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Originally Posted by LIT LOVE
I found that prior to having RSD I could tolerate ice, after though, it felt like torture. This might be because the dysfunction of my sympathetic system included temperature disturbance very early.
While you might not be experiencing pain or problems from ice yet, you should not use ice unless it is confirmed that you do not have RSD. The other big concern is if you are in anyway immobilizing any part of your body--no braces, or even guarding. Move the limb or body parts that become effected as often and gently as possible--this is why aqua therapy for RSD is often prescribed, since it's easier to move with less impact.
Not everyone is a fan of sympathetic blocks, but this is what is claimed as the best chance for remission, if done early and correctly. Personally, I had stellate ganglion blocks done by two different docs, and they were vastly different experiences. The meds given and the technique used can make a BIG difference.
If burning pain is your only symptom, I'd get a 2nd opinion by an experienced RSD doc asap.
You might also not be noticing some symptoms. I started shaving my arms without realizing it was due to the weird hair growth. It's more obvious when my arms are wet, but the pattern follows exactly where my worst pain is on the one arm, with the hair longer and courser on both. Those that have drastic color changes and swelling are easier to diagnose. Pain can actually be MORE of a factor in those that don't have those sympathetic issues.
Dr. Hooshmand has been retired for many years, but I'm still a fan of his website. There's a ton of info in the puzzles, and It's worth checking out IMO.
Good luck.
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So much to learn and understand. I have more symptoms then just burning pain unfortunately, sweating (for no reason when even in air conditioned room), huge color changes in my affected hand, lots of bluish purple and blotchiness, then it swells up, sometimes it lasts for days, sometimes a couple hours. So frustrating. Originally they assumed my neck and shoulder pain was muscle spasms from my neck fusion, but it's been over a year since my fusion, and it doesn't feel like muscle aches, it's burning nerve pain. Starts at my neck, down my shoulders, traps and into my right arm and hand. Two surgeries later, with pinched nerves being released, they think that RSD has resulted from all the injury, surgery and nerve trauma.
I've been immobilized in the affected hand for the last six weeks because of the surgery, but now that I have the okay to move and use it I definately will. I like the idea of the aqua therapy, with a neck fusion that is best for me all around.
I will ease up on the ice for a while and see if that helps, sometimes I find the heating pad helps the shoulders and neck, but it makes my hand swell more, it's like the nerves in my body have all gone haywire.
Hoping my physiotherapist can offer some advice and help when I see him tomorrow, he's been great with everything I've been through so far, it's been a rough couple of years!
Thanks again!
Cathie