Health Organization for Pudendal Education

I am to have a pudendal nerve block injection in 2 weeks and wondered if others who have had this procedure before, thought there was a need to have someone acompany them? I have had a lumbar nerve block (X ray guided with anesthetic) and a piriformis ultrasound guided injection (no anesthetic) in the past and although the last one hurt quite a bit, I was fine afterwards and thought there was no reason I could not travel alone. I would rather my husband didn't have to take more time off work as it is a days trip there and back.
Thanks
Helen

I'd suggest you call your consultant's secretary, probably the easiest way to find out whether the hospital's expectation is that you'll be ok on your own afterwards or whether it would be sensible to be accompanied.

Thanks Calluna, I did, she said it is up to me, so I think I will go alone. Booking my ticket now . Thanks for your reply.
Helen

Hope all goes well for you, Helen. Are you coming down to Bristol to see Dr Greenslade again? That is just down the road from me.

Yes, after this one on the 24th I have another appointment scheduled for January (not sure what he has lined up for me then) He definitely has a plan but I don't really know what it is yet.I was quite surprised that my next trip was for a nerve block, I was expecting a piriformis injection into my other (not so bad) side but I am so glad that the worst side is getting all of the attention.
At the moment it is diagnostic as well as possible pain relief with a view to decompression surgery if needed. I get the idea that they are more geared up to pudendal problems at Frenchay but then it seems that piriformis problems are even more rare than pundendal, piriformis problems that can not be sorted out by conventional treatments anyway.
Love Bristol btw and will take a trip to Bath sometime too, at least if you do decide on further treatment there is not too far to go. This next time I will not fly straight home as I am visiting my son and family (2 boys, 4 and 2, and a baby girl) in Surrey post block, so will be absolutely exhausted by the time I do get home.Thanks for the well wishes.
Helen

Hi Helen,
I have had two pudendal nerve blocks and I drove to work myself afterward. I just had to wait like 15 minutes or so before I could leave. They were both on my left side and I just felt sorta numb for a few hours. I had surgery and now I am considering having another one. My Dr. says sometimes they can be more affective after surgery. My PN is somewhat manageable, but I still have pain. The nerve blocks did not cause me any extra pain so I may try it again. Best of luck to you. Hope it all goes well.
Gracie

Hi Helen;
I've had 6 blocks. I have mine with sedation so I need a driver and not eat for 6 hours before the shot. Maybe in the UK is different than in New Hampshire, USA where I had mine.
Lots of luck to you;
Doreen

It was the same for me. Had mine in Maryland, US and the hospital would not release me without someone accompanying me. Must be different in the U.S. Good thing you checked!

Kate

Thanks for the responses girls,
I will be travelling from Bristol by train anyway so I am confident that I will be fine. Looking forward to it, yes for some extra pain relief but also pelvic puzzle solving. How much is pudendal pain and how much piriformis. Two weeks ago was the first time I have ever had any pain relief other than from medication when I had the guided injection into my piriformis. I didn't even get any anesthetic injection for that one. I jumped, it hurt! Are you British Gracie?
At least I am on the right track now with regard to treatment, it has taken nearly 3 years to get to this stage.
Helen

Hi Helen,
No, I'm not British. I am from Maine in the U.S. I had both my pudendal nerve blocks at my pain mgmt doctor's office. I had many other injections before my doctor suspected pudendal neuralgia. They were all done right in his private office practice. Some were uncomfortable, some not so bad. When I had the pudendal nerve blocks, it was a little uncomfortable and I felt a quick pain right in the area that I most usually have most of my daily pain. After I had to sit in a chair that was not in the general waiting room and I was checked on every few minutes for like 15-20 mins. When they were sure I was ok to drive, I left. I discussed these blocks with Dr. Conway before my surgery so I'm positive they were pudendal nerve blocks. I guess they just do things differently everywhere. Hope yours goes well and you get some pain relief. Good luck.
Gracie