Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Smith
 Pardon me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.  I had actually typed that exact analogy referring to the FL doctor's treatment and admonishment. Then I deleted it.
From reading what you've had to say about it in your own words, I can't help but get the impression that you may be leaning (even if only just a little) toward the AK option. This may have to do with distance, or hope, or something else, or I could be reading that entirely wrong.
I also didn't get the impression that the epidural pump idea was the only tool in the PM doctor's 'medical bag of tricks'.
Nevertheless, the question still begs, why is the cervical epidural so risky in this case, and can you make an informed decision/evaluation without that information? Even more relevant, does the alluded to risk pertain to the spread of your CRPS or is it the usual risks of the procedure ( not related to CRPS)?
There's a thread in the spinal forum now about other epidurals, the prevailing wisdom seeming to be that they should be done accompanied by fluoroscopy to make sure the needle is going where it's supposed to. Apparently this is not always done, and some complications are being attributed to that. It's not the exact same procedure (because of the pump) but there may be other discussions/threads about the procedure in the archives as well, and/or people who have experience/knowledge of it. (Same for the CRPS forum).
I also googled: cervical epidural risks
One article that stood out was a study from a medical malpractice insurance company (as opposed to a health insurance company) that concluded with some advice to practitioners for avoiding complications, including the aforementioned fluoroscopy. I do not know if any of this applies to your situation. It does not mention CRPS or RSD or pumps.
http://www.thedoctors.com/KnowledgeC.../CON_ID_000192
You might also try this search:
Google: continuous cervical epidural risks crps
I don't wish to sway you either way. I only want for you to be able to make the best informed decision you can, without fear or bad/lack of information. Pain, frustration, anger, uncertainty, fear... these things I understand.
Doc |
Thank you for the information, I do appreciate it.
Yes, part of me would really like to work with a physican who is closer to where I live, and I have checked and read all the credintials of the anesthesiologist in Anchorage, so I do feel comfortable with his ability, and not so much with the complications of the procedure itself, though there are many.
My biggest concern is how this could possibly cause a spread of symptoms to the area and create a new source of pain, or even make my condition worse. I’m still in the early stages of the disease, although for me it is pretty much generalized, except for my back and front. My pain at this point is pretty much controlled by physical therapy and my meds, but again it’s only been 4 months. My doctor in Anchorage deals with 100’s of patients, but what I’m really trying to find out is “how many patients present the same diagnosis as me, has he treated with the same procedure and what was their outcome”?
I’ve come to a loss with doing searches on the internet, as the only information I can find relates to this procedure being done to allow people to get back into physical theropy. My doctor in Anchorage seems to think that this procedure will knock things down or possibly even reverse the CRPS, but I myself really don’t like the idea of doing invasive procedures unless I can have some idea of the outcome…does this seem too much to ask from a doctor?
Everything I’ve read about CRPS is that it needs to be a muli-team approach, so I’ve decided to call my general MD hear in Alaska and consult with her, in hopes that maybe she can give me a little more insight on how to obtain this information or possibly even consult with my doctor in Anchorage to get this.
It’s really not been easy and my doctor in Anchorage keeps saying the sooner I do this the better the possible outcome, so I really feel a time cronch as well.