Thanks Jo
Quote:
Originally Posted by trix
As you know I was recently diagnosed with RSD. I found out today that I have a 1.2 degree tempurature difference from my hands to my arms, and temperature difference from my hands and arms to my chest.
What does this mean? What should I ask my Dr. for? What is my best chance for remmission? I apologize for burdening you all, I just have no idea what to do now.
Tracy
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Hi Trix,
Not that I know anything about thermographical problems (
) but you don't say if the temperature difference is higher or lower than normal. Confusingly, there seem to be three kinds of temperature symptoms in the limb - some are too hot, some too cold and others a mixture. Never seems to be just right.
Usually the hot type comes on early, often presenting with redness and swelling, like a puffy sunburn. The cold type comes on at a later stage and is often accompanied by a bluish, cyanotic colouration, and dry, shiny, thin skin.
I know we have many people here with both symptoms...don't know if anyone can tell you what it means - I'm not sure medical science knows that either - but perhaps people know ways of dealing with it.
There are certainly some back posts about the hot, swollen condition; I would just say that, whatever you do and despite what the medics may say, if it's hot, don't use ice on it, perhaps try contrast baths (alternating cool and then warm water) immersing you arm up to the elbow. I'm not too sure that the cold state is "helpable", except to keep the limb warm at all times.
BTW, if it's at the hot stage, this usually does subside eventually. I had that for at least a year. I don't have quite a "cold stage" now - 3 years on from getting RSD - but my RSD hand is thin, shiny, papery with stretched skin and is a little less pink, a slightly greyish colour. And I get bright red mottled areas on (what used to be) the fleshy areas at the base of my palm.
Hope this helps! all the best!