Is anyone else having problems with edema and /or lymphedemia? My husband has both, along with ulcers on his legs. Workers comp is denying that it is connected to the RSD. I say it is, but I have to find other cases and documentation to back up our motion. If so, could you please let me know where to find the proof.
Also if others are having the problems, what are you doing for it? So far, they just keep wrapping his legs, and on the days between his appointments, I have to wrap them because thee is so much seepage that his bandages are wet every day.
Thanks! and soft hugs to all!

Do you have a WC lawyer yet? Try to get the very best one in your area - ask neighbors, relatives, friends for referrals. Look at the history of WC court cases and see if there are any attorneys that seem to consistently win. DON'T go by just the ads in your phonebook.

You also need to get a really good doctor on board that will provide your attorney with the documentation needed on your husband's behalf that he can take to court.

I could never fight WC alone. They are truly evil. And the WC system in each state has been set up by lawyers, for lawyers, IMHO. The legal fees that are incurred by both sides are paid by the insurance company (or at least they are in RI). So find a good lawyer who knows the system and let him handle things for you.

I'm really sorry about the edema and ulcers. I've heard of many people that have had the same symptoms with RSD. Have you checked out the RSDSA.org website? I sincerely hope that your husband gets the help he needs soon.

The best of luck to you both, XOXO Sandy

Hi Al1952, From what others have said, a lot of us have edema. Circulation issues are part of RSD.Drinking a lot of water helps to remove excess water from our systems. I also have had massage therapy on weekly basis and am fully mobile except for one hand. I found a lymphatic massage therapist, who truly knew her work. They know where to start and how to work the lymph glands in the right direction, removing excess water. I also watch my sodiium intake. There are natural pills at health food stores, like apple cider pills, help remove water.
As for lesions, my Dr. told me not to bandage them. He had me sit in epsom salt warm, not hot water for a few minutes several times a day. Pat dry, remove the infection. The warm water raises the infection to the surface.
After patting dry, I would use anti bacterial cream. Lesions are serious-can develope into sepsis or the flesh eating disorder. Definetely have a Dr. look at your lesions.!!! A good source of information also is rsdrx.com Dr. Hooshmand practiced for 40 years in Florida Under puzzles he has 150 questions from patients and his answers. A diet high in anti-oxidants is important as well as the B vitamins and vitamin c.
I hope this helps. I know I was amazed at first when I started having enlarged lymph glands-under arm, at bottom of ear, groin area, sinus area, It's amazing how swollen, infected they become.
Let us know how you are doing. your friend, loretta

Im so sorry for your suffering!

i have abdominal RSD. i had 3 surgeries and i have over 70lbs of swelling on my abdomen. 3 years ago when there was 45lbs of swelling...a plastic surgeon thought it would be a good try to cut it all off so they cut me hip to hip and removed 25lbs of tissue (sorry to be gross) but it nearly killed me, i died and they brought me back. then the swelling grew back with avengence! so now i have 70lbs of swelling. i takr prednisone and imuran to try to control the inflammation. i know they are working bevause when i try to ween myself off them i swell even more. i never had a workmans comp issue so i cant help there. i work from home sitting/laying on my bed and sell office supplies. i had a career in this before i got sick and my boss lets me work from home...
Soft hugs to you too!
Lori

Hi Sandy
Thanks for the note. He has a lawyer, but I think this is the lawyers first RSD case and close to the first w/c case. We can't fire her because we will still have to pay her. As far as a good Doc. - I'm not sure there are any around here. We even tried a "CRPS Clinic" that was 3 hours away. On first visit, we told him that Alan could not lay down - He said "no Problem, we can handle that". 4trips later, he said he couldn't help Alan -because he can't lay down - but come back later when he can lay down and maybe he can help then!
New Doc is PM. He put him on Methadone and Lyrica. (Also ordered clonidine patch - which comp denied). Then told him to come back in a month and we would talk about a SCS. We are not ready to go that route yet. The only other thing that has been tried is nerve block which made it worse. We are not sure what to do next! I have tried the RSDSA web site, but I am still learning to negotiate these! Thank You!

Thanks! I have looked at the rsdx.com website several times, and have found Dr. Hooshmand very helpful. In fact, I have printed a couple of his articles to help when we go to the w/c hearing. Alan is going to Lymphedema clinic. They are the ones wraping his legs. I mentioned leaving the wraps off for awhile, but they said no they would get infected. Alan mentioned the salt bath to then and they laughed, even when he told them it worked when he was younger and got cut up really bad. The girl that does the lymph manipulation has only done it one time out of 3 visits, then only did the left side? didn't seem right to me, but I wasn't sure. Thanks for the help!

I suggest you find another lawyer to deal with the first lawyer....it appears that she's incompetent and you really can't afford that right now. Every day, week and month counts where your husband's pain is concerned. Don't let anyone bully you into thinking that you need to pay them when they haven't been able to do what they were hired to do!