[hope4thebest]

Hi everyone,
I have RSD in the left foot and lower leg and it has traveled over to the right foot and lower leg with burning pain..it'd say I've had it for a couple of years..

About 10 years ago the garage door fell on the middle of my upper right arm. For about two weeks, I have had pain as I did when that origninal injury happened, right in the exact same place; but am also experiencing a dull aching pain in my neck, shoulder blade area and shoulder. It got so bad at work last week, I felt nauseated..

It has been very cold and damp here in Northern Cal, and I am wondering if this old arm/shoulder injury is reacting to the damp weather, although all through the years, it's never felt like this!! I also lifted some very, very light-weight luggage into the car..not at all heavy enough to cause concern...
but of course with RSD anything can flare.....and with worry I add, it can spread....My chiropractor thinks I strained my shoulder, but I didn't really do anything that strenuous, unless I have been sleeping in an awkward position...and why does it hurt in the exact same area in the middle of my upper arm..it feels as though I have been kicked by a bison...She applied ultrasound on Saturday, but that didn't help at all...

I am in between pain management docs, currently, and I really don't have a knowledgable RSD doc to ask; besides, all of you are the real experts!

I hope the weather heats up a little bit soon, so that I can rule out the dampness. Sheesh, I'm old, but I feel really old!!!!! and scared...
Has anyone experienced a painful visit from an old injury and/or how do you know if it is an RSD spread, or an isolated pain flare from an old injury , or..

Here's hopin' for some sunshine (nature's heating pad) for everyone!!!!!!
Hope4thebest xoxox

[bobber]

Hi Hopeforthe best
I have type II Causalgia...my spread is like a runaway truck,,both feet,both legs,both hips and the spread continues,,,It attacked my r-hip first,but a yr before that, I had a operation on the left hip,,now rsd is there,,,but,,,did it just mirro like it did my feet and legs ? or is it attacking an old injury/ I dont know,,,but what I do know,,is now im having problems in both shoulders forwhich in the past ive injured and had surgery on a few yrs ago,,,So in the realm of things ,,I dont know for sure,,but Its showing a pattern of going after old injuries on me and weak areas ,,,It does invade a new inury,,That we all know,,,I might as well invest in bubblewrap,,,...but all jokes aside,,,RSD has a mind of its own,,but I believe the serverity of the individual, age, inactivity, type I or Type II , nerve entrapment and genetics has alot to do with the spread and where it spreads to....My Answer Is Yes {my opion only],,,,,,,,,,Lets hope and pray thats its just weak ,from an old injury and is flareing up like arthritis in nature,,,,,,,,,,,,bobber

[SandyRI]

Hi Hope,

My RSD spread from my shoulder to my cervical spine and the occipital region of my head immediately after a series of trigger point injectitons over a period of about 4-5 months. I've always thought there was a connection between the two. And then it spread to my right leg, I badly sprained that ankle in 2001 and was in a cast for many weeks. I don't know if there is a connection or not, it is interesting that you bring it up. I walk often to keep the leg moving and I really think it has helped. I also use a heating pad a lot now that it is SOOO cold out (probably only about 12 degrees when we walked a few miles this morning).

The RSDSA has a new article posted recently about the benefits of aggressive PT on RSD. I have asked my doctor about it, he thinks that because my RSD is in my cervical spine and my head, and any strenuous use of my arms and shoulders causes severe, disabling head pain, I am not a candidate for it. But perhaps you are. The link to the article is available on the homepage of the RSDSA's website.

Good luck, XOXOX Sandy

[keep smilin]

Originally Posted by SandyRI

Hi Hope,

My RSD spread from my shoulder to my cervical spine and the occipital region of my head immediately after a series of trigger point injectitons over a period of about 4-5 months. I've always thought there was a connection between the two. And then it spread to my right leg, I badly sprained that ankle in 2001 and was in a cast for many weeks. I don't know if there is a connection or not, it is interesting that you bring it up. I walk often to keep the leg moving and I really think it has helped. I also use a heating pad a lot now that it is SOOO cold out (probably only about 12 degrees when we walked a few miles this morning).

