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Originally Posted by rubyvk2
Hi, my name is Ruby. This is my first time posting and on this site. My doctor thinks that I might be in the beginning stage of RSD. But the nerve doctor says that I don't have all of the signs of RSD. I fell and brused my knee about 5 months ago and the pain is not getting any better. It hurts to set in a chair, to have anything touch my knee above and below my knee, from my knee down to my toes swell up, and my foot is cold about 95% of the time, and it hurts to walk. But I don't have any discolor in my leg, and my leg muscle is a little smaller, but my doctor says that I'm not doing my leg exercises. I don't do them much because it hurts too much. If anyone can help me figure this out i would really be thankful.  |
Hi Ruby, I'm so sorry you are here under these circumstances, but it will be a blessing to you. There is a wealth of accumulated knowledge and compassion, and kindness here. It does sound like RSD-you don't have to have all the symptoms. I had a nuclear med test to confirm RSD in hand. That was 4 years after getting RSD following surgery. After 9 years, I have had a wonderful neuro, psych. & pharmacologist the past 6 years. The combination of meds have helped tremendously.
There is a website rsdrx.com that is so good. Under puzzles-there are 146 puzzles or questions with his answers. Very good.
My Dr. built 2 clinics and put HBOT in both of them. I'm going to have Hyperbar Oxygen Chamber Treatment. It increase oxygen. RSD does several things. Raises Blood Pressure, Lowers Blood Pressure. Alternates the Immune System, Effects circulation ,body temperture, inflammation is increased. RSD can go into mouth, ears, eyes, Besure and check out these areas and take precautions before going for treatment. Physical Therapy can be a lifesaver. I have had this 15 years and am fully mobile except for 1 hand-delayed treatment.
When I was diagnosed my sports injury orthopedic Dr. ordered a Tens Unit for me. I did therapy at home everyday to keep mobile and desensitize.
Take several bowls with cotton balls, coffee grounds, sugar, rice, beans, popcorn kernals, etc to desensitize hands. Physical Therapy saved me from being crippled. Massage Therapy was not fun, but also saved my mobility.
Water Therapy 86 degree water is very helpful- No Ice
Staying Calm is so important, nice music,Visualization, Prayer, Meditation,
Reading, candles, Listening to ocean music, the rain, water falls, can put a person in a peaceful state of mind.
Counseling helped me a lot-I'm in my 6th year. I'm so grateful for this avenue of help. I had 2 plus years of psychologist after my parents died. In this matter, a psychiatrist that also is a neurologist, and pharmacologist has been a great combination. I had difficulty sleeping, and he included me in a 200 person trial study. I sleep 10 hrs now and it has helped so much. I was able to lower my pain meds.
Please feel free to rant, cry, share your pain, both psysical and emotional wenever you feel like it.
You can go to RSDSA and put in your zip code and get the closest support group meeting. I have found them very helpful and informative. You can get connections thru the friends there. They have an annual meeting in Feb-Mar and very informative. It was here in Arizona last year and I attended.
Biofeedback is another form of help some people use. Surgery is something that most people run from. That's how I got RSD.
There are prominent RSD Drs. in the country and some people fly to see a good Dr. I knew I was misdiagnosed, but had no idea what I had, so I flew 3 states away to a sports injury group I knew famous athletes went to. Took 1 minute for him to look at my hand and tell me what was wrong. Followed up by tests at hospital. It's worth the $ to get on the right road and receive the proper help.
Take care, and welcome again-you are with wonderful caring people. Your friend, loretta with soft hugs
