newly diagnosed with RSD
 

Hello, I am a new member. I am 25 years old, and was recently diagnosed with RSD. It developed in my right wrist after a blunt force trauma. It seems like it is moving up my arm and into my shoulder and even my neck/cheek area. The pain is only getting worse. As of right now, I am on Lortab 7.5mg(2 tabs every 4 hrs.), and neurontin 300mg(3x daily). These meds help some, but are already starting to lose their effectiveness. This injury happened at work, so it is a W/C case. They are prolonging the treatment by taking their sweet time to approve when I am referred out to a different doc. I was told that immediate action should've already taken place, but obviously it hasn't. What should I do? I am already to the point of having anxiety attacks, not to mention being depressed all day long because I am in severe pain, and not much is being done! Can anyone out there please give me some advice?:confused:

Hi My name is Carol and I am so sorry for your current state. Also that you are dealing with W C. UGHHHH. All I can say is keep fighting via phone if necessary-as you know early treatment is most beneficial . Try to stay calm -NOT EASY- try warm Epsom salt soaks and I use Arnica Salve for temporary pain relief in affected limbs. I know this might sound "HOKEY" to you but every little thing can add up to pain relief. Are you taking vitamins? esp D-C and magnesium. READ READ and investigate all you can -This is vital as you need to be your own advocate. We here at Neurotalk are here for you. So ask away. Fondly-Carol

Get a WC lawyer - the very best one you can find - ASAP. WC is truly an evil system. In the meantime, if you have your own personal insurance, use it to pay for what you need and save the receipts for your co-pays, etc. Your health comes first. there is a lot of good information on this site, read through old posts....

the best of luck to you

Hi Steve, sounds like you have already figured out the WC system, hurry up and wait. I don't know what state you are from, but most have an online site where you can track the process on your case and see what has been turned in, approved or needs to have a hearing. You will need to request a password which they may send you in snail mail. I have really found this to be very helpful and did not know that it was available to me until an attorney that my son was interning with told me about it. I know it goes against most things that you will read, but I have found a wrist brace to be very helpful. Your doc can write a prescription for one, and WC may pay for it ( I am allowed 2-3 a year) or just go to the drug store and get one for about $20. It doesn't sound to me that you have found the correct drug cocktail to make your life livable. Please find a pain management clinic, WC should pay for a consult and if they are helpful you just have to fill out a change of physician of record to make them your regular pain doc. This is a really great group of caring people who can help you a lot. Glad to meet you, Lisa

Welcome to our informative family!!!! I'm not familiar with the WC steps but understand it is a big hurtle... I want to ask you to move quickly, doing your homework and see a RSD well informed Dr. Work closely to arrange blocks and other interventions recommend as your best chance for pain control and remission will be during the most early stages of RSD. Continue to read, educate yourself and reach out for help here. Be your own best advocate. RSD is a beast to reckon with but you can do it...Stay positive and lean on us here...

Soft hugs, Kathy

Hey Steve, It does get better at times, but it CAN and WILL travel through your body. You mentioned you were on neurontin 300mg 3x daily, try to see if they can increase that for you and ask them about Stelate Ganglion Blocks to see if that may help you.