Surgical precautions to prevent the spread of RSD
 

Does anyone remember what the dose is of Vitamin C is that helps prevent the spread and/or flare up of RSD? I have to have surgery on my neck on my right side to removal a suspicious thyroid nodule and half of my thyroid that may be cancerous. If it is cancer, I have to have my whole thyroid out. My RSD is in my right shoulder, arm, hand, and leg already. I don't need it in my neck! I am kind of nervous about having another surgery after a major shoulder surgery caused the onset my RSD which spread quite a bit. Anyone else know any preventative things I can do? Thanks, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi musicgirl, So sorry about your upcoming surgery. Hopefully, it will be benign.
About 5 threads under this one, is a thread, RSD In Remission, New Injury.
Mrs. D has a pubmed paper on vitamin C. I believe some take 500mg of C, I personally would take 1,000 as any excess just pass thru. I don't know how to post the info, or I would. I, personally, use meditation to relax, and visualization before any procedure I'm nervous about. I close my eyes, and visualize different peaceful beaches I've been to in the past. Any serene settings that are peaceful to you. You may want to talk to your anethesiologist ahead of time and explain your condition and importance of being relaxed as possible. No doubt they will give you something to help. You can also research antioxidants and increase foods high in antioxidants and supplements. Because inflammation plays a part in our disorder, anything to avoid or reduce inflammation is important.
I also ask for a 'butterfly' needle for any blood draws or injection as some have actually got RSD from needle trauma. The 'butterfly' needle is smaller and less invasive. Again, you may want this put on your chart and discuss it with appropriate person before your surgery. You may want to also have them use your good arm for this rather than your RSD arm. I have RSD full body, but I have them use the better arm for any needles.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Hope this helps. loretta

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about the suspicious thyroid nodule. I hope the pathology
reports show it to be benign. My daughter took 1000 MG at least three times
a day. She also had a ganglia block as well before surgery. Her RSD is in the
hand arm and also the result of surgery on her hand and wrist. She broke her
arm and had to have the second surgery. Her surgeon told her to get on vitamin
C right away. Despite the first surgery being the trigger she did not experience
spread with the second surgery. Her doctor suggested the ganglia block prior
to surgery. Hope this helps. Good Luck