I was recently diagnosed with advanced stages of RSD two months ago. I have since then tried two nerve blocks, which helped temporarily but I also had a bad reaction to the steroids. They want to try a simulator. I feel like I am ok with a trial but I just feel frustrated with my pain and that I can't do the things I want. If anyone knows about or has RSD should let me know what other options I may have besides Stimulation and that workman's compensation would cover.

I responded on the RSD board about the stimulator. WC initially denied mine but my Dr has a great office manager and between a letter from him and his office manager they got it approved. WC is another big pain to deal with. Grrrr!

Back when I was a real person, I worked for a doctor who flat out would not deal with WC. There was such a problem with no pay/slow pay. I hated trying to find a polite way to tell a potential patient that their insurance wasn't worth the paper the policy was written on and the doctor would only see him/her on a cash basis. I KNOW medical care is expensive and some of us aren't getting what we need but after working in an office for several years and had to deal with the insurance companies, I see the other side of the coin. It is hard to keep an office open when the ins. wouldn't pay up after approaving some treatment, therapy etc. If the ins. didn't pay up, he left the patients alone as he figured they had enough problems.

You need to look at all phases of your life too. No artificial sweetners or caffine. Cut back or out as many processed foods you can. Stress is a real pain! Learn yoga, palities, meditation, prayer what ever it takes to calm your mind and body. You have RSD but it does not have you! Take anything electrical and move it at least 6 feet from where you sleep.
All these things and others too will help you to live with this invaider.

The Scrambler Therapy should help and, if persistent, Workers Compensation covers it. See if the doctor can treat you the first time for a small copay or for free. If you respond, that makes it easier to get the rest of the treatments covered. There are several good doctors in NJ, probably Rutherford is best. Ask them if they can use the reimbursement consultants to get it covered. Its not worth living with treatable pain.

Hey, I know what you're going through. I had RSD/CRPS for a few years and tried every crazy treatment option. The pain only got worse. I finally figured out how to cure myself, and the crazy thing is, it was free. It doesn't cost you a penny. Thing is, no doctor is going to tell you that. They'll tell you there's no cure. That's because there's no MEDICAL cure. The cure for RSD is not medical, it's mental. If you're interested in what I have to share, shoot me an email. I had my RSD in the mid-90s. I was crippled by it and couldn't walk for 2 years. I'm completely able-bodied now and have been pain free for 15 years.

I was also recentely diagnosed with type 2 rsd. My pain doc wants to hit it aggressively with physical therapy, bio-feedback, tens unit, nerve blocks, cortisone injections, medications. It got very bad in the 7 months since my accident. Im interested in sharing info and everything else related to the topic.

I am also have been dx with RSD/CRPS, it is hard to wrap your head around. I have done a lot of internet searches and have a good feel for what is going on, and am finding it hard to come to terms with this awful condition. I am also on WC and this is a complication of an injury that occurred while I was in a work hardening program for my WC injury. My WC injury was to my hand, but while participating in WH I was told to do squats and leg presses, I have pretty advanced OA in my knee and told the PT of this, but he insisted I would be alright. My knee gave out and popped and I almost fell over from the pain the PT caught me. I was then dx with a medial tibial plateau stress fracture, which within a month brought on the dx of CRPS. It has now been 4 months and I have been non-weight bearing for 5 months. I am going for my first lumbar block in two days in hopes to reduce the pain and swelling that will not subside.

It is hard to have to deal with the pain, but on top of that to have to deal with WC. They are fighting me on covering the knee injury, have a deposition in two weeks, and I am also collecting long term disability from my job, and they are now requiring me to be considered for SSDI. My life has been turned upside down in the past 8 months and I have learned, from what I have read and my own experience so far, results are individual, what is right for one may not be right for you, but you have to try. Eight months ago I would have never imagined letting someone stick a large needle into my spine, but now, even though I am extremely nervous about it, I almost can't wait to see if it finally gives me some relief and gets me on the road to recovery.

Sorry for being so long winded, but my suggestion would be to do your research, read up as much as you can, there are many very good sites out there regarding RSD/CRPS and the treatments that go along with it.

Don't be afraid to question your treating doctors if they are familiar with the dx and don't be made to feel as if you are lying or just looking for drugs. If you haven't yet, you may or probably will come into contact with doctors who are ignorant to what RSD/CRPS is. There are many great doctors out there who do know and understand how to treat this. The best doctors are the ones who admit they are not familiar and yet treat you with dignity. Personally, I think I have educated my orthopedic surgeon on the dx and I do believe he appreciates the insight and has helped me connect with doctors who are able to help. Good luck in your recovery and keep your head up!