The RSDSA has a new article posted recently about the benefits of aggressive PT on RSD. I have asked my doctor about it, he thinks that because my RSD is in my cervical spine and my head, and any strenuous use of my arms and shoulders causes severe, disabling head pain, I am not a candidate for it. But perhaps you are. The link to the article is available on the homepage of the RSDSA's website.

Good luck, XOXOX Sandy

Hello Hope...

So sorry to read of your spread and concerns..The dampness does not help thats for sure... yes, I think RSD will attach the weaker, old injuried areas possibly first then it goes where ever it dang well pleases... monster of a thing..one thing to think about is the time it takes to move forward..mirror image... leg to leg..arm to arm spread is one way but so many factors to consider and we are all so different.. Really try to get an RSD knowledgeable Dr... that will help pave your journey a bit... Mine is my pain managemnet Dr... I found him to be the most knowledgeable in the field of RSD over any neruo. Dr.'s I saw..find the comfort zone with a Dr. specializing in our illness..thats half the battle..an attentive ear is so important..and do you consult a physcologist of any kind..????? They too can help immensley..living with chronic pain and life long battles..ani't this a blast?!!!!!

soft hugz... KS

[loretta]

Originally Posted by hope4thebest

Hi everyone,
I have RSD in the left foot and lower leg and it has traveled over to the right foot and lower leg with burning pain..it'd say I've had it for a couple of years..

About 10 years ago the garage door fell on the middle of my upper right arm. For about two weeks, I have had pain as I did when that origninal injury happened, right in the exact same place; but am also experiencing a dull aching pain in my neck, shoulder blade area and shoulder. It got so bad at work last week, I felt nauseated..

It has been very cold and damp here in Northern Cal, and I am wondering if this old arm/shoulder injury is reacting to the damp weather, although all through the years, it's never felt like this!! I also lifted some very, very light-weight luggage into the car..not at all heavy enough to cause concern...
but of course with RSD anything can flare.....and with worry I add, it can spread....My chiropractor thinks I strained my shoulder, but I didn't really do anything that strenuous, unless I have been sleeping in an awkward position...and why does it hurt in the exact same area in the middle of my upper arm..it feels as though I have been kicked by a bison...She applied ultrasound on Saturday, but that didn't help at all...

I am in between pain management docs, currently, and I really don't have a knowledgable RSD doc to ask; besides, all of you are the real experts!

I hope the weather heats up a little bit soon, so that I can rule out the dampness. Sheesh, I'm old, but I feel really old!!!!! and scared...
Has anyone experienced a painful visit from an old injury and/or how do you know if it is an RSD spread, or an isolated pain flare from an old injury , or..

Here's hopin' for some sunshine (nature's heating pad) for everyone!!!!!!
Hope4thebest xoxox

Hi Hope4thebest,
Yes, definetely, RSD is affected by cold spell coming thru, rain,snow. It's why many that can, move toward the south. But then, with the sweating problems, the summers are pretty bad.
For me, massage therapy before pt was very helpful in softening the tissue before trying to get further motion. It wasn't easy, but worth the pain for me. Also took pain meds before pt. Something I did on my own, was water therapy. I couldn't swim, but later on could. I also used weights in the water. Just got strong as time went along. The epsom salts is good advice.
You can even get ymca for practically nothing. Or some hospitals have therapy pools. You can work on your own. We have a women's only pool for like 15 dollars a month and they keep it at 86 degrees. Just some ideas that helped me so much.
Really hope you experience some relief soon and progress. Once you get to the other side of the progress, it's such a great feeling to know you stuck it out. We are all pulling for you-write, when you need some encouragement. Maybe make a diary of your progress. We care, loretta with soft hugs

[hope4thebest]

Thanks, everyone for your replies !

