Omg worried
 

I had one knee replacement and got RSD from that now I need a another one in other knee really dont think I can go thru the pain any help.
They want to give me a formal nerve block first Im really scared and need the replacement because I cant work.So anyone have any help for me. thanks

Debra, I don't have any advice for you, but I have CRPS in my right foot and I also need a knee replacement in my "left" knee, so I will be watching this thread to see what advice others on the forum can offer us!

From what my doctors tell me, if you truly have rsd, surgery will make it so much worse. Make sure you get all the details from your surgeon before you commit to anything.

I had surgery preceded by a Stellate Ganglion Block via fluoroscopy and had no spread or flares, BUT it was very minor surgery with a meticulous surgeon who I know was very gentle and my treating RSD doc at the time. A knee replacement is going to be traumatic. Not only would a block presurgery be important, I'd suggest a series be preapproved for after in case of need. 6 would seem appropriate. And Ketamine should be considered as part of the anesthesia for the surgery.

Do you have access to warm water PT? If yes, do you tolerate it ok? If so, that would be something to consider asap after surgery.

Which knee is currently worse, btw? It's a tough decision for sure.

I urge you to consider all your options before having more surgery. Can you try PT and cortisone shots? What about a brace or mobility aids ie-scooter? Could another type of surgery bring you any relief, perhaps less invasive? Get a second opinion if possible. I had my fourth knee surgery this spring which triggered RSD. They gave me a femoral nerve block before starting. I had complications and wouldn't do one again. Plus I went home after with no feeling. When it wore off I was home, it was in the afternoon and the pain came on like a Mac truck. The doctor's office was closing and when I called, they said it was too late to come in, I'd have to go to the ER or else wait till morning. $100 later I went to the ER only to get a few hours of minor relief from a shot.

Take your time making this decision. Explore you options. Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Best wishes and good luck. You will be in my prayers.

I don't have the papers but I read in Oct 10 of one US surgeon who uses a continuos full sympathetic nevre block and stated he haad never had a patient suffer a flare or spread, another stated he was using a full symathetic never block from 48 hrs pre-op to 48 hours post for amputations and none of his patients had suffered phantom limb pain.
I have also read the posts of 6 RSD sufferers who had amputations done under this system and reported no more RSD so t's worth asking your surgeon if he could use this.
I am waiting for a professor to decide if he will amputate my arm using this.

Hi Debra
 

Definately go in for another opinion with a specialist in RSD. No you don't want to upset the apple cart. Seek out that advise from the very best. I have a bad foot/ankle, can't have the surgery to correct, for this same issue. I will be watching here for your post. So sorry this has happened in your life. ginnie

I have full body and internal RSD and have had 5 surgeries even with it you just need dctors who know you, RSD and how to keep your pain under control without spreading. For my foot surgeries they did a epidural that ran from the day of surgery and then for 5 more days in hospital they also kept me on continuos ketamine infusions along with my normal meds. the pain meds I normally would take were switched to IV so its more powerful and all this helped and it didnt make my RSD any worse, or put me in flares. If you really need the suregery I would really talk to the doctor about a epidural, it will numb you from the waist down, rather than a nerve block that will wear off.

Thanks for all the info scared still!!!!
 

:confused:Well I go see the surgeon Wednesday at the University of Michigan he is the best I hope it goes well..My last surgeon said he would not to me again because of the R.S.D he did my other knee replacement, I said I would never get another one but now my left one needs it cant work pain is unbareable fell down the stairs at home 3 weeks ago and its bad out of work but really dont want the knee replacement but I cant work just sick dont know what to do!! Was out a 11 in a half months with the first one so painful ask Doc to cut it off.. My knee surgeries started when I was just 12 had my knee replaced at 42 just tired really.... thanks for all the help!!!::eek::(

I had cortizone shots nothing help had sypathtic blocks and shots right in the knee nothing... They want to do the formal nerve block first and then the knee replacement scared to death really dont want the knee replacement just cant go thru the pain again!!!