Hi there,

This is the first time I have ever been on a forum. I am 34 years old, female and was diagnosed with RSD in May 2007. Interestingly enough, it was caught early by an orthopedic specialist at Georgetown University Hospital. He referred me to a anesthesiologist for further help. It should be noted that I was very physically fit, ex elite gymnast and distance runner in college.

The condition effected my right foot and ankle. After ruling out other things, as well as some diagnostic tests, the diagnosis was clear. My physicians started me on pain medications and it took several attempts to find a combination of medicines that worked. Lyrics was the absolute worse as far as side-effects and made me extremely tired and in a fog. For someone who is very fit, I found this to be almost as bad as the disease. The combination that ended up working for me was Celebrex once a day and 10mg of Percocet when needed. In addition, I was given 12 weeks (1x a week) of a lumbar nerve blocker. My leg and foot was confined to a walking cast which was only to be taken off at night. I wore this for 9 months.

Needless to say, my RSD went into remission. I have had relatively no issues since then. Recently I have recognized some symptoms and have become very concerned. Not to mention, I live in Atlanta now. I do not have any resources as far as physicians are concerned. I don't even have a primary care physician yet. I really need someone who will understand what worked for me the first go around. I have heard horror stories about people who were talked into surgery and other experimental treatment.

At this stage of the illness, I would prefer to not have anything too drastic or invasive. The injections in 2007 were bad enough. I am still very active (or until) recently), training for 10ks and sprint tri's. Of course my health comes first, but I am a huge believer of good diet and exercise. If I am not able to train, I am scared of becoming depressed and feel that my spirit will let the disease take over. Most importantly, I need a specialist who will understand the athlete component. That perhaps I cannot run at the moment, but that swimming could be an alternative...etc.

Hopefully this makes sense and there is someone else out there who has a similar philosophy or experience. I am very saddened by the stories of people who have been plagued with this awful disease. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!

Please feel free to reply and ask questions and/or give me any guidance. Thanks, Courtney