ultrasound machine which gives a picture of the nerves, blood vessels and muscle, the anesthesiologist can accurately find the nerves. He or she then gives you the local anesthetic that freezes the nerves that go to the area where you are having surgery. If you will need pain control after your surgery, a small tube [catheter] will be put below the skin and hooked-up to a small pump. The numbness lasts up to 12 hours with one dose of freezing medicine or until the tube is removed. If anything bothers you while the block is being done it is important to let us know. 2

4 Will the nerve block work? Nerve blocks work very well. They have a high success rate (95%). The doctors always test the block to see that the nerve block is working before the surgery starts. If it is not working well, other drugs will be given or we may decide to give you a general anesthetic (put you to sleep). How will a nerve block help me after surgery? You will feel better faster: with less chance of being sick to your stomach. You will need less pain medicine. You will have fewer side effects than seen with the common pain medicines. They can make you itchy, sick to your stomach, sleepy or have trouble going to the bathroom. Physical therapy should not be as painful to do and you will have better results. You will likely go home sooner. Are there any side effects from the nerve blocks? Side effects or problems linked to nerve blocks are rare but can sometimes happen. The doctor tries to avoid putting the needle too close or into the nerve. If you have a sudden shooting pain which feels like you hit your funny bone in your elbow, then it is important to speak 3

5 up and let the doctor know. It is important to tell the nurse or doctor about any discomfort you are having. How long will the block take to do? Usually the block will take 5-15 minutes to do and then another minutes to start working fully. Weakness and numbness is a sign that the block is working well. The block will last 4-12 hours unless a small tube is placed along the nerve. This way your block will last longer. Will I be asleep while the nerve block is done? No. It is important that we can talk to you and ask how you feel during the block. This is done so that you can tell us if you are having any symptoms, such as a shooting pain, that may be a sign that the needle is too close or touching the nerve. Should I avoid any activities after my nerve blocks? Don t walk without crutches if you have been told to use them. Don t use ice packs or a heating pad until the numbness is completely gone unless it is given to you in the hospital. Don t walk without someone helping you. Don t drive or operate machinery [like a lawn mower] within 24 hours after a block, or as long as you feel numbness or weakness. 4

6 Can I say no to having a block? Yes. We want to help you make the best choice for you and your medical problem. But, you are the one who makes the final choice. For some medical problems, general anesthesia may be much riskier when compared to having a nerve block. In these cases we would strongly suggest you to have a nerve block for surgery. It is important for you to understand the risks and benefits of any procedure that is offered to you. Is it safe to have a nerve block? Nerve blocks are very safe. Rarely, less than 1% of patients may have a prickly feeling or numbness in the area blocked. This can last 3-4 weeks. Very rarely (less than 0.2%) you may still have weakness in the blocked area after this time. Call if you notice these things after you go home: You still have numbness or weakness in your blocked area after 24 hours OR You develop new numbness or weakness 5

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8 Looking for more health information? Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information. For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment. Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you! Capital Health, Nova Scotia Prepared by: Acute Pain Survice, Capital Health Illustrations/Photos by: MicroSoft Office Online and Staff Designed and Printed by: Capital Health Audio Visual and Printing Departments The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only. The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider. WL Rev. 04/2011 The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.