Most RSD is more of a byproduct that began after some other accident or disease hit first, so that's where I'd start as far as trying to figure out what the nature of the problem is.
Though you listed quite a few things that would make me wonder if you are in fact dealing with RSD, I'd first be wanting to know what other damage is involved such as nerve damage or some other possible disease. This kind of diagnosis can only be found through the right kind of doctor. Sadly enough, pain doctors are rarely the right starting point by my opinion. The only time they can really help is once you have a firm diagnosis that's telling us why you're suffering with pain and the associated problems that go with it.
Because of the unique ambiguity of RSD, it can be easy to blame RSD when in all reality the cause of your health problems might just be something else altogether. My best advice is to seek out someone you trust who actually deals with the physical side first and then from there head back to your well respected pain doctor with whatever new information they learn so your pain can be treated more effectively. You will find your answers I promise, it's just we have to be patient during the learning phase. Best of luck, Bob.
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Originally Posted by debbiehub
Went to a pain doc in NYC and he does not believe I have RSD. Let me briefly go over my history and see what you guys think. I think I definably have RSD
1997- starting getting a cold left foot (I was born with right hip dysplasia and walk with a limp putting a lot of strain on my left foot), No one could figure out why my foot got cold and achy....2003- Three phase bone scan results indicate RSD, Had a right hip replacement in 2003, Following the surgery my foot started to get hot and cold. Mirroring in right foot, hands starting stinging and then muscle wasting began in my arms/elbows. My feet still gets hot and cold and major pain. I use a scooter to get around--OK so why does he think I dont have it- 1- I don't have skin sensitivity in my left foot, 2-muscle wasting is far from the foot area-muscle wasting should be in foot. 3 I dont have abnormal hair or toenail growth. He thinks I have an autonomic disease but he does not know what I have. He even kind of laughed about the diagnosis of RSD -that it was so wrong. ARG- He is going to call some of his colleagues about me..Oh and he did and muscle test which showed that none of my pain is coming from muscles (directly)
Thanks for your thoughts....
Deb
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