Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennelle
My doctor wants to cut my sympathetic nerve and thinks that this might help "cure" my rsd since the nerve blocks worked really well at firs (now they only last a couple hours). Has anyone had this done or heard of it being done. I guess they use the surgery for sweaty palms. I know the state doesn't pay for it but I might try to appeal if it would be a good option. My rsd is in both of my arms....please let me know if anyone has heard/had this done.
Thanks!
Jennelle
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Hi Jennelle, Welcome.
I have been directed to your post by a very caring person here. She knew that I did have a sympathectomy and asked me to post to you. Dreambeliever is like a mother here, she is always trying to help everyone.
First...Hi! I am Diana and I have had RSD/CRPS for 20 years in July, full body.
I also responded to the blocks favorably and had three series of blocks, ten at a time.
I went to the University of Mass. for my sympathectomy.
I had an upper thorasic radio frequency sympathectomy. It did seem to help for a while. That was 15 plus years ago. I know that things have changed some but, although not a doctor, I would think the principle would be the same. I was actually on the cutting edge at that time. They use to open your chest and go in from the front for RSD patients, (back in the day..LOL). I still have relief from sweating today. That is nice, but I have full body pain. For me personally, it didn't last very long. You may be different. I also know that some say it made them worse. I had a small amount of benefit and it didn't last long. I also had a small puncture to my lung during the procedure, but not serious. That was a risk of this procedure, and may still be.
Now, I have an ongoing HBOT treatments to keep my pain levels in control.
I know it is a tough decision. I would consider this very carefully.
Where is your RSD? Where and who will do this sympathectomy? How many have they done? Also, read everything you can find on the internet and hopefully others will post.
I don't think I personally would do this again. Although I think I did have THE best Doctor and didn't suffer as far as I know. I say that because, ultimately, I did have full body spread sometime after this. But, that just may have happened anyway, as a result of surgery.
If you have any more questions or would like to talk, just PM me and I'll answer ASAP. Jennelle, I wish you all the best. I'd be glad to talk this over with you in more detail if you like. Nothing seems to be black and white, with RSD. Take care dear.
Di
RSD in right arm only at the time of procedure.