Hi guys. I am new to the crps dx. (kids call it crap--lol) Anyways we assume that while in ICU in dec/jan and the severe bruising from use of the bp cuff to L arm continuously for that time is the probable "injury" that often preceeds the onset of the crps. At any rate.......I have been fussing for months at every one of my docs about the swelling and discomfort in that arm. Burning pains. Even a breeze from the fan caused pain. Very odd. My arm at the elbow had begun fixating as well as my hand. It was just written off essentially. No one addressing it. Then, about some weeks ago I went to hemo and had the arm wrapped. He of course inquired as to the reason, I told him about the pain and burning and swelling and discoloration from fingers to just below shoulder. The hand hurt so bad it felt like crushing pain to move the fingers. He ordered a series of xrays to wrist and hand and doppler study to ensure no clots were the cause. Both of course were negative. So things were dropped again. SIGH. I was telling a friend of mine about what was going on and she said oh that's RSD. HUH?? never heard that one before. Anyways she advised I see a specialist and have it looked into as the sooner the treatment begins the better the outcome. So I had my appt last Tuesday. The doc took a history and one look at my arm and said my goodness you have CRPS and a pretty bad case at that. She then ordered a tens unit lyrica topical analgesics and occupational therapy. She wanted to do the Stellate Gang block but I am on blood thinners and it is contraindicated. (but after my research for hours i have the idea that the concensus is that that part block has much to much negative attached to it) I am very blessed to have the doc I have. She is not into here take this narc and come back in a few months!! She beleives in aggressive early constant care to help effect the least amount of permanent disability.
I was a bit dismayed to learn of the poss of it cropping up in the other extremities though. It makes total sense from a physiology standpoint. However from a patient standpoint the idea that it could involve the other arm or a leg is daunting.
I also have MG and MS---so the level of disability is already high. I have been wc bound now for a few years. Without the elec chair I don't go. sigh. So adding to that disability by loss of the use of a limb is not a great idea at all.
The lyrica is a GREAT blessing. I started on one at bedtime and will add one in the morning this coming week. it really helps a lot with the pain/discomfort. The topical gel is not really adventageous at all. Didn't find ANY difference at all. The tens unit is great for the elbow/arm. Unfortunately it did nothing at all for the hand but irritate the wrist. So need to get with OT when she comes to the house Monday for our therapy and see if perhaps adjusting the lead placement more than I was willing to do without guidance will help. So I use it on the arm and not the hand.
Am concerned that the elbow is peeling and the new skin shiny as well as the nails being brittle and not growing. So i need to get those addressed next visit.
Well, I guess that is about all I have. I am looking forward to learning and sharing and suppporting each other here!!
Deb