Post Nerve Block Update

First, I’m so thankful for the texts and prayers last Friday morning! ❤️ What a blessing and comfort it was to receive your prayers. Thank you!!!

The procedure on Friday went really well and I ended up having two nerve blocks applied, but recovery has been on the rough side. Once the anesthesia wore off, it really began to hurt worse. It wasn’t a small or thin needle at all used for the nerve blocks. I was told it would take 5-7 days for the nerve block to kick in for the occipital neuralgia pain, which I feel is starting to kick in today.

During the procedure, we knew that it went well because of the instant relief that started to melt away all of the pain. I started crying - joyfully crying. I didn’t know how much air, just air, irritated my cheeks. The relief that washed over me was overwhelming. And, I could distinctly discern my TMJ pain from the rest of my skull and face pains. This showed me that my doctors were spot on with the occipital neuralgia diagnosis.

As the anesthesia wore off, the pain increased and soreness, swelling, and stiffness abounded across my head, neck, and shoulders. I didn’t expect that. Lol! I was so weak, I couldn’t move Ink from his snuggles on my legs. (He’s an 8 lb little cutie!) I couldn’t turn my head or flex my neck without a lot of pain. The occipital neuralgia was also worse if I moved too much. I get it though… I basically had two sizable puncture wounds on each side of my neck from the two injected nerve blocks.

I’ve been able to sleep a bit more over the weekend, though! A total blessing!! And I’m praying for things to continue to improve while also working on not getting my hopes up. Just trying to take it as it comes and see what could be possible in the moment.

I’m starting to mull over what it means to “get my hopes up” on something. For me, I’m seeing that if I get my hopes up for plans or expectations, I could start making those things an idol. If I start to “get my hopes up”, it’s an opportunity to check myself before I wreck myself. I get to make sure that I’m not making my emotions and expectations, my wants and desires, into demands. Meaning “I want this so much I have to have it, or else… my life is horrible, I’m so disappointed, I’ll be angry, I’ll give so-n-so the cold shoulder, I’m judging someone, etc.”

Wants and desires are not a bad thing, in and of themselves. It’s what I do with it, the information, the experience, the result, in light of my walk in Christ as I strive to uphold the fruits of the spirit and in hopes to glorify God. That matters. Being excited about or looking forward to something can absolutely be joyful and godly.

So in this situation, I wait to see what He has gifted and do what can as I able to do so, all in Christ, praising Him all the while! ✨🙌🏼✨

I am so grateful for this procedure. And I am so grateful for You. God bless! Love, Na’Cole.