My medical care to help with Fibromyalgia/Depression/Anxiety etc... (updated Nov 7 after my second Stellate Ganglion Block)

Back in 2013 I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  For a few years prior I was suffering a lot but I was not fully aware of what was going on with my health.  I also live with Depression/Anxiety/Trauma (PTSD) and I have had a couple of Panic Attacks.

Over these years as a single mom raising my son on my own since he was 2 now 21 I began to put more emphasis on my health as he got older.  I have done a lot of work on my Mental Health by taking free courses on Mindfulness (Dr. Stephen Treyvaud-13 week course), CBT, DBT (a few times through CMHA Halton), Meditations, ACT through the Women's Centre of Halton and so much more.

I was always someone who preferred to do things from more of a holistic approach vs being put on several medications.  I did at some point try a few medications for my mental health many years ago but I didn't like how they made me feel-like a zombie.  However as my health continues to decline I have been taking meds; I have been getting lidocaine injections in my back, shoulder area etc once a week by Dr D'Souza. Thankfully this is covered by OHIP as I was referred to him and his pain clinic here in Burlington.

1035 Brant St unit 19 & 20, Burlington, ON L7R 4X6

(905) 631-8700

I fully trust Dr D'Souza and his staff are very supportive, friendly and very caring with me and my care. The injections do hurt as they are being poked into my body but then the pain is over. The easiest way to describe it is they feel like bees stings-not fun. I would say the procedure takes less then 10 mins. 

I still do suffer from Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog which has been the 2 hardest things for me to cope with; which then in turn impacts my mental health negatively.

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Last year I started Osteotherapy with Ian Fraser.  I see him for 20 mins sessions and I do find this to be helpful with my fibromyalgia and other physical issues.  For me when I describe what my sessions feel like with Ian is that I feel like my body is being hugged.  I know that is not what he does; it is just how my body feels. Ian's famous line with me is "Relax Liz.  Let it go. I got you."  I trust Ian and feel very safe with him.  I have just always been really bad at relaxing no matter what I do.  I am getting better, slowly, at the relaxing piece lol. In the beginning I would see him more and then as he works on me he spreads the visits based on what he feels my care should look like. The other odd part and I mean this in a good way is I feel like he is a magician.  No matter what pain Im in he knows exactly where to go and I don't have to tell him where to focus. He pinpoints the exact parts that are in extreme pain. I am so glad to have Ian as part of my health care team. I highly recommend Ian if you are looking for an amazing osteopath.

Osteotherapy refers to osteopathic medicine, a system of healthcare that uses a hands-on, holistic approach to diagnose, treat, and prevent health problems by focusing on the interconnectedness of the body's structure and function. Osteopaths use techniques like stretching, joint manipulation, and massage to restore balance, enhance the body's natural healing abilities, and treat a range of musculoskeletal issues, pain, and other conditions without relying on drugs or surgery. 

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Last week I had my 1st Stellate Ganglion Block needle in my neck.  Dr Qazi is apparently the only doctor in Ontario who does this.  This procedure was referred to me by Dr D'Souza and it was also covered by OHIP.  I was EXTREMELY nervous and anxious about this procedure.  I have actually seen the procedure done on the TV show Chicago Med so I saw what it looked like but imagining the pain and the end result was stressing me out beyond belief.  I went to the Brampton location for this procedure.  The staff here treated me exceptionally well.  They take your blood pressure before and after the injection.  I needed a chaperone to drive me home as you are not allowed to drive; do anything involving heavy things; no hot bath or shower for 24 hrs after the procedure.  The procedure itself took less than 5 mins.  They do monitor you after before you are sent home.  I was not put under; that can be done but I wasn't sure if my insurance would cover the cost.  The initial injection hurt a little but as he pushed the needle further and further for me the pain was quite intense.  Then as quickly as it started it ended.  I will say I had a pounding headache for the rest of the day/night and no matter that I was taking Extra Strength Tylenol I was not getting any relief.  As the needle was done on the right side of my neck my right eye began to get droopy; this only lasted a short time.  I did have a bit of a sore throat but I did not lose my voice which was part of things that could happen with this procedure.  A small bump/swelling/bruise occurred where the injection was put.  I just wanted to share this experience in case others would like to look into this further with their care team. I will be going back in a month for another injection.  At this point I am not aware of how many injections I will need so really hoping this helps and gives me some relief.

https://www.precisioncare.ca/our-doctors/

Brampton Location:

18 Kensington Road, Unit 200 and Unit 502, Brampton, ON, L6T 4S5

Monday - Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: Open on select dates (call to confirm)

Hamilton Location:

