News SGB PTSD Treatment Article

[anthony]

Goodluck Aj... all the best and I hope this works for you.

One thing that I wonder about is whether there are either different types of PTSD which may respond to the Chicago block differently, or if it is possible that some people are misdiagnosed and may have other anxiety conditions that may not be connected to the Stellate Ganglion action, but mimic PTSD?

That is exactly the issue at hand...

People are being diagnosed with PTSD, by the book, if they have the symptoms for a single month or longer... yet empirical data clearly shows, approximately 60% - 80% of people who meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, will actually no longer have the symptoms or severity after 6 months. The results breakdown part of that after 3 months, but I am sticking to approximates here.

In reality, should the person have actually be diagnosed with PTSD so soon after a traumatic event? The evidence clearly demonstrates how normal these symptoms are to a traumatic event, and the majority fully recover without any treatment at all. Its only a minority that continue onwards, some fully recovering with treatment, some never fully recovering what is PTSD.

So yes... if you wanted to include "by the book" diagnosing of PTSD, then a good majority actually don't have what is deemed life PTSD vs. a normal human reaction to a traumatic event that fully recovers by itself, yet by a mental health professionals doctrine, they can label them with PTSD nonetheless.

You then have people who have been diagnosed with PTSD who, as you stated, actually don't have PTSD, instead have depression, panic attacks, agoraphobia instead... which may mimic or be confused as PTSD, but infact have 3 unique diagnosis and not PTSD. Misdiagnosis in mental health is quite extreme, to say the least, as its a "best guess" basis and done with no scientific data.

 

[IchBin]

When I spoke with Lipov before my procedure I expressed some interest in his opinion regarding the neurobiology of SGB. He told me to research the insula. A short browse of the wikipedia page on it is intriguing to say the least, because the insula has been implicated in social emotions, pain, consciousness, interpretation of bodily feelings, sense of self, etc etc -- all things known to be awry in some way or another in post traumatic stress. Scholarly articles are also quite informative; research on this little area has exploded as of late. I can hardly wait for research to illuminate the etiology of PTSD and help more people!

 

[Aj]

Dear friends, and I say this with the utmost sincerity, I have gotten the SGB today.

I am going to try and describe as best I can the events:
I went in with overwhelming anxiety and skepticism, while trying to maintain hope. I have had a bad turn of luck lately with personal matters, which didn't help the anxiety and doubt part of things. Before the procedure I met with the doctor who was surprised to see me (thinking I would not elect for the procedure given the shared skepticism). After consulting with him, and double checking the procedure would follow Lipov's "Chicago block" to the letter, I was prepped.

The whole block itself took minutes to do, literally. It didn't hurt, I didn't even get put under anesthesia. Admittedly when the needles were coming at me I got super anxious (as this was a part of my trauma from my accident). But before I knew it the discomfort was over and I was done.

I was put in a "recovery" area and left sitting for a moment. Recalling now, I had this feeling of "now what" but immediately after the procedure I felt a funny feeling, similar to vertigo. As I sat though, wondering if it was working I began to notice something odd: the muscles in my legs were relaxing. Not a little, but totally. Shortly after I began to feel an indescribable feeling of both wanting to laugh and cry at the same time. The more time passed (by which I mean literally minutes) the better I was feeling. I wanted to smile, and I didn't know why. It wasn't that I felt "high" or goofy but I felt different and it felt good. It's only been around four hours and I already can honestly say I think the procedure worked. I feel lighter somehow, and slower in a way that relates to being relaxed.

Strangely enough, I didn't take my zoloft last night due to the earlier referred to personal issues arising and later on in the day I felt the withdrawl (which was so bad last time I had to start again). Even though there's this under current of anxiety, it's definitely a withdrawl related feeling. I feel virtually calm and relaxed. I definitely feel tired (but that's probably from the strange night's sleep I had).

If this feeling maintains itself I will definitely feel no need to continue on my zoloft. Not only that, but I know the doctor was open if I needed another shot and it's incredibly affordable. I'm looking forward to seeing how these results last and while I'm optimistic at this moment I will be sure to continue to update you all on my progress.

Special thanks to Kim A4 for her amazing cooperation, kindness, and help throughout the waiting process leading to this moment. I can honestly say her encouragement was a true blessing.

 

[IchBin]

I am so happy to hear it! Your experience echoes mine in a lot of ways. That "laugh & cry" feeling...this is the kind of joy of living I think "normals" have. It is so hard to explain what changes - like you said, not "high" per se, just contented and freed from worry. Isn't it astounding how quickly this can occur? Unbelievable. A toast to Aj!

 

[seedling]

Aj, how wonderful :) I was thinking of you this morning, hoping the best but also that you would be OK however if turned out.

Will you go to the doctor for a follow-up so that he's aware of the results?

