Hi, I am new to the forum and have a few questions about my symptoms surrounding RSD/CRSD. Okay, here goes.

I injured my left hand (thumb) and had a left ulnar bone abutment. Had two surgeries done. The first was to shorten my ulnar bone which is now held together with a plate and screws, this was done July 2009. Which as of this day still causes me pain. The second surgery was Feb 2010 of my thumb also the joint is held together with a plate and screws.

I had been in and out of several different types of cast and splints because of the continues pain in my thumb and wrist. On one occasion of wearing a short cast that went from my wrist and supported my thumb. I had the most horrible pain, and burning one could imagine. After two weeks of pain, I went back to the hand surgeon to have it removed. I had sweated underneath this cast, and which they called, 'Maceration', so much so that the saturated skin surrounding my thumb was removed. I was then placed in a longer cast and sent on my way. But the pain still continued. As time went by my fingers that protruded above the cast looked like sausages, they were so red and swollen. Needless to say so was my arm because the cast felt too tight. Went back to have it removed, and was placed in a splint.

Still the pain continued, and the sweating also of my forearm and hand. It was so bad that I developed bluster looking boils over my hand and forearm.
There was an awful smell so much so that anyone that came near me could smell it. Went back again and I was told I had a skin yeast infection.

The pain and tingling, pins and needles had increased. By this time I was seeing a Physiotherapist to manage my pain. Had an emg that showed nothing. By this time the pain was now in my shoulder, and my trapezium in my shoulder was swollen and hurt like the dicken if touched. I was diagnosed with myofascial something or other...can't remember. Was given a
lidicaine injection in other trigger points as well. Still the pain, stiffness, swelling in my hand was there. Had another emg, which shown carpal tunnel,
then another that said no carpal tunnel but cubical tunnel in both elbows.

By this being workers comp injury, and that my injury was located in my hand and wrist, nothing was done for the cubical tunnel. I went back to see my surgeon for a routine follow up of my thumb surgery, and told him about my problems. My fingers were some what blue in color, and painful. He gave me a cortisone injection in my wrist. Then asked me how was my pain now? I said it's still there but not as bad. By the time I got home...omg ! The pain and burning had come back with a vengeance!

For about three hours I could not use my left hand. By night fall I had taken three oxycodones, two trazodones 50 mg each just to get some relief to sleep.

Long story short. I finally went to see my private doctor. He examined my shoulder, forearm and hand. My hand was swollen, red hard to make a fist without them burning. The pain had gone into up my median forearm, and was sensitive to the cold in his office. My blood pressure was high, but I do have hypertension already. He it was so high I was ready to exploded. Also that I have RSD, and there is something going on with my shoulder muscles.
Gave me presciption for six pack steroids, and more oxycodone and cymbalta as well. Wanted me to see a neurologist, and a hand specialist. But again
by it being works comp it had to be approved by them, and that my private doctor is not a workers comp doctor.

I told him that I had another routine appointment to see the hand surgeon for the follow up of the cortisone injection. So, he held office his referrals.
When I saw the surgeon, my left foot had swollen twice it's size and I could barely lift it. Had pins and needles in my toes, and my hand again still had the same symptoms. He said that I had RSD/CRSD, and dictated in his note for me to see the pain doctor for aggressive treatment...ganlion nerve block...sorry for the spelling.

My question...finally...lol is this. Since taking the six pack steroids tablets, I have had little swelling, less pain and hardly much burning. Does this mean I don't have RSD/CRSD?

It is nice to meet you..I am sorry under these circumstances but just the same..welcome..We are family here..You have found a very warm and caring group.. As I read your your post I must admit a few key points popped into my head...RSD/CRPS does exhibit many of the symptoms you described..burning, color changes, swelling..pain that is out of this world and the duration..never ends..sensitivity to cold on and on.. It is best to be dx by a pain mangaement, or neurlogists or even an anesteslogist..a Dr. who exhibits the best knowledge in RSD... Timing is everything and you must move quickly..Avoid cold, that will make it worse should you have RSD..The emg test is not always accurate for RSD .. and as far as your steroid intake and relief..That is possible as RSD can be managed by pain meds but again..see someone to give you a definative answer...so please, move quickly to a Dr. who you trust and knows about RSD...Stick with us here for support and ask us anything..as we all lean on eachother to get thru..Most of all stay upbeat and never stop moving..

Let us know how you are doing...

Kathy

i read through your entire post and have to agree that it sounds like it certainly could be RSD unfortunately.

I'm far from an expert - just learning about this disease - but did want to commiserate re: the skin yeast infection. I also developed one post-surgery, and since I had (and still have) no feeling in that area, I had no clue anything was wrong until it was pretty well set in. Beyond the medications, I found that using Gold Bond powder really helped. Now that it's healed, I use it regularly just to make sure the infection doesn't recur.

All the best to you. I'm sorry you're dealing with this, but this community is a lifeline, you'll find.

Thanks you for responding to my post. I am glad I found this community of caring people. Now I don't feel so all alone. I don't have much family here where I live, just my two adult sons, that really love and look after me. I am not scheduled to see my pain doctor until next Thursday. The previous visit was with his PA., and all he did was read the note from the surgeon and then ask if I needed refills of my prescription; he would have the pain doctor see me about the RSD on Thursday...that was it!

Boy did that make me feel real cared for if you caught my drift ! But since this is workers comp...what can I do? The pain doctor has down played all of my symptoms already. The only possible saving grace is that now my private doctor and surgeon agree that this is RSD. Wish me luck with my pain doctor and hoping that he doesn't down play this condition. He really had me thinking it was all in my head...but now I know it's truly isn't! I always believe there was something going on...just didn't know what.

Thanks for reading my post. God Bless.

Hi Lefty, It is possible to get RSD as an approved diagnosis on a WC claim after an injury. Through the work of my doctors, and many hearings and appointments I do have this as an approved condition. That said, any type of treatment, other than drug therapy has been a struggle. It has led to a delay in treatment, I have been waiting since February to get an approval for a SCS trial, and have another hearing in August for that. Be aware of any mental health conditions that may arise from this injury, you may be able to get an allowance for depression that will allow you to get therapy and medication for that if it is needed. Sometimes even getting the meds can be a problem. I was taking Cymbalta at rather high doses for about 8 months when WC abruptly decided that they were n longer going to cover it any longer and this caused a very uncomfortable several days of detox with no medical assistance. I just had a horrible flare and my PM doc did prescribe the steroid pack like you had to try and get it calmed down, so I have to think that this is an accepted treatment, but cannot be used with any great frequency due to the harmful effects of the steroids. Prepare yourself for a difficult journey with WC, find a good attorney that deals with WC, and most importantly find a doctor that you can develope a good rapport with. Good luck, Lisa (also a lefty)

Thanks for the heads up on everything. As far as the Cymbalta 60 mg, I am already getting denied on that. My private and the pain doctor's PA gives me
those trail boxes. So I am already feeling the "heat" from WC. I do have an attorney and I am preparing myself for the battle that is on its way. I wish you and everyone here all the best. I just keep reminding myself that this battle is not mine but the Lords.
Lefty