My shoulder/neck/arm are still really painful ...going on two weeks now..
I went to the chiropractor again yesterday for more ultra-sound..she's not sure what it is at this point..

Thanks for your suggestions and your experiences..it makes sense that an old injury will be vulnerable. ..and as Bobber said, it could be an old injury reacting to the weather as in an arthritic condition..

Regarding P.T., it's the perrenial question of do you do P.T. and movement despite the pain, or do you rest the area...the Chiro did say that if it rests too long, the shoulder can freeze...
The sun still hasn't surfaced for a couple of weeks and more rain is forcasted..
I guess only time will tell whether or not the RSD has decided to take a winter cruise to the right side of my upper body..
Sandy, you're amazing to walk in 12 degree weather!! Do you have polar bear ancestry?
Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions, experiences and support..
It is so comforting!!!....good medicine.........
hugs, and wishes for your comfort..
hope4thebest

[SandyRI]

Originally Posted by hope4thebest

Thanks, everyone for your replies !

Sandy, you're amazing to walk in 12 degree weather!! Do you have polar bear ancestry?
Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions, experiences and support..
It is so comforting!!!....good medicine.........
hugs, and wishes for your comfort..
hope4thebest

No - but I do have long silk underwear, flannel-lined jeans from Eddie Bauer, a heavy duty long wool coat that comes almost to my ankles, a pair of gloves with a pair of mitttens over them, 2 scarves, earmuffs and a hat, etc, etc....We wrap ourselves up like eskimoes when it's that cold out.

I think the key is that my friends and I don't let much stop us from taking our walks in the morning. And we go out early every day, even on weekends. I've started to get used to the bitter cold, I must admit at first it was pretty awful.

I truly think that the problems with my legs and feet would be much, much worse right now if I didn't keep moving all the time. And when I saw Getson in NJ he said my hands were surprisingly strong for someone with brachial plexus RSD. That's because I have never stopped using them, even though by using them I cause myself a lot of head pain. My headaches just basically don't ever go away. Of course, I have 2 teenagers to clean up after, a house to take care of, a yard with extensive gardens, laundry, etc. etc.... How in the world could I exist without using my hands and arms all the time?

When my right leg started I didn't really want to believe that it was my RSD spreading. And I always keep it covered up so I can't see it. The pain and swelling and discoloration at times have been truly awful. What has helped my leg the most have been the lidocaine infusions. My doctor ordered those after my RSD spread beyond my upper right extremity. I also had a lumbar block. But lidocaine has been the best for my leg, it's taken care of about 50% of my leg pain and swelling and works for about a week and a half or so on about 30% my head and neck and shoulder pain (I wear a Fentanyl patch also). I also use a heating pad all the time, lots of Voltaren gel and Lidoderm patches, Flector patches, and get lots of sleep and rest. Because I don't work I try to take it easy most days (between my bouts of exercise and chores) and that likely helps as well.

I hope this extra info is helpful to you, and that you are able to find a doc to help you soon. You say that you are in between PM docs. I truly wish you the best of luck with that. It's so hard when you are WC, and each state is different in how the funds are administered. Please take care,

XOXOX Sandy

[hope4thebest]

Hi Sandy,
I know how much you want to go back to work, but it is good that you are able to focus on healing and seeking out as many modalities as possible. I remember reading your posts early on when your injury had first taken place, and how complicated it has become. I commend you for keeping up with all your family and home responsiblities. I recall what a relief it was for you to finally have a definitaive diagnosis for arm/shoulder pain.
This is now precisely what my dilemma is..is my new pain 'spread', or is it strain, or resurgance of old injury, or a combination...?

It was so painful again at work today, I couldn't focus...When I got home, I used tiger balm all over my shoulder and arm and massaged the area as much as I could reach..that seemed to help a little. i feels as though I have that 'sciatica' kind of pain in my arm/shoulder and neck!!! along with specific points in muscles which feel like internal bruising (strain??)

