New To Group
 

Hi Guys

I am new on here,
I am in waiting to hear if I have RSD I sprained my ankle and fractured my fibula about 19 months ago and still have pain WC sent me to a 3rd opinion and he said I may have RSD and to have a bone scan it said no abnormal vascularity , probable degenerative disease, Achilles and Plantar fascia calcific tendinopathy not sure if that's good or bad
I have a lot of pain in my ankle my leg I cant really tell if it burns or if its freezing I do get discoloration at the top of my calf and at my ankle
any thoughts

Welcome buggyboys. :Wave-Hello:

Someone will be along to help.

Maybe yes, maybe no.
Either way, welcome. IMHO don't rely on WC only. You have the right to choose your own doc for an independent opinion. Seeking out an RSD attny might be a good idea. Remember that WC have their own.
Good luck in whatever you choose. We're here to listen and help if we can....

Russell is right. With WC, you are entitled to choose your own doctor(s) and get as many opinions needed in order to figure out what is going on with your health. I used to be a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the workers' compensation court in the state I live, and I know how things work. You do need to get a good attorney who is knowledgeable about RSD/CRPS and will fight for you. There are many other tests and ways doctors can diagnose this disease, so relying on just one test is not reasonable. Everyone is different. Don't give up and always go with your "gut" feeling. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. I truly hope you find the answers you are looking for and wish you the best!

It's Federal WC does that make a difference ??
It's hard to find a lawyer that wants to deal with Federal WC (DOL)
There's nothing funny about any of this but,
the funny thing is the WC Dr. is the one that suggested I have RSD
My gut tells me it's RSD why else would there still be this much pain

Generally speaking, the primary difference between federal workers' compensation and state workers' compensation laws is the uniformity of each and the types of employees that can use these systems. While state laws differ from state to state, federal compensation standards can apply nation-wide for federal employees. The federal compensation structure runs off the Federal Employees' Compensation Act and, subsequently, the substructures of the Department of Labor.

For federal employees, compensation does not particularly vary in what protection the federal government will provide if an employee is injured. The federal system works similarly to the state systems when it comes to offering an employee compensation for time lost due to an injury, medical bills, and additional measures necessary to protect an injured worker's finances during their recovery. Federal programs may also be available for physical or rehabilitative therapy if this treatment method is needed.

In order to appeal denials, federal employees are provided with services under the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, which can help employees challenge denials in a similar manner to state administrative courts. If the case is successfully appealed or if the original claim is accepted, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs will charge the claim back to the employee's specific agency.

Believe it or not, there are quite a few attorneys out there who specialize in federal workers compensation cases. If I were you, I would use your favorite search engine and type in "federal workers' compensation attorney" and then your city and state and see what comes up.

Welcome buggyboys! Sorry you are faced with this challenge. I don't know anything at all about worker's comp so I cannot help you there, but it looks like others have offered some helpful advice.
The best advice I can give you is read, read, read! MOST doctors, nurses, lawyers know little to nothing about CRPS and there is a lot of bad information out there. You must get educated and be an advocate for yourself.
In my experience, a bone scan is NOT diagnostic for CRPS.
Common symtoms in an extremity include: swelling, skin appears red or purplish, the extremity is cold but may be perceived by the patient as either burning or cold, the pain is more extreme and longer lasting than would be expected for the injury, changes in hair or nails near the affected area.
Look for a pain management specialist, neurologist or physiatrist in your area who has experience with CRPS patients.
Wishing you wellness ~ Lottie

Welcome to the group Buggyboys. I am sorry that you may have rsd but am sure you will find comfort here. This is a great place to make friends and get support. I've had the symptoms you've had and I have rsd. Mine started in my right wrist, but spread to my feet and other hand and stomach. After the spread to my feet I got plantar fististus (sp?) (which are also called bone spurs that are caused by calcium deposits) in the heels of both of my feet and have severe bone loss and osteopenia in my hips. I also have had constant pain, discolaration and a sometimes burning and sometimes cold feeling thought not at the same time. I am not a dr, but it sounds like you have some of the symtoms of rsd, but then again it could be something else. If I were you I would see a PM dr and neurologist to confirm. They can sometimes tell by just looking at the affected area. It was painfully obvious (no pun intended) that I had it because of the grotesque way my right wrist, hand and fingers looked, the difference in temp of my hands (my affected hand and wrist were colder and still are then my left hand), the horrific constant pain I was in, and lack of range of motion. I hope you don't have it, but if you do, you have found a great place for friends and support. I am a rsd "survivor" of almost four years now and I'm always here if you need a friend. Take care.

Hey, welcome to the club. Maybe you didn't want to be part of the club, none of us did really, but we're all here now and everyone is pretty great around here. They were really helpful to me when I was new and I'm sure they will be for you too.

I don't know squat about WC, but I do about the burning/freezing. I've described my pain at times as a cold burn. I told the doctor when I said it that I felt stupid saying it like that, but he said I wasn't the first person to describe pain that way and it made a lot of sense to him. When it started for me it was straight up burning, but since then has settled into a cold burn, which is neither just cold, or burning but somehow both and neither at the same time. I still feel stupid trying to describe it lol! Anywho, it isn't that unusual I guess from what my doc said so don't feel weird. I hope you get answers soon. Have a great weekend. :hug:

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That's exactly how it feels a burning cold sensation I also get some discoloration and pain when I walk which not sure but could be from the torn tendons and ligaments that they wont even touch until I'm diagnosed