Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubious
I am sure that this is not an original question. I had shoulder surgery, developed a real mean case of CRPS (what case isn't though?), got REAL lucky in that it got diagnosed 1 month later, started stellate blocks at 6 weeks post, have had 4 now. CRPS is moderatly controlled now but feel #5 block isn't far off.
Ortho wants to do another surgery to fix the mess created by the first. Says pre and post-surgery blocks will not allow spread or flaring of CRPS. Can anyone tell me their experience of what a second surgery did to them?
THX
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I was DX'd with RSD in my rt foot, 2 weeks later was scheduled to have left shoulder surgery, the dr told me that it doesn't spread.....Yes, it does and did. I was new to RSD and didn't do my homework. I have since (9 yrs later) had another surgery and took what precautions I could. NONE are a guarantee that it won't spread but I have found articles that give you some outlines to follow. A block/blocks in addition to general anesthesia that lasts a day or two,(best {per one article} before,during and after- mine gave me a 2 day block) keep blood pressure cuffs off affected limb, same with injections an/or IV's, make sure that the OR is warm so that you aren't cold and shivering, pillows or whatever is needed so there are no stress points on your body,heated blankets and a lot of prayer. I made sure with the second surgery that couldn't be avoided to have a long discussion with both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. The RSD can still spread but you have done what you can. I still need a number of parts fixed but will live with the problems as long as I can rather than take the chance of flaring the RSD. We have talked about this in a support group too and try to avoid surgery if there is a choice or try to take all the precautions listed.
Best of luck, do your homework, ask a lot of questions, find out how much the Dr's know about RSD (you don't want to be the one they are learning on), get second opinions and etc.