I see the chiro again on Friday for ultrasound and an adjustment in my upper back and neck..(I hope that isn't aggravating all of it..) If there is an appt. available on Saturday I will schedule massage for arm, back, shoulder and neck. Some months ago, I had a massage by the same therapist.. He spends so much time pointing out the muscles, tendons, ligaments involved (why don't the docs spend that much time!!) ..he might be able to shed some insight..but, frankly it feels like it's traveling..my hand and thumb had the burning sensation...I hope that it is only that I am so bound up that the nerves are being pinched..
I am waiting for authorization from WC for an appointment with an anesthesiologist at Stanford..I hope it comes through soon.

Sandy, I am sorry it's so hard for you to look at your leg..I know this may sound maudlin, but try and look at your leg with compassion, as that part of your body is probably struggling to regain equilibrium. I am trying to to the same with the painful parts of my body..rather that repel and avoid the pain they cause, i try to accept and console my foot and legs, and now my shoulder, arm and neck, even though they make me cry...it's really hard to do.....
What is happening with your WC ketamine ?
Stay warm on those walks!!!
hope4thebest xoxo

[SandyRI]

Originally Posted by hope4thebest

Hi Sandy,
This is now precisely what my dilemma is..is my new pain 'spread', or is it strain, or resurgance of old injury, or a combination...?

It was so painful again at work today, I couldn't focus...When I got home, I used tiger balm all over my shoulder and arm and massaged the area as much as I could reach..that seemed to help a little. i feels as though I have that 'sciatica' kind of pain in my arm/shoulder and neck!!! along with specific points in muscles which feel like internal bruising (strain??)

I see the chiro again on Friday for ultrasound and an adjustment in my upper back and neck..(I hope that isn't aggravating all of it..) If there is an appt. available on Saturday I will schedule massage for arm, back, shoulder and neck. Some months ago, I had a massage by the same therapist.. He spends so much time pointing out the muscles, tendons, ligaments involved (why don't the docs spend that much time!!) ..he might be able to shed some insight..but, frankly it feels like it's traveling..my hand and thumb had the burning sensation...I hope that it is only that I am so bound up that the nerves are being pinched..
I am waiting for authorization from WC for an appointment with an anesthesiologist at Stanford..I hope it comes through soon.

Sandy, I am sorry it's so hard for you to look at your leg..I know this may sound maudlin, but try and look at your leg with compassion, as that part of your body is probably struggling to regain equilibrium. I am trying to to the same with the painful parts of my body..rather that repel and avoid the pain they cause, i try to accept and console my foot and legs, and now my shoulder, arm and neck, even though they make me cry...it's really hard to do.....
What is happening with your WC ketamine ?
Stay warm on those walks!!!
hope4thebest xoxo

Hope - do you have any other symptoms of RSD in your arm other than pain - swelling, discoloration/rash, veins, etc? Does heat help?

I love your writing style, are you in education? You write in a very educated, artsy manner! It's very nice. And thanks for the advice on the acceptance of my poor injured parts. You are so right. I am fortunate that my parts, although they hurt very badly and look awful at times, still work.

My court date for the ketamine is one week from today - the 21st. I am hopeful that the treatments will be approved. I have a great attorney, I found the best doctor, and he wrote the truth about my condition in his report - specifically, that ketamine is the only treatment left for me right now, it has an excellent chance of working, and that without it I will be permanently and totally disabled for the rest of my life, unable to work. Harsh words that make me cry every time I read them, but the truth. The kind of work that I do is too technical for me to do on meds. I need to get better before I go back. I am 49 years old, too young to retire, and have too many financial obligations to give up now on getting better. I need a paycheck, not SSDI.

So I am waiting and waiting. If I prevail in court, I will need to plan what happens in my household while I am away for a few weeks, since I have 2 teenagers and a dog and no family nearby.

I can only pray that you also will get treatment soon, too. We all need to get better and move on with our lives, right??

XOXOX Sandy