I've commented some before. I'll fill in some details. First though, I want to say I'm so glad to find this site. I've had "the beast" for over 5 yrs but have never met anyone else with it. I'm hoping to get a chance to ask some of you more questions.

I was just leaving work on a Fri evening when a large room divider fell on me, trapping me under it. I'd seen it coming & "blocked it" from hitting my face with my right hand. Thought I'd broken several bones at 1st. Finally someone heard me yelling & pulled it off. My hand/wrist felt sprained, & my neck felt a little sprained. But within a couple of weeks (I kept working) I felt like monsters were attacking my right arm, hand, shoulder & neck.

I was sent to an Orthopedic Hand Specialist, who just shrugged when I showed him my swollen, deep blue hand & asked what it was. Even though my employer was furious that I never go a diagnosis, I kept going to this doctor (maybe I got hit in the head, too! ).

I had a torn ulnar nerve he said, & he put me in a splint & sent me for PT, too. The physical therapist kept saying something was "really wrong" with my shoulder, but the "hand specialist doc" just put off the MRI.

Two yrs later I got an MRI on my own & they found multiple torn ligaments, etc, etc. Fortunately I'd been seeing a Chiro who was GREAT with elbows & shoulders who kept it loose.

After the MRI diagnoses WC switched me to an Orhtopedic who was a "Shoulder Surgery" specialist. I told him I wanted to try injections before surgery & he went along with me (thank God!), because after 2 injections I could barely function due to the pain. I cried at work in the bathroom. That's when they told me I had RSD. Thankfully we didn't go straight for the surgery!

It took about another 8 months before WC would approve me for SGB's. But they worked fantastically when I finally did get them (total of 6).

My injury was in Aug 2001, and in 2002 I started having burning on the bottom of my feet. It slowly moved up my legs. They both now burn to just above my knees. I don't know if this is RSD or not. And, since WC only authorizes my doctors to look at my arms/hands (they've acknowledged it's moved into my left arm too, but not nearly as severe as right), the doctos just sort of change the subject when I ask what the pain is in my feet and legs.

Maybe someone has had a similar experience.

After I went to an Agreed Med Exam last Feb, not knowing 18 months of my medical records were not sent to him, he P&S'd me, so I have had to live on $720 a month "advances" from any settlement. I'm in dire financial straights! I've had to "live" on my credit card, now I can't afford the minimum & was on the phone arranging stuff with them today. But something always works out! I just thought my settlement would come through at least 6 months ago!

I live in a guest house that's just perfect, even though my family are all far, far, away. My landlords are my friends, & let me go without rent a month or two, even though they've had problems. But they just got a notice that their house is in foreclosure!! I feel so bad for them. So I'm trying to arrange to move....somewhere. I have about $75 to pay toward rent these days. So, I shouldn't have any problem, right?

If I didn't hurt so much & feel so tired, I'd dress up & go see if I could find a "Knight in Shining Armor"!!

I love to laugh, that's why I love reading some of the stuff on this site. You funny guys, KEEP IT UP PLEASE!

The way I try to look at it is that my life is kind of an adventure right now! I'm praying & waiting to see what opens up!

Take care all you precious people!

Denise

I am so sorry you are dealing with all that. I got rsd 2 yrs ago following surgery on my thumb. I could not believe how painful it was. I received nerve blocks for a few months and physical therapy. The blocks worked at first, then it stopped working. The pain doctor suggested a Vagus nerve stimulator but another doctor told me I was not a candidate for this. I continued physical therapy with great relief. It all but resolved. I had some residual stiffness, and could not quite close my right hand all the way---but was tolerable. I had surgery on my left hand in March, although I was very worried about rsd, I did fine. It is taking my left hand longer to recover then expected, for some reason. I have cervical dystonia and had my second treatment of botox on July 10th. During these injections he had doubled the botox amount because it wasn't enough last time. He puts most of my shots on my left side---(neck and upper back muscles). This last time he also gave me some shots in my right side of my neck. That evening My right hand started feeling like my rsd was coming back. It was better in a few days, but now hurts when I use it?? does it return? could it of been brought on by my botox shots?? I have it slightly in my left hand, and a get alot of burning in my feet, and a swollen feeling, which comes and goes??? Have you or anyone had a recurrence of symptoms like this?? I also have many other neuro problems, so I am not sure what is what. I have not seen a doctor about these new episodes and I am thinking that I should. I am just soooo tired of going to the doctors for another problem!?? If you or anyone has insight to any of this please let me know. I hope that your situation improves for you sooon. Take good care----hutch

I am sorry for your loss by the way.. Wanted to state that first.. I was working in a nursing home.. Just been there 2 months and a resident got violent.. i got hurt on left hand.. wc put me on light duty for week. went back to nurse practioner and she released me after i told her it was still hurting badly.. went back on christmas day in 08.. what do u expect happens? reinjures the hand.this time it shoots up my arm.. now i have it all the way up in my shoulder and into right shoulder and feels like its moving down right arm.. and my doc says there isnt anymore i can do for you.. i have no pain meds that have ever helped me... I am suffering alone. work comp hasnt paid one dime for my meds.. and on the 1-10 scale i am way over 10 more like 30,,,
i lost my job shortly after my second injury.. 6 months later hubby lost his job.. we are living on my unemployment and 70 bucks a week.. walmart hired me with restrictions,, and now wants to fire me cuz of those restrictions.. so i feel for you.. i really do.. so if u ever need to talk email me and ill give you my number and u can call me or ill call u.. cus i just had to go on antidepressants

I know what you mean about the knight in shining armor! Thank GOD that I can rent a room from a friend or I don't know where I would be? LISAR624