Hello All~ I made an appt. with dr. Schwartzman two years ago. It is finally here this march. Since I had made the appointment I found a really good dr. that I am happy with and had a scs implant. I love it and can't believe I suffered for 2 years without it. I believe my rsd has gotten worse because when the scs is turned off I can barely walk. It started in one leg and spread to both shortly after being diagnoised. Recently I noticed it spread to my arm. My dr. did a block and it has helped some what. Their is really nothing more he can do for me but give me medication and listen to my complaints. Since I am happy with the scs does anyone think I should keep my appt. with Schwartzman.

Hi.

I would keep the appointment. Get another opinion...I can't believe you waited two years, it won't hurt, it many help your situation. Either way you say that your pm can only give you meds to help with the pain. So why not get another opinion from Dr. S. He may have another plan for you...either way, I hope you get some answers and some relief.

Sandy

Funny while reading your post...I thought you were going to ask that ???? I n my opinion.... Absolutely...keep your appt. He will examine you and a very least you will have an updated knowledge base on your RSD as well anything else he may share with you.... These appt.s are far and wide..long waiting list, I too am scheduled for March... and I have the same location s as you..beginning in one leg..next leg ..hip..jaw... I think better safe than sorry and go to see him...and I've read here by many that once you are his patient always his patient and one day that may come in handy should you have further spread and questions... worth the trip in, my friend....

Have a wonderful day and night!!

Absolutely, positively keep the appointment, with Dr. Schwartzman!

I was injured and got RSD in 83 (Eighty Three), and seven years later, after seeing more than 100 doctors (walking out on many of them), my Chiropractor recognized my symptoms were the same as another patient who was seeing him. This other patient had left some RSD pamphlets and I got one. I read it, and had no doubt that's what I had. The chiropractor made me a fast appointment. When Dr. S. told me "I know what you have". I almost burst into tears. The fear and frustration that 7 long years with those crappy meds back then, and NO ANSWERS~!

I don't know if you have any litigation going on, but if so, you REALLY need Dr S on your side. Even if your insurance company gives you a difficult time. Dr. S's C.V. is incredibly long. Perhaps the longest of any neurologist. He's been the chief of neurology of at least 6 major hospitals. While he is concentrating on the Ketamine coma, he had me in for the lidocaine infusion (10 days ).

He's kind and gentle, and really knows a lot of what rsd does. My own doctor, Knobler, was his partner for several years. They're both at the pinnacle of treating this monster!

Be well!

Pete

I agree with the rest of the respondants - what a great opportunity to get an excellent 2nd opinion on your condition and treatment options!! You are fortunate to be able to see Dr. S. - and I think you will eventually be sorry if you pass this appt. up and later on develop more symptoms or your SCS no longer works so effectively.

Good luck. XOXOX Sandy

I agree with everyone else also and go to the appt. I did the same thing 2 years ago I made an appt with schwartzman just incase I was still in horrible shape and last oct. it finally came around. I myself didnt go through with it and gave it up only because the doctor I am seeing is already working with schwartzman on my case so since he already know all about me I didnt think it necassary. If he wasnt already on my case I would have definitly of seen him, you just never know what ideas he might have.

Niki

Keep the appt. the opinion is worth it. He is very kind and extremely knowledgeable.

I have had the 5 day infusions 3 x's in NYC and did my boosters with him.

Good Luck

Gabbycakes

Absolutly, there is not a doctor, neuro on earth that has a concept and intuition this man does, Not that I agree with his anti opiad therapy, but he is a gem. Treated Pres. Ford when he had a stroke in Phila during a convention.
They would want the best for him, and he is.

When he told my dd what she had, I could have kissed him. I did cry, a chiro reconised the symptoms and the neuro referred us. He was giving us the answer dozens and dozens of doctors did not even know what they were dealing with or W/C refused to admit the severe situtation. He gave us credibility, and hope......

He can tell you how long term things will be, why or why not the device is working, and sooo many things you would want to know.
He ask if he can bring interns in if they are on service, he had psych ones when we were there last. He showed them the scars from CT surgery, the complete derma tones, where the touch sensations, and reflexes are,

Then he surprised me and said to them. this patient could and would normally be sent to you as inconsistant with testing results saying the pain is in there head. He poked, lifted, needle touch, strength and each of these students saw how pain can be invisable, and is debilatating.

I love him to death, but can not be as advanced as he is with ketimine coma. I think that is for the worse of the worse.
The hyberbaric treatment and ketimin infusion trial. are the way to start.IMO'
GO don't miss the chance, if you decide not too., boy my sone would fill in a moment notice.
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