Hi Jennelle,

I have RSD and Dystonia in my left leg as well as both arms. I also have the stiffness that you mentioned and it can take me about 15 minutes to try and get out of bed in a morning sometimes because of it. It sort of feels as though my leg tightens up whilst I am asleep. I think it is worse also because I have Dystonia so can't physically move my foot and leg to try and move. I am always using my right leg to try and get up which of course, is making that leg pretty painful also!!

I can't tolerate the compression bandages at all as they make the pain so much worse because of the hypersenstivity. We did speak to my Doctor about using compression bandages whilst I was asleep though and he said that you should never wear them for bed and should only really use them during the day.

I have a hard time keeping my leg under the blankets on a night due to the hypersenstivity although I do try and keep it under as much as possible. I used to have a pillow that I put my leg on to try and elevate it. It was a pillow with like a 'hump' in it in the middle to try and relieve some of the swelling that my PT's suggested might be useful. It did help with the swelling and stiffness a bit but didn't get rid of it that much.

Here is a link to a picture of a pillow similar to the one that I had for my leg that might be worth looking into...

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/image...reg-118308.jpg

My PM Doctor and PT's told me that to try and reduce some of the swelling, I had to try and elevate my leg as much as possible (above the heart) whilst laid or sat down and also keep moving my knee and walk as much as possible. It did hurt a LOT but it does help a little bit sometimes.

I'm sorry that you are dealing with this and that I can't give you that many answers. Just know that I care about you and am here if you ever need to talk to someone!!

Alison.