Quote:
Originally Posted by Jenna Delaney
I had a bunion surgery that started my rsd in my left foot up to my knee. I have had three surgerys after. So this is what I know STOP THINKING about the what ifs and start thinking and telling yourself you can do it you will be fine but know you will have a big set back but keep moving. Keep the idea going you have to use it or lose it! Hands fingers anrms toes move them all. * do daily stretching you may not want to but you will rest better and keep what you got ** increase your vitamin C before and after. I did have some kind of block put in my ankle after I had the iv in for a bit before surgery.. I hope this helps. A good diet is always good they say processed food is even worse for rsd...
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Burnbabyburn:
Gotta second Jenna on
everything above. What a great post from someone with tangible (unfortunately

)experience!
(Non-medical professional disclaimer applies to all of the following):
RSD doesn't magically transfer to new sites via the nervous system going haywire; it transfers via free radicals in the
bloodstream. The trauma from surgery causes tons of inflammation locally to the surgical site.... and what's inflammation? Swelling and increased bloodflow in response to a trauma!
Supplementing with antioxidants/free radical scavengers (like Vitamin C as Jenna mentions above) before and after is a very, very good idea. Other options include NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), Vitamin E, grape seed extract, and many many others. (VicC is a former poster here for whom I have muchos respect who swore by grape seed extract.)
I don't need to caution anyone about the dangers of supplementation without guidance of a doctor/medical professional, but like many of us here, I'm very "disappointed" (understatement) by the lack of support out there from the medical establishment.
I've personally supplemented with Vitamin C and NAC. 600 mg 3x a day of NAC for 90 days when I first got RSD, and I cycle Vitamin C on and off now as a regular supplement to support my immune system. The general warning in super-dosing Vitamin C is that it can result in kidney stones. There is mixed research on that. It's never happened in my experience.
Another thing Jenna mentioned was avoiding processed food - she's right on point there too! Bigtime unpaired electrons (free radicals) result from processed food, artificial sweeteners, etc etc.
Last but not least - the mental part. Always easier said than done but being confident that you are doing the right thing for
you is the most valuable tool you have.