    25 Charlton Avenue East, Unit 101, Hamilton, ON, L8N 1Y2

    Monday - Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

    Saturday: Open on select dates (call to confirm)

Dr. Abdul Aziz Qazi

Dr. Aziz Qazi is a staff interventional Radiologist at the University Health Network/Sinai Health. Dr. Qazi is a diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist. He completed medical school at the University of Calgary in 2013 followed by a 5-year residency in diagnostic imaging at the University of Toronto. He completed the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at the University of Toronto in 2018, followed by a one-year fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2019. He subsequently worked at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital prior to moving to UHN. His clinical interests include dedicated treatment of arterial/venous disease, Vascular Malformations and Chronic Pain management. Dr. Qazi is also dedicated to teaching and received teaching awards during his residency and fellowship. Dr. Qazi has received numerous awards throughout his training and is focused on providing high quality pain intervention for his patients.

A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a medical procedure involving the injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves in the neck, to temporarily "turn off" the sympathetic nervous system. It is used for managing certain types of pain, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), improving circulation, and has shown promise for treating conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by potentially "resetting" the brain's fight-or-flight response. The procedure is performed with ultrasound guidance for safety and accuracy, but carries risks like pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and allergic reactions, though these are low.

Owner and Founder, Registered Psychotherapist Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant, DBR Therapist

TRANSFORMING THE ROOT OF TRAUMA AND PAIN THROUGH PSYCHOTHERAPY AND EMDR THERAPY

1251 Northside Road

Burlington, ON L7M

(365) 305-0295

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, or decreased self-esteem? Do you have difficulties with expressing yourself and feeling heard? My counselling clinic has a variety of therapists that are skilled in providing safe, non-judgemental, and affirming mental health care. As there is no "one size fits all" approach to psychotherapy, we offer various therapeutic techniques to alleviate anxiety and depression and support and difficult life transitions.

We create a safe space to help you get in touch with your inner compass, to tune in to what you really want. Maybe that’s building deeper connections with friends and family, or changing careers. You may need permission to finally grieve a loss that you’ve held inside. We are here for all of this, present and providing support.

You're here because something isn't working and it's time for a change in your life. If you've come this far, why not take a look at my website to read more about my clinic and therapists? Find my website link under my profile photo, or message me here with any questions you have. I look forward to hearing from you!

We provide psychotherapy services including EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. With the right care, you can improve your daily life, achieve goals, and have a better relationship with yourself and others.

Our office is based in Burlington and we support people virtually across Ontario.

https://www.christinajaniga.com/

Another part of my health care regime is I started EMDR therapy over a year ago.  Christina Janiga is wonderful, caring and very patient.  There are many ways to support EMDR therapy. With my sessions we use a machine as you will see below.  We start with a thought of something that has caused me trauma/depression/anxiety etc and then while I think about that thought we use the machine; it vibrates in my hands while I am thinking.  Christina will then pause the vibration and we discuss where my thoughts have gone.  It is so weird and bizarre (in a good way of the range of emotions, tears, sadness to feeling very empowered that I go through during these 1 hr sessions)

How EMDR Psychotherapy works in your brain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg842qP83yc

November 7/2025

I just wanted to update this post as yesterday afternoon I had my 2nd Stellate Ganglion Block needle (in my neck) in Brampton at Precision Care.

My son so graciously came with me to this appointment and even came in the room to watch the procedure with Dr Qazi.  Yes like last time I was very anxious and nervous.  It was easier in a sense knowing what to expect but I was still trying to breathe a lot to help me calm down.  This time I knew better so I took Tylenol before my appointment as last time my head was pounding til the next day no matter how many pills I took.  The staff here are absolutely great.  Dr Qazi's assistant; I wish I knew his name tries to keep things light by trying to be funny so it was nice seeing him again.  I also got to see Dr 'Souza before and after my appointment.  It was nice that he got to meet my son as every Monday appointment Dr D'Souza asks about my son.

Like last time it was done on my right said.  My eye did get droopy fairly quickly like last time.  However, this time the big difference was my voice, very sore throat and everytime I tried to drink water I would start choking and had a hard time breathing.  This did not happen last time. It was kind of scary.  My voice was terrible til about 6pm.  Luckily by that point everything was back to normal.  Today I am feeling much better.  

In 2 weeks the Care Centre will check in with me to see how I am doing and to determine whether these 2 needles were sufficient, if I have to come back again or if this is not helping.  Hoping it will be good news. I did ask the assistant what he has seen.  He said for some it takes 6-7 needles and others less than that.  It is not a cure; a useful tool for better standard of living.  

Fingers and toes crossed lol.  To be continued....