WHY don't orthopedic drs. know about RSD?!!
 

Ya know, if my ortho doc would have listened to my complaints about my burning, horrific, foot pain after my 2 knee surgeries, I might not be as bad off as I am now. I know I'm feeling sorry for myself this morning... I have my 1st lumbar nerve block tomorrow afternoon and I can't help wondering that if this would have been caught sooner, the nerve block may have had a better chance of helping. Ok, thanks for letting me rant! I think I need to get my positive attitude started somehow. :(:deadhorse:

Karen,
Hey, rant away! That's what we're here for. Well, one of the reasons.
My doc didn't believe in RSD either until he tried straightening my fingers and my reaction from the pain sent him flying into a wall, lol.
Good luck and at least in here you're not alone...

I do not know I wish my dd doctor knew 2 years ago

I am trying to tell myself that what if I had gone to my PCP with 1st stage Ebola symptoms...I. bet my PCP would have sent me home with intructions of bedrest and lots of fluids. So, I guess where I am going with this is maybe my ortho doc had never seen my symptoms before and did not know any better?? I think I will hang onto that train of thought so I don't keep getting angry.

And I also wish that my podiatrist would have known more about CRPS when he kept me in a camwalker for months telling me "it will come around; just have to give it some time".

Immobilizing the foot was probably the worst thing we could have done, and valuable time was lost.

CRPS is possibly one of THE most misunderstood medical disorders, even by professionals including doctors.

Once I was properly diagnosed, I spent many, many hours educating myself, interviewing (and rejecting many) doctors to be on my "treatment team".

Luckily for me my PT noticed the beginning symptoms of RSD and referred me to the neurologist that I'm still seeing. My orthopedic doc now has studied up on RSD and is becoming more aware of it...

I feel the same way, I spent a long time seeing my OS first too. I even at one point suggested to him that it might be neurological, but he decided to try out the rheumatological route instead.

But I try not to blame anyone for the diagnosis taking awhile. Like you said, they're probably not very familiar with the symptoms. My GP had never heard of it before until I told her.

It's still nice to wish though ;)

Yep, it really would be wouldn't it? Oh well...I am grateful that it was figured out and now I am getting treatment.:)

The problem is "they don't know what they don't know".

That is why you need to get MANY, MANY opinions before hanging your coat on their coat rack.

I saw one podiatrist that had only seen 2 cases of CRPS in 26 years. On to the next podiatrist!

Don't feel guilty about getting multiple opinions. You want to find professionals (doctors, therapists, etc) who are VERSED in this disorder.

You do not want one that doesn't have experience; you by default turn into their education. And you'll suffer for it.

Do this: ASK EVERY PROFESSIONAL you see point blank how much experience they have with CRPS. It may very well may be the most important question you have ever, or will ever ask. Ask them exactly how many cases have they treated. Have a conversation about how much they know. Don't assume just because they are a professional, they'll know. Not the case with this disorder.

Thank you for the advice!!! I have already run up against 2 docs that have never even heard of CRPS. It flippin' kills me!! How in the world can doctors NOT no about this disease? My new doctor (who did my block on fri.) has treated lots and lots of people with this disease. But he is a specialist in the pain field of doctoring. I thank God everyday that I found him!! Thanks again for your wonderful insight and advice. I sure can use it.:hug:

Karen,
I had to smile when I saw your post about ortho docs. The reason is because of where I was and what I'm going through. I kept telling my original surgeon something was wrong but he did not listen. Then the workers comp. Dr. Says he doesn't agree with the other dr.s dx of rsd. But puts in his report my foot is colder then the other side there is limited mobility. Arthritic changes noted within 4 months of injury. I tend to favor my other foot.
Wow! Does he realize he is named alot of rsd criteria. What a donkey

The best thing I can come up with is to do some research and find a PT who is familiar with RSD. Through him/her you should be able to get some good referrals of a neurologist. That way it would get documented. If the neurologist takes WC all the better. It would also be worth your time finding an RSD attorney. You should probably do that first and the attorney will take care of the rest...

Oh you have no idea how much I needed to read that right now... strike that. I am in such a foul mood today that I am tempted for us to exchange ortho doc phone #s. You can call my ortho doc and cuss him out and I will call your ortho doc and cuss him out. Just kidding....ahem...... I think I need to meditate or something this morning. I am feeling WAY too sorry for myself. Thanks for letting me rant and rave. Sorry if I offended anyone. :o

Thanks Jimbo.:) I did contact a lawyer last week. They told me that my doctor was negligent but in the state of TN that's my problem. I'm serious, that's what a couple of lawyers told me. Not in quite those words, but you get the meaning. Oh well, I know it could be so much worse than it is and I am holding on to that. :grouphug: Karen p.s.- if you think I need to just suck it up and pipe down, please tell me because I think I need to hear it. Man oh man can I be a crybaby.:Sorry:

The lawyers probably thought you wanted to go after the doctors.
Malpractice is hard to fight. Probably cause they golf together.:D
The approach I was explaining was under the assumption that you could be covered by WC.
Sorry if I misunderstood...

Karen,

I would be glad to call your ortho. lol. My pt. got a script for desentizing within 1 month of my surgery. (think I would need desentitizing if it was a normal recovery). then I complained of running ice water down my leg to foot, but when I felt it, it was hot. I soon learned that my surgeon was trying to get into the facility I worked at and that is why he wasn't listening.
I have often thought about suing for malpractice, but like jimbo said, its hard to prove and this and that. I am really thinking about putting my energy into trying to change more laws and here in DE there is suppose to be mandatory education for health care providers. But there isn't!:p

I need a good crank call. Haven't done that since I was young. lol.

Whenever you here politicians say about the "looser pay" law it would effect decisions on whether to sue or not in fear of loosing even though you'd be right...