I'm new to this forum, but not to RSD. I was diagnosed with RSD in 2002 after a fall down a step and a torn ligament in my left ankle. Thanks to God, great doctors, early diagnosis, and a variety of treatment I eventually went into remission after a couple of years of pain. I have had a surgery since and took precautions ( a nerve block) but no reappearance of RSD. I'm 51 years old, married, three children (one still at home) and am a missionary living in Nairobi, Kenya.

About 6 weeks ago I came down with a nasty virus and it has been doing all kinds of weird things to me. I have been on bed rest almost the entire time. I've had a variety of symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, ear infection, inner ear nerve damage, orthostatic intolerance (decreased blood pressure upon standing) dizziness, weakness, exteme fatigue, increased heart rate. But what is really scaring me is a few nights ago the toes on my left foot began twitching, my left leg became bone chilling cold, and I had very strange sensations in my left foot. Strange enough to make me get out of bed and examine my foot. Sure enough it was redder than my right foot. Not a lot, but noticeably. My son confirmed it. Now since then I have had the weird sensations and the cold feelings, but no redness and no twitching. And there has been no pain. I know I should not jump to conclusions and scare myself. But with all the other stuff that has been going on lately, I have been focusing just a bit too much on my health. I need someone to just reassure me. I don't want to go through the RSD nightmare again! And even though I have always used the word remission because I have read there is no "cure", I have believed myself to be cured. As far as all the other stuff that is going on, the doctors are still doing tests. Most are coming back normal. Epstein Barr is positive for reactivation. Other blood work is still out. I am seeing a neurologist next week, so I guess I will mention these new symptoms.

I'm beginning to worry though about having so many varied symptoms. I know doctors often will begin to label you as "crazy" or depressed when things are cut and dried. It makes me not want to tell them everything.

Anyway, there is a good chance that by Thursday all these new symptoms will have gone away. In fact I feel some better just typing this all out. Thanks for reading!

Debbie