Trix,

If this is RSD, and you didn't have these sx prior to surgery, then it's a result of a nerve being injured during surgery. It is a risk of ANY surgery, unfortunately. Make sure to note down each of the sx and the time it occurs, i.e., when it starts and when it goes away, daily for at least 3-4 days to a week, so you have something for the Dr to go by. Also, have dh take pictures of your red, swollen hands. Even if they don't feel cold at the time, if the Dr uses thermi-strips on the backs of your hands he may see an lower-than-norm temp.

You may be able to reproduce the sx for him by holding your hands up near your head (not above!) for a few minutes, holding them under cold running water, or writing a long letter or list of questions while in the waiting room. Don't injure yourself! It is very upsetting I know when the sx refuse to show up for the Dr but reappear the minute you are in the car driving home!!

The dx/treatment for RSD is stellate ganglion blocks, this is a nerve block to the sympathetic nerve ganglion (bundle or chain) at T2, it's a bit scary cause they go into your neck with a long needle, but they use a x-ray machine called a florouscope to guide the needle. You will get a shot of local anesthesia first, or you may be completely sedated, either way, you won't feel pain, but if you aren't put under, you will feel pressure. Afterwards, you may have a droopy eye for a while, and your whole arm and hand will feel warm and completely normal (yippie!) if it is a good block.

These blocks are usually done in a series of 3, over a short period of time (some Drs do all 3 in a week, some do them a week apart, others longer, totally depends on Dr - but what I've read suggests closer together is better) -and if your results are good, meaning the normal feeling lasts longer each time, they will repeat the blocks. Some Drs will only do 6 or 9 blocks total, others do them as long as they are continuing to help. The MOST important thing is to get them done EARLY. Take your list and pictures to your Dr, express your concern, and ask for a consult with a pain management Dr., anesthesiologist or neurologist who regularly sees and treats RSD. Many Drs don't recognize it and misdiagnose it, and so many patients don't get the blocks done early enough to stop the RSD before it becomes chronic, so you need to get to a Dr who really knows and regularly treats RSD, that's really important.

Please do talk to your Dr about this soon, ok?

beth