RSD has spread
 

Hi All,

I have enjoyed reading all your posts and responses. This site and place has been really helpful to me. I was diagnoses with RSD in my left foot 4/8/09.
Saw my pain doc today 5/13/09 and the RSD has spread to my left hand and arm. Also really bummed, because I have to take my wedding ring and engagement ring off when the fingers on my hand aren't so swelled. All of you have a nice day.:):)

Kate

kate

i am so sorry to hear that.. i also cant wear my wedding ring or for that fact any jewelry since rsd ...

hang in there hun

carrie

Kate,
It's gonna be alright!
Are you still in love?
Did you or he fall in love, for to have rings?
My "guess" would be "No".

You can run your "ring" hand under cold water, or ice it, (see my other post just a bit earlier), and well, your jewelry will become something really "super special" to you.
It's up to You, to think of it in a positive way!
(I'd bet you find another way to wear it!)

You know Kate,
here I am.
Talking about your Jewelry.

Yet, I don't even know your Fiancé's name!?

Would you like to tell us all?
We'd All Be Honored!

(Maybe almost as much as seeing that jewelry?)


Pete
asb

Hi Kate,
I'm sorry you have had spread in your hand and arm. Are you in physical therapy?
It's really important to get treatment early, it's the best and usually the only time for possible remission. Does your Dr. have a plan for you? Our limbs can permanently lock up without treatment. So important to keep moving, massage therapy is also very good along with p.t. I've also used swimming as a way to keep from freezing up. I've had RSD 13 years now and full body. Only have left hand partially froze up like a claw. Am grateful I stayed with pt along with desensitizing my limbs. It took time to find a good RSD Dr, but so important.
I miss wearing my wedding rings too and other special rings.
If you live close to a large city, a RSD support group really can be a wealth of encouragement and information. We have guest speakers that are Drs. Pharmacists, etc and I've found a lot of coping skills here on the NT and local group. You can find location and phone number on the internet thru RSDSA by giving you zip code. Take care, loretta

sympathize
 

I can totally sympathize it seems that lately I have nothing but spreads...started in left arm then right now legs....I too have to take off my ring and it is like a slap in the face at times because you feel like something is always missing....note to self find a safe place you ALWAYS put it in I have had some scares. I know that spreads can be disheartening and also depressing. I felt like I just mastered my arm when bam...spread. I feel for you and hope that you can get help with it soon. Make sure to start your desensitization routine and pt/ot asap. The sooner the better. I put compression bandages on as soon as I know I spread and it desensitizes me so well the only place I am hypersensitive is where they don't cover. It hurts a lot at first for a couple weeks and then I found it gave me freedom...to wear clothes I want...to have someone touch my arm...still can't have them pat me but light touch doesn't send me through the roof. Know that you are cared for....everyone who has spread feels for you i am sure. There is still hope....it takes adjustment but it will happen if you try.
lots of love and positive thoughts your way,
Jennelle

one more tip
 

I have seen many people in my profession who can't wear their rings all the time wear it on a chain around their neck. You could still have it on. Plus I don't know how your foot is but i only swell with flares...you may still be able to wear it at times.
Jennelle

I haven't worn my rings since 2007. I use to wear an 8 1/2..now, a 13 is tight on my finger. I choose to wear no jewelry. I had my injury to my right knee; RSD has spread to both hips, my spine, both hands.

Hubby and I have been married for almost 27 years..we both know we are married, ring or no ring. We both wear the orange RSD AWARENESS bracelet.

I hope you feel better soon. You could always put your rings on a chain and wear them around your neck.

:hug:
Dew

Great Idea!


pete

yea we dont wear our rings either heck we know were married to each other LOL

its not about the rings thats for sure

carrie

Hi Kate,

So sorry to read that your RSD has spread!!:hug: I really hope that things start getting better for you real soon and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I understand some of what you are going through and know first hand how scary it is to deal with a spreading of the RSD. My RSD started in my left leg after an ankle injury when I was 12 years old and has since spread to both arms. I was terrified when the RSD first started spreading and got very depressed due to it.

I KNOW that it is really hard but please keep moving your arm as much as possible as that is probably one of the things that will help in the long run!! As Lorreta said, our limbs can lock up permantley if you don't move. I have Dystonia in my left leg (the one with RSD also) and I cant move my foot at all because of it and it's a nightmare and I am now having to seek other treatment options as a last resort. I moved my leg straight away from the injury but after a day or so, it could way too painful and my leg started to lock up.

Are you in Physical Therapy?? They can really help and give you some good exercises to try and increase mobility. If you are in PT, please make sure that they know about RSD and how to treat it though - if they dont, it could make things worse!

As the others have said, it isn't the wedding ring that really matters - it is the fact that you and your husband love eachother. I know it's hard not being able to wear jewellery and I cant imagine how it feels not to be able to wear a wedding ring but there are other ways you can wear it (like on a chain on your neck, on the other hand if that isn't affected etc).

Take care of yourself and again, i'm sorry to hear that your RSD has spread!!:hug: If you ever need/want anyone to talk to, please know that I am here for you and so is everyone else!!

Alison.