[keep smilin]

I am not surprised as I have always gotten the feeling of warmth and concern from everyone on this "family" forum.... but I have to say thank you for all of your responses. It's so nice to soothe our desperate concerns and bring piece of mind to eachother!!!
To answer a few questions.. Yes, how irionic.. I too, was diagnosised on my 45th birhtday..what a solmen day that was as I had no idea what RSD was. I almost shook my dr.'s hand thniking he was delivering me a "good news" birthday news solution to my ugly painful leg... an answer to my problem but slowly following that day I did more research understanding.. Quickly I realized I was in deep trouble! Yes, I am wating to see Dr. Schwartzmann. My apt. is March 2010.. and I understand because this is a big step and he is a very busy man. They have already moved my apt. closer twice so I know they are trying to help me. No, I am not on any pain meds at this time..I am cold turkey RSD as I have a very senstive belly and everything to this point, I have not been able to withstand.. I have had two surgerys on my leg, land pT/ water PT along with 4 blocks, many, many pain meds, accupuncture and I do have the SCS implanted. Right now sleep is a concern... I still work full time but I crawl thru my day...it's a big effort... Dew, I love the art work..I look for it actually.. what a lift you all are!!! Thank you... Heres a painfree day for you all from me.. free of charge and simply sent!!::

[bobber]

Ditto , on a pain free day and remission from the Lord,,,,,,,He does heal and is the great physcian,,,,,,,,

[SandyRI]

I have an appt to see Dr. S in June of 2010, although I hope to get ketamine prior to that either in NYC or South Jersey. It feels like I've gotten sicker and sicker rather quickly this summer.

I've have 7 SGB because my RSD started in my shoulder. But after my RSD spread to my neck and head it spread to my legs (my right leg first - my "ugly" leg), and my first lumbar block is scheduled for this Tues. Do you have any advice for me? I am a bit nervous, I had a disc fusion at L5-S1 in my lower back 7 years ago. I hope that the injection is not done anywhere near that area because of the risk of complications. I am also scared that it might hurt a lot and that it will take me a few days to get back to my usual daily activities. Any feedback you can provide based on your experience with your lumbar blocks would sincerely be appreciated.

Good for you for working. I worked for just over a year past my "probable" diagnosis. I know how hard it is to wake up in terrible pain, after barely any sleep, little or no meds, with a compromised wardrobe, etc. because of RSD and struggle to put in a full day and then a FT week. I finally ran out of vac and sick time because of my doc appts that couldn't be scheduled before or after work. Since I am WC I went out on a LOA, but I take home less than I did when I worked and I am not saving for retirement. I need to get back to my job ASAP.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing. It is great to have you with us.

XOXOX Sandy

[CZZ74]

Originally Posted by SandyRI

I have an appt to see Dr. S in June of 2010, although I hope to get ketamine prior to that either in NYC or South Jersey. It feels like I've gotten sicker and sicker rather quickly this summer.

I've have 7 SGB because my RSD started in my shoulder. But after my RSD spread to my neck and head it spread to my legs (my right leg first - my "ugly" leg), and my first lumbar block is scheduled for this Tues. Do you have any advice for me? I am a bit nervous, I had a disc fusion at L5-S1 in my lower back 7 years ago. I hope that the injection is not done anywhere near that area because of the risk of complications. I am also scared that it might hurt a lot and that it will take me a few days to get back to my usual daily activities. Any feedback you can provide based on your experience with your lumbar blocks would sincerely be appreciated.

Good for you for working. I worked for just over a year past my "probable" diagnosis. I know how hard it is to wake up in terrible pain, after barely any sleep, little or no meds, with a compromised wardrobe, etc. because of RSD and struggle to put in a full day and then a FT week. I finally ran out of vac and sick time because of my doc appts that couldn't be scheduled before or after work. Since I am WC I went out on a LOA, but I take home less than I did when I worked and I am not saving for retirement. I need to get back to my job ASAP.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing. It is great to have you with us.

XOXOX Sandy

Hi Sandi, wishing you the best and want to offer to answer any questions you have, Ihave had, 26 lumbar blocks. 19 other so will probably be able to answer questions. Also on the ketamine infusions- If you are having severe alloydina they will be extremely helpful. also helpful wiht edema, my treatments once removed 13 pounds of fluid from my leg and then 20 some pounds frommy back. that is what I found ketamine infusions to be the most helpful with after 4 yearss for them. Dr. S is extrememly compasssionate. But not everyone has had the same experience- i think everyone who is a patient would say he is compassionate. so please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
One more thing- infusions for some reason are more effective as well as the coma if rsd began in arm or shoulder vs leg. Mine began in leg. Hope that helps.Please do not take this as me pushing the coma, Im not.cz
cz

[keep smilin]

Originally Posted by SandyRI

I have an appt to see Dr. S in June of 2010, although I hope to get ketamine prior to that either in NYC or South Jersey. It feels like I've gotten sicker and sicker rather quickly this summer.

I've have 7 SGB because my RSD started in my shoulder. But after my RSD spread to my neck and head it spread to my legs (my right leg first - my "ugly" leg), and my first lumbar block is scheduled for this Tues. Do you have any advice for me? I am a bit nervous, I had a disc fusion at L5-S1 in my lower back 7 years ago. I hope that the injection is not done anywhere near that area because of the risk of complications. I am also scared that it might hurt a lot and that it will take me a few days to get back to my usual daily activities. Any feedback you can provide based on your experience with your lumbar blocks would sincerely be appreciated.

