Help
 

I was just diagnosed with RSD a couple of weeks ago. So in terms of symptoms each new thing freaks me out. Please bare with me but wondering if my arm looking like it has a sunbuirn going up past my elbow is normal?

Sorry about you having this, I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago as well. With all of the reading, pictures and posts I have seen on here and the internet, yes, some people get discoloration on their body parts. Is your RSD in that arm/area? if you look at the top of this home page, there are some very interesting photos in one of the posts (I think it says RSD photos). I was shocked, because I do not have any of that discoloration or severe swelling. My RSD/CRPS is in my hands (mainly thumbs, but pain up to my elbows). My hands get ice cold for hours, but not blue in color. My hands burn like fire all of the time, with prickly needle feeling, but not red and severely swollen. Everybody has different symptoms and I suppose that is partly why it is such a hard diagnosis. A lot of people get brittle nails too, if it is in their hands/feet. But just because you do or don't have all of these things it doesn't mean you don't have RSD or major pain, I am learning this.

Are you on medications yet for it? Is there plans for any nerve blocks? I am having my 1st block on 4/4/11 (I am going on a mini vacation:sunchair: tomorrow til late friday night). I also learned from my PT and PM Dr. that I will have to go to PT immediately after the block, not sure if everyone does or if it just how my PM Dr. wants it.:Dunno:

Hi Vicky,

The weird coloring is part of the symptoms for RSD. The skin changes as well - it's like it's very thin and paper-like.

Two summers ago, I was enjoying the sun and warmth on my legs, especially the one that is cold all the time. Bad idea - I have never burned in my life, but the leg that has the RSD, burned and looked awful. It still has "colors" similiar to a suntan, even after all this time. It's funny looking though, especially when it gets "angry" and goes to the purple blotchy coloration.

I've had people ask me how my leg can still have a tan, and I show them the other leg which is quite lighter. I don't fully understand how nerve problems can affect the pigmentation of your skin, but it does. I also can't fully understand the ridges and changes in finger/toe nails. My finger nails are awful, the toe nails are too, but I wear socks all the time so I can't see them. My husband thinks maybe if I painted them, but I think that the nailpolish would make the ridges more noticable. Besides, I have a problem with peeling and chipping the nailpolish off.

Dear Cadillac girl,

First i am so sorry that you have been diagnosed with this. If you havent had it very long you are at a great place catching it early! There are many good treatments you can do if you are stage one and it may put you in remission. a great website that has helped me is www.rsdhope.org awesome information here. Just know that even though you have this in one arm now...it may likely spread to other parts of your body that has nothing to do with your arm and it may affect you in many ways.

i have it it internally caused by gallbladder surgery. i went for 5 years and over 25 doctors pleading for help. i finally saw an episode of tyra banks on tv where a girl was on getting a surprise makeover from her mom...her name is Ashley and posts here sometimes...but because she had all my symptoms i looked up her website and there i was! her website is http://www.tkorsds.org/

feel better!
Lori

Hi. Just wanted to say that the fact that you started your blocks within three months of the date of injury is terrific and should bode well for you.

It is, however, important (as others might have said) to combine the blocks with a good PT program, especially on the day(s) after you get the block, when it's most likely to be effective.

Mike

thanks for all the replies!
 

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies folks. I know that I am remarkable lucky to have been diagnosed so quickly as well as to have found this site. So many times it takes years for a diagnosis. I am positive that I am going to go into remission. Sometimes though I freak out about a new symptom or pain in another spot. That is generally when I post cuz sometimes I think I am just being sensitive. I am scared that it is spreading though and wondering if skin discoloring is a sign that my whole arm is becoming effected as apposed to my hand. Simply because the rash went up past my elbow. Thanks again for everyones answer and hoping that you all find relief today.

Go to my profile and I have an album of some of my color choices. But the sunburn shade is what I have first thing in the morning when they are mad!

I tried suntan lotion over the purple. Only one word to describe it, LAUGHABLE!

Sorry for your having to be a member of our society.
There is no TShirt, at least I haven't got one yet,
Hugs softly,
pat e