Quote:
Originally Posted by gravyboat
Hi Everyone.
I was hoping someone could spare some advice in dealing with my recently diagnosed RSDS. I'm writing this because after doing a bit of reading I'm (no doubt) experiencing some panic and depression over the realization that RSDS is likely what I have. Here are the quick facts about my situation...
I (male early 30's) was just diagnosed by my Reumatologist with RSDS in my foot exactly 2 months after puncturing it.
Here are my chief complaints/symptoms:
* Swelling/edema of foot (top, arch, and ankle) has been present since first evening of injury. Elevation kept this under control...but sitting with my foot down for 20mins or so, it would swell up quite a bit and turn variations in red/purple.
* Skin sensitivity, mostly top of foot (especially just below toes).
* Pain comes and goes, mostly top of foot, arch of foot, ball of big toe, and sometimes near bottom/outer-center of foot where puncture occurred.
*Somewhat more limited mobility of inner toes.
My Reumatologist has started me on prednisone which I'm to take at gradually reduced dosages over a one month period. Within a day or so this had substantially reduced the swelling and reduced some of the coloring. However, moderate pain still comes and goes in the areas I have mentioned.
All the doctor has really told me so far is that he is "optimistic" of my situation and said he preferred not to discuss the potential negatives of this condition until it may became necessary. I've been on the steroids for 8 days so far but I'm beginning to wonder if they are enough.
So now some of my questions...
* I've read that early, multi-discipline treatment is best. Prednisone is all I'm taking. Is this enough? Do I just need to be patient?
* Dr. has not mentioned physical therapy. Should I be requesting this?
* Any other meds I should ask my doctor about?
* I'm trying to get out and walk on my foot as normally as possible. But too much walking initially appears to aggravate the pain in my foot (even on the steroids). Any exercise tips?
* Please, post any other advice you think may apply to my situation that may potentially affect the positive long-term outcome of this?
Thanks again for all your very informative and supportive posts on this board.
-Gravyboat
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hey Gravyboat.
your not alone in this at all. I too was diagnosed with RSD?CRPS 2 years after an industrial accident to the right foot, I had several surgeries to fuse the bones and have screw and pin implants, After 2 years, it was decided to remove the implants thinking this was the cause of the pain and swelling. After 8 months of physical therapy the doctors decided to try several other options. They were, trigger point injections,accupuncture,a tens unit,hydro therapy,and a list of pain meds that would make the mad hatter in Alice in Wonderland jump for joy. All of these had either no or very little effect in relieving the pain. It has been 14 yrs dealing with CRPS and have done a lot of research on the topic. I am deciding weather or not to try a new facility that is the only one of its kind in the U.S. It is the CRPS pain treatment center and research institute in Tampa Florida. I go to a well known pain treatment center here where I live but. like others I'm ready to try anything.
What ever you do,,don't give up. I also bought a hot tub and the doctors signed off on it allowing me to take a full deduction on income taxes as set by the IRS tax code. I'd check with a cpa first to find out if you can do this based on where you live. The hot water and the massaging kelps a lot. Only on good days. By that I mean we measure our pain intensity by a chart that goes from 0 (no pain) to 10 which is extreme. My good days are usually a 7 to 8. On bad days it ranges from 8 1/2 to 9. The meds (Lyrica,Tazadone,Oxycodone,Oxy contin,Migranalm and Visteral) don't really help much on bad days but, do give some relief on good days. You have to find what works for you. It is importent to keep up with some measure of physical activity to help support the immune system and help keep up your HDL (good cholesterol). I also find some measure of relief by keeping up with hobbies to stay focused and relieving the pain.
It also helps to talk to someone who is willing to listen and offer good advise. Also, keep up asking questions with the Doctors. They tend to become distracted with other conditions. Keep plugging away asking about new procedures or techniques that they need to look into.
Good luck and keep thinking about tomorrow.
10-23-2009, 07:18 PM
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