Quote:
Originally Posted by Yosh89
Hey everyone,
I've had CRPS for 2 yrs now. Both my big toenails are ingrown and it's causing even more pain and bleeding. The doctor at the hospital put me on antibiotics as he said he would not perform surgery if it's infected. I did mention to him that I doubt the antibiotics would rid the toes of the infection, and it turns out I was right. He's going to go ahead the surgery anyway, cutting the sides of the tow (which have almost engulfed the nail itself) and then cut the nail in a way so it won't grow back.
I have the type-II CRPS so I'm wondering if it's too risky to go for surgery, or, as in my case, the CRPS is as a result of nerve damage so I'm thinking that surgery couldn't cause anymore pain that I already have.
What do you think? I always hear surgery is a definately no-no with CRPS patients but if my toes are constantly infected, I hear stories of patients where they've had to have their whole leg removed because of the infection spreading?
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In your shoes this is what I would think about in regards to this surgery. If the toenails are affecting your ability to be mobile and causing infection then I would think the benefits of this surgery far outweigh the risk of spread. Remaining mobile is the best therapy for CRPS of either type so that to me would be important. Since you body is already being "injured" from the ingrown toenails then this is also a risk of spread and as far as you mention in your post that has not happened yet.. so I would most certainly go forward with the surgery. There are preemptive anesthetic protocols that can be followed in order to also reduce the risk of spread from surgery like epidural anesthesia rather than general. 500mg of vitamin C should be a daily regime now and after surgery.
It is my understanding that the risk of spread when there is a clear surgical need is less when CRPS is not in an acute flare. I hope this is the case with you. Is your CRPS in the foot; this can also make a difference.
Everyone is different and responds differently to injury/surgery and I do hope that you response whichever way you decide is favorable!!
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Tessa