Originally Posted by aj822

I am new to this forum so please forgive me if this is too long and boring.
I guess I just need a place to express what I have been through to others who have already made this journey. I need some way to let this out!

I was recently diagnosed with RSD after 2 1/2 year battle with a serious knee injury. I know now that RSD had set in after my first surgery, but my former doctor had no clue. He told me nothing wrong with me and that he couldn't do anything else for me. I set out for a second opinion knowing something was wrong! I found a great Ortho who had to perform two additional surgeries on my knee but he caught on quickly after my third surgery that I had full blown RSD, referring me to Pain Management Doctor. I went for my initial visit which was both psycological and medical exam with Pain Specialists. They confirmed 1) I am not crazy! 2) I have RSD with nerve damage. I have since had a sympathetic nerve block which appeared to have helped for about 5 hours. I am waiting to be scheduled for the actual block.

Left leg from hip to toes... cold cold cold, purplish, shiny and very little hair and nail growth. I have spasms just below my knee and feel like ants are crawling on me most of the time. I take Lyrica, Effexor and Talwin NX daily.

After researching this EVIL disease, I am amazed how uneducated the medical community is but how the public has no clue. This disease has changed my life completely and has tossed me into a state of mental exhaustion. I can't walk with my crutches, have to use a wheelchair and I never know if my meds will let me function or if my leg will keep me in bed.

Family is supportive but they really don’t understand what I am going through. I am only 43 and determined to beat this! I need a group that understands because they are suffering too!

I hope I can bring something to the forum too! Knowledge can be the best medicine!