Good for you for working. I worked for just over a year past my "probable" diagnosis. I know how hard it is to wake up in terrible pain, after barely any sleep, little or no meds, with a compromised wardrobe, etc. because of RSD and struggle to put in a full day and then a FT week. I finally ran out of vac and sick time because of my doc appts that couldn't be scheduled before or after work. Since I am WC I went out on a LOA, but I take home less than I did when I worked and I am not saving for retirement. I need to get back to my job ASAP.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing. It is great to have you with us.

XOXOX Sandy

Hello Sandy,

Good morning..I want to tell you that I had 4 out of required 5 lumbar nerve blocks, my Dr. scheduled them 1 everyother week. In my case, they did not owrk that is why we stopped at 4, my Dr. recommended stopping them. I did get a change in my temp in my rt. foot (bad leg) and each time, and that was a sign of positive location for the Dr. but and each block I had only a "warmth" numb sensation in my upper, grown area of my leg but that was all..I was able to go back to work the very next day just but no relief in my case. But we are all react to the blocks as anything else different!! Now I also had a L-4, L-5.. herinated disk surgery @ the S-1 nerve root several years prior to my blocks and RSD. The blocks did not hamper nor cause any trouble with that area of my back. Just be sure your Dr. knows about your previous back troubles prior to doing the blocks..I wish you well on Tuesday. Please, don't be nervous.. The procedure is pretty straight forward and just rest as the Dr. does it.. you can drift off... oh and ask for the calming belly meds in case you are nervious, I always ask for that to be in my I.V. I so appreciate both your and cz's info. on the Ketamine infusion. Personally, I am shaking my head to try each intervention but honestly.. I just take each day as it comes... as we all do huh??

[SandyRI]

Thanks you guys for taking the time for writing me back. I appreciate it very much!

Happy Sunday, Sandy

[hope4thebest]

Hi Sandy,
I've had six lumbar blocks all without sedation..The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes to half an hour.....For me, I felt pressure in the back as the doc inserted the block needle.
The 'numbing' needle done initially may sting a little but is tolerable.

I have followed your posts all along from when you were working, until now.
I know it is a hardship for you not to be working, but take as much healing time as you possbily can.
I still work full time ..leave at 8:30 am and getting home about 7:00 by the time I leave work and with commute time....
I know it is taking it's toll on my healing ability and the required walking around the office flares the RSD daily.. But I can't afford to go on disability..
Take good care, and pace yourself....
The blocks aren't that bad at all...I hope they really make a difference for you!
How great that you'll be seeing Dr. S next June...time will pass quickly..
keep us posted on the possibility of K infusions.
Hope4thebest

[SandyRI]

Originally Posted by hope4thebest

Hi Sandy,
I've had six lumbar blocks all without sedation..The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes to half an hour.....For me, I felt pressure in the back as the doc inserted the block needle.
The 'numbing' needle done initially may sting a little but is tolerable.

I have followed your posts all along from when you were working, until now.
I know it is a hardship for you not to be working, but take as much healing time as you possbily can.
I still work full time ..leave at 8:30 am and getting home about 7:00 by the time I leave work and with commute time....
I know it is taking it's toll on my healing ability and the required walking around the office flares the RSD daily.. But I can't afford to go on disability..
Take good care, and pace yourself....
The blocks aren't that bad at all...I hope they really make a difference for you!
How great that you'll be seeing Dr. S next June...time will pass quickly..
keep us posted on the possibility of K infusions.
Hope4thebest

Thank you very mcuh for taking the time to write to me.

I am so sorry that your day doesn't end until 7 pm. That's a REAL grind for anyone, let alone someone who is not feeling well. You need to be extra careful to set aside some time during the day to just chill and take it easy.

I will keep my eye out for your posts, and wish you the very best. Please take care of yourself. Do you watch your diet and take vitamins?

XOXOX Sandy

[hopeful]

Hi Keep Smilin sorry to hear you are going through so much pain. I too work full time and have trouble with sleeping. Apparently, insomnia is a symptom of RSD. My doctor just prescribed Ambein for me last week. I was reluctant but it seems to be working. You might want to talk with your doctor about it. It is hard enough to get through a work day without sleeping the night before. Wishing you restful nights Hopeful

Originally Posted by keep smilin

I am not surprised as I have always gotten the feeling of warmth and concern from everyone on this "family" forum.... but I have to say thank you for all of your responses. It's so nice to soothe our desperate concerns and bring piece of mind to eachother!!!
To answer a few questions.. Yes, how irionic.. I too, was diagnosised on my 45th birhtday..what a solmen day that was as I had no idea what RSD was. I almost shook my dr.'s hand thniking he was delivering me a "good news" birthday news solution to my ugly painful leg... an answer to my problem but slowly following that day I did more research understanding.. Quickly I realized I was in deep trouble! Yes, I am wating to see Dr. Schwartzmann. My apt. is March 2010.. and I understand because this is a big step and he is a very busy man. They have already moved my apt. closer twice so I know they are trying to help me. No, I am not on any pain meds at this time..I am cold turkey RSD as I have a very senstive belly and everything to this point, I have not been able to withstand.. I have had two surgerys on my leg, land pT/ water PT along with 4 blocks, many, many pain meds, accupuncture and I do have the SCS implanted. Right now sleep is a concern... I still work full time but I crawl thru my day...it's a big effort... Dew, I love the art work..I look for it actually.. what a lift you all are!!! Thank you... Heres a painfree day for you all from me.. free of charge and simply sent!!::

[lexiemae1]

How do u get on a list to see Dr. Schwartmann?? Please explain.. Many thanks>> Arkansas is way in the sticks on this topic.....