Kathy,
Thank you for the warm welcome. My RSD started in my right knee and has now spread to my right arm. I have pain in both legs and both arms, so basically my RSD is now in all four extremities, although the right side is worse, burning type pain has been wosening in my left leg as well. That type of pain began within 4 months of my symptoms of RSD and is now getting progressively worse. The left leg pain began in my left foot after my LSB series. (beginning in my left foot, but now spreading up into my thigh and hip area). I received 5 Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Blocks 4 months after my arthroscopy. I responded with initial relief of pain for 24hours and then the relief ranged from none to 1 1/2 days. Not good, as I just KNEW those blocks were going to put me into remission! I did physical therapy before the blocks, post operatively, and continue to do all of my exercises on a daily basis, in addition to light weight workouts (none aerobic) 3-4 days per week. (I had always been quite the fitness buff!) I am going to attempt an 8 week yoga and pilates class, beginning with yoga tonight and pilates on Thursdays. We will see how that goes. Should be interesting.
My neurologist is wonderful and actually well versed in RSD. He actually knows Dr. Schwartzman and I believe they have sat on Neurology Boards together. I actually refused all meds, other than prn percocet for 15 months, as I believed that with my PT and exercise routine, RSD support group, psychotherapy sessions (which taught me meditation, cognitive imaging and deep breathing exercises), a good diet free from processed foods, a good attitude and dietary supplements, I could beat this thing! Talk about "bargaining!"
Anyway, I am currently taking, Oxycontin 30mg. every 12 hours, Percocet twice a day as needed for breakthrough pain, Xanax 0.25mg-0.5 mg. at bedtime, Zoloft 100 mg. daily, along with Multivitamins, Omega-3's, Vitamins C and B-Complex, Vit. D3 and Calcium.
Yesterday, my neurologist increased my Oxycontin 30mg. to every 8 hours (3 times/day), Percocet once a day as needed and the xanax at bedtime as needed. He is hoping to manage my pain with just the Oxycontin, eventually.
I now have to decide which NY physician to see. I guess I'll call each of them and weigh the pros and cons of each.
I have been denied SS Disability twice and now have an attorney. We are awaiting a hearing before a judge to plead my case. The hearing must be "in the works" as there has been a lot recent medical record requests in the past month or so, requested by the Disability Adjunicator. Hopefully, they will listen this time. I would like nothing better than to return to some type of work, but honestly can't! I have accepted the fact that I cannot nurse after 28 years, but am just "teetering" on the brink of accepting RSD into my life.
Having a "whoa is me" type of day!
Thanks again and feel free to give me any feedback, positive or negative. I can take it!