Any "go to" treatments for major flare ups?
 

Hi everyone,

Was wondering if anyone has any "go to " treatments (medications, supplelements, other treatments, creams, anything, etc. ) for major flare ups of rsd. I had a recently had a flare up on my shoulder after an intensive one week course playing cello and bass for grad school which I will have to drop because it was just too much for my rsd : (. Thanks, any advice appreciated. My doctor gave me prednisone for a short amount of time but my legs always get so achy after taking it. Does anyone else experience this?

Lidoderm Patches, Prednisone, warm baths with Epsom Salts, gentle stretching, massage, infrared sauna, catapress patches (placement is important), and an increase of breakthrough meds. Tens units can be beneficial as well. If that's not sufficient and spread is an issue--I'd consider a Stellate ganglion block, HBOT, or a Ketamine infusion.

I know everyone is different but when a major flare starts for me I do the following:

1. Hot bath with epsom salts.
2. Ultrasound treatment after bath.
3. TENS treatment after ultrasound (30 minutes).
4. Apply lidoderm patches.
5. Apply heat patches over lidoderm patches.
6. Rest.
7. Listen to my "flare" playlist on my ipod with headphones (something relaxing and soothing) or listen to an audiobook...anything to take me away and calm me down.

I tend to get very restless very fast so the hardest part for me is just taking it easy and resting.

Is it dangerous or risky at all to apply heat over the lidoderm patches? I thought I read somewhere where it shouldnt be near heat?

Allegedly. The problem is more meds can be released faster than is safe. You're not even supposed to use medical tape--but I do lightly in certain rare situations like flying. For a more intense and faster response, lidocaine cream is another option.