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Because I am allergic to iodine contrast dye, the doctor decided to 'fly blind' (his words, not mine) and do the procedure without dye. Earlier they had me get medications that would offset the allergic reaction to the dye, but they got nervous and decided to not risk a possible reaction despite those precautions. after consulting with his fellow doctors, he decided it would be safer to leave the iodine out.
(Queasy stomached people stop reading here)
They stuck a needle into my neck near my spine (much lower than I thought it would be) and injected something to freeze the area. Then they used a larger needle to insert steroids and anti-inflammatory meds into the area around the nerve. At some point he hit something that made me spasm to which he said, "What was that?" in a concerned voice. That made me less than comfortable. Shortly thereafter he hit something again that made my whole body jerk and then announced that he was done. I spent a little bit of time in a recovery room drinking fluids and getting my blood pressure taken. After the nurse took my blood pressure I asked what it was. She said it was way down and was only 155 over 98. I was horrified and said, "Down from where?" She said it was much higher because I was nervous, in pain, and worried that the doctor would find the bottle of iodine contrast dye they had hidden from him. :)
I felt warmth flow to my shoulder which the doctor says is a good sign. The horrible throbbing pain in my shoulder is almost completely gone. My arm is aching like mad and tingling away, but I could sleep on my left side this afternoon. I woke up with a really sore back and more aching in my shoulder. The joy is that the throbbing pain I couldn't handle is greatly diminished. He said it would be two to three days before I would feel the full effect.
I have an appointment February 5 for a repeat performance. He told me he would be putting me under so as to keep me from moving about. It would be easier for him and for me if I was grogged out.
Thanks Sue for your help and community for your prayers. They are all deeply appreciated.
Rod | 
