Hi RN Mom of 4,
I'm so sorry you are going thru this very painful disorder. I got it right after surgery. Breast biopsy- withdrew green fluid a few times, frozen shoulder (really rsd) It litterly took 100 pt and 100 massage. I did the massage on my own and glad I did. remission over a year. then other shoulder frozen, more treatment, another remission frozen hand while water skiing. misdiagnosed as RA Didn't seem right, so went to well know sports injury ortho hand doc. He knew in 1 min. Ordered nuclear med test on hand, confirmed, ordered tens unit- it helped non invasive. and pt with desensitization. Igot half of use of hand back, which I'm so grateful for and I don't have sensitivity. I can cut my food, button clothers zip clother peel a potatoe etc Then it moved to other hand, but got full use of 2nd hand because got pt started right away. 15 years now-full body and internally.
I've read a lot about RSD and would encourage you to read a lot about the scs. I've heard of some good accounts, but have heard of horror stories too. Please reasearch as much as you can. Is your Doc, RSD experienced?
One of the best exercises is water therapy-needs to be 86 degrees. swimming squeezing toes, hands. Has keep me mobile. One time my toes were curling up off the floor. My Dr. had me in the pool every day squeezing my toes and in about 4 months, they were touching the floor again. Even in a warm water tub bath can help. I'm so grateful I have no trouble walking and had very good pt's
Diet is extremely important. anti-oxidant, important.inflammation is a problem for us. high and low blood pressure. You are welcome to PM me any time. RSDSA is the national org. for RSD and lots of good information-you can put your zip code in and it will give you closest support group. We get a lot of great guest speakers. Last month we had a nutritionist on superfoods, I took notes if you would like them.
Also rsdrx.com and under puzzles list is 146 questions and a Drs. answers. He is retired now-Dr. Hooshmand from Florida, but another RSD Dr. has taken many of his patients.
Hope you depend on your family and friends. Journaling is a wonderful way to get your 'feelings' out. Light massage therapy helped me a lot. Your friend, loretta with soft hugs