Nerve block for shoulder surgery

Posted by rsniebel @rsniebel, Apr 8, 2012

Hi,
I had a nerve block done for my rotator cuff surgery on 02/23 and became sick within a week after. Symptoms: excessive stomach gas, naseau to the point of gagging when trying to eat, and pain in my upper abdomen. First few days I thought it was from Chinese food and a week after contributed it to the stomach flu. It never got better. I felt like I wanted to vomit but never could and never had diarrhea. I have seen GI and had all the tests which show nothing is wrong with my stomach but six weeks later I still have the same issues. I am wondering if anyone has heard of anything like this after having a nerve block and surgery? I am desperate for some relief and want my life back. Thank you.

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Hi! I had shoulder surgery back in April '11 I had a nerve block and afterwards I had a lot of memory issues and I actually have a nerve disease now and some serious nerve issues.I am only 16 but after my nerve block I would have pain radiate all down my arm into my hand. I think nerve blocks can cause just about anything.There quite painful and you might have been allergic to something or the anesthesia was bad? Hope that helps.

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Hello, I had a total reverse shoulder replacement 2 years ago and a nerve block fro pain in the recovery room and I did not have any problems.

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Hello @annmerc,

Thanks so much for returning to Connect with your insight. May I ask how long your nerve block lasted? Did you have a catheter placed during the nerve block for pain relief?

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@kanaazpereira

Hello @annmerc,

Thanks so much for returning to Connect with your insight. May I ask how long your nerve block lasted? Did you have a catheter placed during the nerve block for pain relief?

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The block lasted quite a while but less than 24 hours. I did not have a catheter.

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How long (days) can you safely use a nerve block after rotator cuff surgery?

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@tsip

How long (days) can you safely use a nerve block after rotator cuff surgery?

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Welcome @tsip, It sounds like you are still having shoulder pain after having rotator cuff surgery. Here is some information I found on your question.

"They are commonly used to provide pain relief during and after shoulder surgeries. Nerve blocks can be administered either as a single injection or in a continuous fashion through the use of a thin tube called a catheter." --- Outpatient orthopedic shoulder surgery- Your pain relief options: https://www.asra.com/patient-information/types-of-pain/outpatient-orthopedic-shoulder-surgery-your-pain-relief-options

Have you discussed your symptoms with your surgeon or doctor?

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Yes, shoulder surgeries are exquisitely painful in the days after. I only had the extended nerve block from during surgery, and it held up long enough for me to get home, and settled, before the screaming began. Kidding, but the pain was impressive. I hope you get relief, but while the rehab is quite lengthy and time consuming, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. After 2 weeks I was (illegally?) driving myself to PT, and after 5 weeks I was back, very slowly and carefully, picking my blueberry crops.

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I had two reverse shoulder replacements last year…four months apart. I had a nerve block after surgery that lasted 48 hours. It was awesome. So helpful to not wake up to horrific pain. Shoulder replacement surgery is painful and the recovery is long.

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I had a nerve block for ORIF for fracture humerus from a call a year ago. I had no problem except that it wore off quickly and had to use pain meds. I had stomach issues after surgery but was told more likely from antibiotic and other medications.

Good luck. I Hope you feel better soon

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@adr

I had a nerve block for ORIF for fracture humerus from a call a year ago. I had no problem except that it wore off quickly and had to use pain meds. I had stomach issues after surgery but was told more likely from antibiotic and other medications.

Good luck. I Hope you feel better soon

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Hello @adr, Welcome to Connect. Thanks for sharing your experience with a nerve block. It really helps to read the personal experiences of other patients. How is your arm doing now?

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