new here, any suggestions on PM
 

Hi all,
This is the first time I've posted. My doc thinks that I have RSD as after having 8 surgeries in the past 3 years (all on my left foot), I can't stop the pain, the burning, and the sharp stabs in the bottom/top of my foot. The problem is that I can't find a pain doc. the one my doc recommened doesn't take my insurance, and another one I spoke with doesn't give any pain meds. Not sure what he does, but he was certified in pain management. I'm in Virginia, between washington DC and Richmond. any suggestions, thoughts, recommendations?
Thank you and looking forward to getting to know everyone.
Mary:)

Hi Mary and welcome. Have you looked into the larger hospitals in your area. Most of the teaching hospitals have pain clinics that are in the hospital. Others run pain clinics but the actual clinic is outside of the hospital. If your rsd is a new diagnosis it's important that you be seen as soon as possible. Your Dr. should be looking into this but if he isn't don't be afraid to take control and find a pain clinic on your own. And don't be afraid to find a new doctor if your current one isn't helping you. ( I went to 10 before I found a good one.) Hope this helps..take care..Jeannie

Jeannie
I've checked with VCU in Richmond and they do have one doc. He is a doc of
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation who does pain management. Do you think he is as qualified as a PM doc? do you know what the difference is? any thoughts or advice would be great
thanks
Mary

Hi Mary, Yes, that is a good place to start. Where I live they also do pain management that way. Be sure you do your homework before you go so you will know what questions to ask. If you have just been diagnosed with rsd, usually they first try a combination of meds along with physical therapy. If that doesn't relieve the symptoms and stop the progression of the rsd thay usually will do a series of nerve blocks. See what this Dr. has to say and don't be afraid to ask him how many patients he has treated with rsd. Let me know how you make out. Jeannie

Jeannie,
Thanks for the advice. I've got an appointment with a PM&R doc in Richmond May 11th. it's not the doc at vcu, but from what I can find online about him he is also an assistant professor there. I wish it was sooner, but I'll be happy with what I got. I just wish all the hrs in a day were the early hrs. As the day goes by I hurt more and more. thank heavens that I have percecet to take at nite.
Mary