Hello
 

Hi , I am a 49 yr old retired (disability) firefighter . Fell at work 2/99 and fractured arm in three places. After several surgeries pain never left,all the usual RSDS pains , burning etc.Went undiagnosed for aprox. one yr. , then finally got an answer "RSDS" , I was excited to find out it had a name but not so excited with the outlook. At first only affected my LUE but has now spread to entire left side. I have been reading this sight for sometime now and have found it very informative as most of the questions asked are ones that I have had.I look forward to continue reading and hopefully posting in the future.

Here's hoping we can help
 

It's exactly this type of accident that can get RSD going, and I too had my accident at work that crushed nerves in my pelvis and left leg that started this whole RSD mess up.

There's simply no finer group out there than Neuro Talk where you can ask real questions and get real answers. You didn't mention how far along the RSD has spread or where you're at, but we're here to help. Best of luck, Bob.

Hi. Welcome to the boards though sorry for your pain. Are you under the care of a pain managment doctor? I hope so and pain relief comes soon.

Welcome RU ready!!

We are ready and waiting to help you..We are a caring family here..You will and most likely have encountered high and low of RSD..our pain is the hallmark but our insides take a beating as well..our emotions are on our sleeves waiting at any given second fall straight to th floor..Well we care and we will sweep up after you ..just say..RSD is not for the weak nor does it play partial.. our lives are redefined by our illness but try to look at it as a positive..Like blossoming out to find a warm and happy heart..to counter balance your sad pain..we will walk you throught the lows and share your highs...Bless you and again..great to have you on board!!

Hugz, Kathy:grouphug:

Ru Ready......i would like to say hello to a fellow ex-firefighter!!!!!!! I am a 27 yr old female w/ RSD since 4/10/07 that was working as a FF & also in a medical office when I got RSD. The RSD is in my entire right arm/hand/shoulder/back, and my right foot, stomach, & heart. My injury is unknown, but being a 5'2'' female FF, I was very hard on my body so theres no telling what I did.

I am in a bad flare right now....I've tried everything....nothing has worked...so I am just on ALOT of meds......I miss being a firefighter every single day...it meant so much to me!!!! I rode with the guys on New Years Eve just for fun bc I was having a really good day, RSD wise, at least for me....i was out of mmy wheelchair for short distances. I got to help pack patients up for EMS & run some medical calls. I could only use my left hand...so my help was limited....but I was happy just to be back in the action.

Take care my fellow FF....I hate that u have to suffer w/ this horrible disease, but its nice to see another FF that may understand what it is like to lose that part of your life....it's so much more than a job, but a way of life.

Nice to meet you!! Sorry it is under these circumstances though. Look forward to getting to know you....take care & feel free to ask me any questions!!!

Welcome RUReady,
It's nice to meet you unfortunately under these circumstances. You have found a wonderful group of caring, giving, and intelligent people here on this board. I know that from personal experience this group of people will help you with your questions, your dilema's(sp),etc. Don't ever be afraid to ask anything of the people on this board because either someone has the answer or they know where to send you to get the info. Hope you have a less painful weekend and have a great weekend.
Your new friend Wendy

Am so very sorry you have been diagnosed with this. Mine came following surgery,4 years for diagnosis. Physical therapy was a great help, water therapy, water needs to be 86 degrees. stretching, meditation, visualization, walking, light exercise, stretching all is good under informed experienced RSD person. A source of information that is good is RSDSA-the national organization. By putting in your zip code, can get closest support group. Also rsdrx.com puzzles list is a Dr. Hooshmand's website-he practiced RSD 40 years, now retired but left his website online. the puzzles are 146 questions with his answers-very good. mayoclinic.com under diseases and conditions is also good.
Please let us know how you are, and how we can help. One of your new friends, Joyce

Thank you all
 

Thanks for the very nice welcome!I have gone through the so called "normal" treatments , SGB's x 20 or so , RFA-which left me with permanent horners ugghhh , all the different meds with mixed results . And am now in the lets try to control the pain mode . Currently taking hydrocodone 10/500 5 times daily , lodine , nexium , dilaudid for break through pain . Some days are struggles to get through and some are better (preaching to choir , right?) . I have been very fortunate with W/C as they have approved all treatments and different procedures with little difficulty . Ketamine seems not to be possible due to cardio problems . Sorry to ramble , just wanted to say Thanks!!!

