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Old 12-03-2013, 07:57 AM
Brambledog Brambledog is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: England
Posts: 1,122
10 yr Member
Brambledog Brambledog is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: England
Posts: 1,122
10 yr Member
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Hi dreamer and welcome...

Sorry you're here at all obviously, it sounds like you've had a long hard journey already, and we all know how exhausting even a week of this is.

It does sound pretty like CRPS, with the burning pain and the bright red feet (I have it in my feet, and that sounds very familiar!), but obviously I'm not a doc and only an expert can diagnose you.

CRPS is diagnosed by a set of criteria you can find on a good CRPS/RSD website (maybe google 'CRPS criteria'). Basically you have to have some of the following symptoms recognised by a doc:
- pain that is out of proportion for any initial injury, etc.
- changes in skin colour - (blue and mottled, bright red)
- changes in temperature (affected area significantly hotter or colder than the rest)
- hyper-sensitive skin
- skin changes (thin, shiny, scaly, wounds not healing well, etc)
- hair and nail changes
- swelling
Most importantly, the symptoms will not be able to be explained by any other condition or cause. If a doc familiar with CRPS recognises some of these symptoms, and can't see another cause of them, he'll probably diagnose it.

If you are diagnosed it's important to get some pain relief, physio and support. Ask to see a pain specialist, and find a physio who understands the condition - its important not to overdo exercises to the point where you can make things worse, but movement and activity are hugely important - if you don't keep moving, the CRPS can just get worse.

Until you are sure, it's best to work on the assumption that you might have it, so stay well away from ice, or any extremes of temperature on the affected area. Try using unperfumed Epsom salts - a few tablespoons in a warm bath (or wrapped in a damp cloth and placed on the burning) can be very soothing. Try to keep stress to a minimum (easier said than done!) and work on some breathing exercises and relaxation techniques - they really do help, I was sceptical but they do!

Take care of yourself, and I hope you have a better day tomorrow.

Bram.
__________________
CRPS started in left knee after op in Aug. 2011
Spread to entire left leg and foot, left arm, right foot.

Coeliac since 2007.
Patella femoral arthritis both knees.

Keep smiling!
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moosey2me (12-03-2013)