I have recently come out of remission from my RSD. It is in my left foot/achillies due to previous surgeries. After having a car wreck in May of this year, the collision thru me painfully back into RSD After injections failed, my RSD has now spread up my leg and my right foot is starting to have problems as well as my back area.

My Pain Management Doc is recommending a Neurostimulator as an option for me. Anyone have personal info that can help me with this decision.

Needing help. Pain is horrific and I am having a hard time making the decision. I would love to know if it worked for you or not!!!

Thanks,
Renee'

Hi Renee, I am so sorry about your car accident and further spread. My ortho Dr. ordered me a Tens Unit, that I believe helped me. These are patch for outside skin with adjustable stimulation thru batteries. This is not the SCS that is surgically implanted. I personally would not take the chance of spread with that method. Some have had good results, but I've read more negative than positive with it. Massage therapy worked real well with me. My Dr. just built two clinics and put in HBOT in them. He is having good results with it. He is in Scottsdale, AZ. Swimming in 86 degree water was a life safer along with massage therapy and physical therapy.
I'm so sorry you are in horrific pain- what meds are you on? I've got full body plus internal RSD. Take 4 vicodin a day, 4 lorazepam, 120 Cymbalta,
2 blood pressure meds. 150 mg seroquel xr for sleep, One of the best things I did 6 years ago was finding an excellent psychiatrist who also is a neruologist and pharmacologist. Have had this 15 years. Journaling has helped me, exercise everyday. reading, swimming, meditation, visualization. I hope to try the HBOT my Dr. just put in his clinics.
Biofeedback is a wonderful method to respond to physical symptoms. In the early years, I had 3 remissions. So, I hope the best for you. your friend, loretta

Hi Renee, I do use a TENS unit and have had it for several years. It really works best for me when I feel my muscles tighten up in my shoulder and neck area ( RSD started in my left arm). It is good because of the many levels that you can set it on and it can be worn on a belt clip. If your insurance will cover it I would give it a shot. It is easy to use, non invasive and can be used to cover the areas that you need it on the most. My kids have even borrowed it for when they get a pulled muscle and my son used it in his shoulders after a laproscopic surgery to help with the pain from all the gas they pump into the abdomen. I really wouldn't be without mine. Lisa

Hello Renee..

I am so sorry to read of your situation and your terrible pain .. We RSD'ers have so much in common...ugly pain... Renee..I have a SCS implant..i had the surgery in 9/08... my orgiginal RSD site is my Right knee/leg..further spread to my left leg and upward to my left pelvis..left arm and now my right jaw.. I can't exactly say but my spread came after my implant sugery and I hate to say this but my implant has not been a positive.. as when I turn it on..it really makes my RSD angry.. and I have been diagnosised with a very agressive form of RSD... now I really am not trying to sway your decision about the SCS as we all respond differently... please, read up on the SCS posts here on this board..do your homework before making this step..I pray that it will be a wonderful intervention in helping you manage your pain...


Again... I am sorry about your painful time...I wish you a wonderful night..and blessings of more strength from here forward..

Hugz, Kathy