Hi RUR,

Just wanted to add another 'welcome' !

Hi Ruready.

I am sorry that you have been injured and developed CRPS. I ended up with CRPS due to a crushed nerve in my arm from an on the job injury. I just wanted to say I agree with Loretta. If your surgery has removed the source of agitation from your injured arm, then exercise is definitely the way to go in order to get better control of the CRPS. After having my surgery, I have done all of the types of exercises mentioned by Loretta. They are definitely worth the effort, and have helped a great deal in controlling the CRPS. Please let me know if there is any way I can be of help. Best of luck and God Bless You.

Bernclay- :holysheep:

I agree that this is the best group of RSDers on any message board out there....I am so thankful that I found it and I can come here and no one judges, they only help and lift you up as friends...:grouphug:

W E L C O M E!!!!!!

I ditto what Cindi just said..this place has been my savior for many months...make sure you get a really good lawyer. The very best of luck to you.

xoxox Sandy

Hi Ruready
I'm sorry you have endured an injury and subsequent RSD as a firefighter, a job where you give your service to help others!
Welcome to the message board and to our 'family.' There are so many times I have been bolstered by the empathy and understanding from the great people on this site.
I injured myself at work..ankle foot injury and surgery resulted in RSD, which is now in my other leg/foot as well. I now use a mobility scooter for any extended walking..
Welcome RUready!
Hope4thebest :hug:

Hi RUReady, I was just think about something that helped me greatly and prevented sensitivity issues a lot of RSDers have. They taught me this at physical therapy. Take 5-6 plastic bowls and put say coffee grounds in one, cotton balls, beans, sand, popcorn kernals. run your hands, feet thru them every day. It desensitizes your skin-sense of touch. even a bowl of different fabric textures. I believe, because of this, I'm not sensitive to touch, clothes. When my toes started curling up, my Dr. had me in the pool 86 degrees and counter curling them while swimming. In about 4 months my toes were touching the floor again. In 15 years, I am totally mobile except with one hand-it'slike a claw-delayed diagnosis and didn't get pt soon enough.
Before physical therapy, I found massage therapy helpful in warming up the muscles and got further in pt. I even got Blue Cross to agree to pay for massage therapy. A ortho surgeon wanted to break my frozen shoulder after 50 treatments. I called insurance and told them what he wanted to do, but I wanted to continue with pt and massage. they said they would be happy to pay for massage. I didn't know I had RSD for 4 years-so glad didn't have that ortho operate.
Take care, glad to have you. And sorry too for your injury at work doing a good service for 'us'. We all appreciate the work you do for us.
One of your friends,loretta

Thank you for suggestions
 

Loretta , Thank you for the advice . Forgive my typing skills as they are not the best . The stimuli that is giving me the most trouble at this moment is my left leg , which is an area it spread to after aprox. 6 yrs. , the main problem I am having is with the hair on my leg . It is so like little barbs of wire and any stimuli hurts , they are so bad that they are shredding the sheets on the bed after a short time . I have since put a comforter on top of the sheets and it is holding out better but taking a beating and will need replacing soon . uggghh !!! I did the cornhusk machine for my arm when I was doing rehab and it seemed to help somewhat with my arm , however that has been years ago and I have not had any PT since. Do other folks do PT on a long term basis ? I haven't seen my PM doc in a while since I retired because it is such a hassle to make the trip. But he is just a phone call away , he has taken very good care of me and he helped me work a couple of additional yrs with treatments , meds etc till it got to the point I could not tolerate it. I have a pool at home , but the water is not as warm as you suggested . Do you have any links with the warm water recomendation ? I have mentioned it a couple of times but did not get much of a response . Thank you again for your time and responses . RUReady