 

[Aj]

IchBin: I'm still getting used to it. It's weird because I'm also combating the zoloft withdrawl, which I've gotten before after skipping a day (and I use the smallest dose possible). But instead of the withdrawl overcoming me, it's like it's contained in a little cage. The feeling is still so strange to me. I'm not startled to the point that something that may surprise me will cause my heart to beat out of my chest. I have this general feeling of relaxation that I'm so not used to after ten years that I'm finding it an interesting adjustment. I'm looking forward to seeing how I perform in sports (I recently started rock climbing at a gym, kayak, and looking to getting a bike). Already though there is this definite period of adjustment that my whole body is doing where it's like "coping" with the new sensation of not needing to be hyper vigilant. Truly astonishing. And many thanks for your good vibes and well wishes!

seedling: Thank you so much for your consideration! I am definitely going to speak to this doctor because initially, upon my first visit, I went in sort of starry eyed and this doctor sort of brought a sobering reality to me. Then when I realized I'd regret not even trying it, and his response to seeing me today, I knew I had to follow up despite the results. After what feels like a very positive outcome, I really feel like its my duty to tell him about it so that he can sort of share this with other people like us that he meets. I wouldn't hesitate to get this done again if the effects last long enough. I'm still so new to it all but it's so exciting and really such a new experience. I'm really hoping for the best, as this will definitely change my life.

I'm so curious as to what my first night's sleep will be like and, as a creative writer, what my work output will be like. So many questions, all new territory. Truly exciting is all I can say.

 

[Kim A4]

Congrats on you courage, Aj. I am SO happy for you. Thanks for your updates on how it feels....You are an inspiration to those who may still be unsure. I felt the same feelings and it is a magical time when the adrenaline dissipates and life comes into a lovely, peaceful focus.
Your story confirms that if you can seek out a local doc who does SGB injections, and have the persistence to educate him and follow through, then the reward is remarkable. I look forward to more stories just like yours.

IchBin...thanks for the insula research tip.....sounds interesting. Kim

 

[anthony]

Good stuff AJ.... look forward to reading your results on how this has affected you after your med withdrawals...

 

[Aj]

Well, it's been almost a week. My personal life is a bit of a mess right now, but at this point I have to say I still feel the effects of the shot.

First off, I still feel anxiety, but it's so controllable. This shot doesn't seem to subdue any emotions other than those of the prominent uncontrollable anxiety that comes with PTSD. I literally feel like life is slowing down around me, and my body is adjusting as well. I have stopped taking my Zoloft. I was on lowest dose possible (25mg tablets broken in half, so 12.5mg) before it all and sort of weaned myself off going a day then two and am now on day four without and I am thinking of just not taking anymore. I am looking forward to where I'll be in a month or so, that'll speak volumes.

Depression is still sort of there, but like I said my personal life is a bit of a mess. I'm trying to find work, I'm just feeling more normal than I have in a while. I'm sure it will continue to take time as things improve, but I will be patient and definitely keep everyone updated. Thanks again for all the well wishes!

 

[IchBin]

Glad to hear it. I'd say I agree - the shot is not curing you, but it is an enabling condition for health that I think is the final piece of the puzzle for a lot of people struggling with PTSD. An update on myself now. I am just over 3 weeks out, and I still wake up feeling fantastic. I'm ready for changes, and I'm already working to make that a reality in my life. For example, I am putting together an application for a program where you sail around the world and visit some of the most famous (and largest) port cities in many countries. (this is gonna put me in some icky debt, but that's a different story) I would not have dreamed of doing something like this before getting SGB, now I'm really excited for it. I have had zero PTSD-related dreams, and fewer and fewer intrusive thoughts related to the abuse I experienced. Just today I had a psychotherapy session - which, as I have mentioned before, seem a lot more productive now - where we went over the core of my PTSD-related memories. Before SGB this was a HUGE deal for me, and my body/mind would respond in all sorts of difficult ways: racing heart, sweating, anxiety, shakiness, projection of thoughts, fear, feeling very very small and helpless...the list goes on. Today was different. I had more control and my body did not go haywire. Likewise my brain remained lockstep with my body - my thinking was clear and I was realistic while discussing these issues with my therapist. Things just continue to change everyday, I can tell there are still big shifts happening in my brain. I have no idea how else to describe this, but it's very real. I've also noticed my personality "comes out of its shell" more easily in social interactions, social functioning just happens much more smoothly. This is another thing that is hard to describe. In my opinion a lot of these things are automatic and non-conscious, and I think the procedure changes some part of the brain involved with them - maybe the insula, who knows?

I don't know, but I can appreciate the little things like I never could before. Like earlier today I was in the grocery store waiting in line to check out, watching a few kids playing around while their mom bought groceries. A young girl (1-2 years) wanted to grab an item off a display shelf, but just as she got close her older sister (4 or 5, maybe) said, "no, no" and pulled her away from it. The littler one put on a quasi-crying/frustrated look and was mad at her sister, but she soon forgot about grabbing the item and moved on to explore other things. I dunno, it just made me smile. I realize how precious life is and how unique social life can be, and I can identify with emotional content in a more real way.

Cheers

 

[TLight]

Ich bin and Aj;

I am so dedicated to finding a doctor who will do this. Please tell me where you went and who agreed to to this to you. It may be easier for me than going to Chicago. I have called their and am in the process of getting my mile high stack of medical records together, but if there is someone closer...that would be better.

Thanks.

 

[IchBin]

You may want to send a message to Kim A4, who has posted a lot on this thread and had it done at a clinic outside of Chicago. I know that it can be done, but you'll need to compile some research yourself and find a doctor (probably at a pain clinic) willing to do the procedure, and to the specfications of the "Chicago block" (the name given to Lipov's particular way of doing the injection). I went to Lipov in Chicago, so I can't comment on what to do to get it done elsewhere. I wish you the best of luck with this, and please use this resource for any and all questions you have, we are all more than happy to share what we know with you!