Hi!
I have had Xiaflex injections 3 times with lidocaine (in CA), and twice without (in TX). I have had NA twice with numbing and have no nerve damage.

The CA doctor who used lidocane for the injections also used it for the manipulation appointment (and for NA). Although I did swell in my hand (tremendously) and it itched like CRAZY - it was bearable...and has helped to keep my hands more open. I fly across country to see this doctor and insurance does not cover the cost of the visit but it has covered the Xiaflex vials. (after my deductible).

The Xiaflex injections without lidocaine were not fun - like several bad bee stings - but it was over quickly. The thoughts, fears and stress are worse than the actual injections. I would do it again if necessary.

BUT the manipulation without lidocaine, when the hand was so very swollen, was terribly painful. And since it was so swollen, the doctor could not get the leverage needed to break the cord. I suggested we wait an additional day to manipulate and allow some swelling to subside but the doctor wanted to get it done. I do not want to write anything that causes another person to have fears of getting treatment but I would NEVER see a doctor that does not inject some type of numbing solution before the manipulation. And if the hand is that swollen the pain will be worse.

BTW - I was stretching my finger back at a stoplight 6 days later and the cord snapped! I thought I had broken my finger off - it was so loud - but I looked down and it looked great! It just needed the leverage of the unswollen hand to snap the cord.

I hope this info helps!
I very much appreciate the openness and sharing on the forum. Otherwise I would feel very alone trying to deal with this.
Sabrina

It wasn't full out dead numb, so maybe that was partial anesthesia. I'll have to ask him next time.

I could have felt him hitting a nerve for certain. I still felt the Xiaflex needle sticks but they were more like tiny pin pricks.