Spread??????
 

Can anyone tell me if RSD has spread to other parts of their body? Or has it affected the imune system. I have a terrible pain in my left side of my back where my lung would be and when I breath in it feels sore . I've been to two drs., general practioners and have had two chest xrays that have been clear. Also, I catch colds easily and it really sets into my chest. I'm going to my RSD Dr. next week and will ask him but was wondering if anyone else has had problems with rsd effecting different parts of the body, immune system, etc.

Thank you so much!!!
Eileen

Hi Eileen,
 

It does spread and at it's own pace. It's different with everyone. It will go from arm to foot, arm to arm, internally, in the back, you name it.

It does effect the immune system also. I get a flu shot and a Pneumonia shot to help fight off getting anything. So far so good. Both my Grandson's have been sick and my kids but so far I haven't gotten it. The Pneumonia shot is given every 5 years.

Have you had any blocks? With it spreading, the blocks might be able to stop the spread and even put it into remission.

Ada

I wouldn't easily recommend blocks. They might work for some, but not all. If they don't have the desired effect, they might make the RSD worse, so you need to put careful thought into what kind of treatment you are willing to undergo. There are so many different forms of treatment out there in the form of medication (calcitonin, bisphosphonates, anti convulsants, pain medication, muscle relaxants, etc. ...) and then there's nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulators.

Consider all the options, talk about it carefully with your doctor(s) and then decide what you want to do and what they think is best for you in your case.

I too have a lot ofinfections and was told by a doctor who deals with rsd a lot that we are more prone to infections. I am currently being tested again for auto immune in addition so I wonder if you should ask about that as well. Since I have had rsd I developed a severe dry eye,skin issue,blepheritis,had ear infections so on. I am not sure if it is a fluke or part of this. On a side note as for spreading mine has but it may not for you. It really depends and we are all different. I am very fearful of more spread but am working on trying to stay in the day. This is very hard but since this happened I pulled my back where for a few months I had severe back pain and also an issue with my pelvic both I thought could of been rsd but they did heal though still act up just took a long time. My point I guess is sometimes it is hard o know what is part of rsd and what is not. I hope your doctor can give you some answers and directions. I agree too that treatment is key which I put off out of fear and it was a mistake but all I can do is move forward

Eileen,
 

Another thing I wanted to mention is Physical Therapy. Always make sure they are up on RSD. I have had some very good ones and they brought me a long way in movement and standing straighter.

Also people take Epson Salts baths to help. I can't stand the water too hot but some can.

Another thing is tens unit's. Some people have good luck with them. I did and I know others on here have.

I do believe in blocks and they don't always help everyone but I have seen some great results from people around my area and I had 3 and they helped me. It all depends on the person and I do believe it depends on the Dr. giving them and the meds they use. Not everyone gets good results from anything we try. We are all different.

Ada