RSD pain flares prevention and treatment
 

Hi All,
I don't come to the site on a regular basis in large part due to inability to sit at any length w/o pain. I have developed RSD in my upper limbs and then spread to lower limbs from an IV injury in 2007. It's been almost 8 years. Although I don't have full remission, my RSD pains are pretty well controlled with 225 mg of lyrica daily. My pain level is ranging from 1 to 2 on the scale of 10. However, I have developed pain flares (big or small) usually after a trauma such as a minor procedure, IV, and or needle sticks and a sudden push from behind. I have had a series (usually 3 to 4 ) of SGB and or LSB to calm my nerves and followed with a series of hyperbaric therapy to bring my pain back to the baseline. I had so far at least 8 or 9 bilateral SGB/LSB over the years. Now, I am scheduled to have a series of 3 SGB to calm my RSD pain in my hands resulted from IV/needle sticks a couple of weeks ago. While my pain is only about a 4 out of 10, I am afraid it will get worse w/o treatment. My questions: Is it worth to have the blocks done since my pain is not too bad? Is there a max limit on the blocks? I read something in Dr. Hooshmand's article there is a limit. After 6 or more blocks, there are damages to the sympathetic nerves. Right or wrong? Can someone commend about this especially you have more than a dozen already? Any good prevention strategies, besides avoiding surgeries, procedures, etc.
I will appreciate your feedback. Take care and thanks.

It really depends if you still respond to blocks or not. If you haven't read up on SMP vs. SIP, here's a link: http://www.rsdhope.org/smp-and-sip--...ifference.html

Hooshmand recommended having massages within a few days of blocks, and I do think it's a good practice.

If you have a hard time with IV's than i recommend putting on a Lidocaine patch asap. It works well for me. I also use them when i injury other areas to prevent spread.

I've been really surprised at how much Epsom Salt Cream helped me recently after I experienced some serious swelling on the side of my neck where I had a stellate ganglion block. I was in that panic mode of worrying that this was a serious and fast escalation of swelling and burning pain. A few days of applying the cream and I was back to normal. It's inexpensive and can be found on Amazon.

ty
 

ty for your post. Although I can't answer your questions, you have given me ideas to look into. The lyrica, I eill mention that to my Dr., aqnd will have to also about the cream. I have to use caution and clear things with oncology. You would be surprie\sed how many things have hormones in them or stimulate hormone activity. Anyway ...wow, having a 1-2, that gives me such hope. I haven't seen that since preinjury 2000, The lidocaine , I am going to look it up, if non narcotic going to give that try to. Ty for sharing your treatment you have used over the yrs. If it is your upper body limbs, have you considered feet for IV's. It is painful, but only at the time, and they numb it 1st. Because of double mastectomy I have had IV and blood drawn from top of foot. Just a idea. I wish you the best. I can't imagine having it in my arms, prayers for you.

Lidocaine patches are non-narcotic. The brand name is Lidoderm. The generic stick better IMO, so I actually prefer them, but some people think the original are more effective. You might be able to get samples from your doctor--I'd at least ask.