Hi gravyboat,
I'm sorry to hear that you are having some of the same struggles that I have had as I know that they are extremely difficult.
My RSD began 2 1/2 years ago and when it first started I was also given prednisone. I found that I had great results with the prednisone but only at high dosages which overtime can’t be sustained due to other health risks. In addition, this was prescribed to me prior to having the RSD diagnoses.
My RSD is in both my legs from hip to toes (Didn’t start that way but it has spread over the last couple years.)
I have found a couple things that really help with the foot / calf pain.
1) Compression socks (M-Ped makes them and they can be found at Walgreens. They help with maintaining circulation and decreasing swelling, which are two things that I have problems with in relation to the feet / calf.
It sounds like you are in the early stages of RSD and that is the best time to try to get it in remission. I think that you should try to find a physician that is familiar with RSD, such as a neurologist because you your intuition is right as far as physical therapy being extremely important for recovery. As far as medicine, have they tried Gabapentin? That particular medicine is really popular for treating RSD. Also, something that I have found to help with the affected are turning purple / blue is do your best to keep you limb warm and even though it hurts try massage because that will assist the limb to have better circulation.
I’m sorry to hear that you have these struggles but the best thing you can do is educate yourself because most doctors don’t have a full understanding of this disease. Sorry for the lengthy answer and I hope this helps. Remember that this only what I have encountered with my RSD battle so things may be different for you.
Sarah
Quote:
Originally Posted by gravyboat
Hi Everyone.
I was hoping someone could spare some advice in dealing with my recently diagnosed RSDS. I'm writing this because after doing a bit of reading I'm (no doubt) experiencing some panic and depression over the realization that RSDS is likely what I have. Here are the quick facts about my situation...
I (male early 30's) was just diagnosed by my Reumatologist with RSDS in my foot exactly 2 months after puncturing it.
Here are my chief complaints/symptoms:
* Swelling/edema of foot (top, arch, and ankle) has been present since first evening of injury. Elevation kept this under control...but sitting with my foot down for 20mins or so, it would swell up quite a bit and turn variations in red/purple.
* Skin sensitivity, mostly top of foot (especially just below toes).
* Pain comes and goes, mostly top of foot, arch of foot, ball of big toe, and sometimes near bottom/outer-center of foot where puncture occurred.
*Somewhat more limited mobility of inner toes.
My Reumatologist has started me on prednisone which I'm to take at gradually reduced dosages over a one month period. Within a day or so this had substantially reduced the swelling and reduced some of the coloring. However, moderate pain still comes and goes in the areas I have mentioned.
All the doctor has really told me so far is that he is "optimistic" of my situation and said he preferred not to discuss the potential negatives of this condition until it may became necessary. I've been on the steroids for 8 days so far but I'm beginning to wonder if they are enough.
So now some of my questions...
* I've read that early, multi-discipline treatment is best. Prednisone is all I'm taking. Is this enough? Do I just need to be patient?
* Dr. has not mentioned physical therapy. Should I be requesting this?
* Any other meds I should ask my doctor about?
* I'm trying to get out and walk on my foot as normally as possible. But too much walking initially appears to aggravate the pain in my foot (even on the steroids). Any exercise tips?
* Please, post any other advice you think may apply to my situation that may potentially affect the positive long-term outcome of this?
Thanks again for all your very informative and supportive posts on this board.
-Gravyboat
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