Debbie -

I'll try to get you the full article, then you forward it to your internist (cc to the pain doctor) telling him or her that a friend just past this on to you and you were wondering if it had anything to do with your muscle atrophy. (I'll try to be more helpful one I've read it myself.) Then you set an appointment for a week thereafter, describe what you are going through and ask if the article suggests any possible treatments to him or her: assuming your internist is a smart person you trust.

Mike

I have this situation going on also. I was told early on that RSD is a 'Use it or Lose it' affliction, which as has been said, is a double edged sword.
You (We) need to move! Start by walking, at least around a block, and build up to more! Start at whatever level doesn't hurt too much, and build up from there. If you can get to a gym, or a warm pool that's the best! But, Don't just sit and watch tv, or be at the computer. You've got to use it!
As I said, I'm in the same situation after 27 yrs of this, (with TOS).
The weather is so awful, it's impossible but, sometimes, getting out and walking can do a lot for your mood / depression too!
(I'm not suggesting a walk to the bar) Hah!

But, I hope you can move around. A walk around the block will get your blood circulating, your lungs working, and will help with chores like doing the wash, vacuming etc.

Be Well!

p

Maybe some gentle yoga style moves or even ti chi?? - you can find samples or types on you tube & Google videos - for beginners, seniors or arthritis would be the easiest to try.

I read somewhere that swimming is good for fluidity & movement -and if you can't bear weight on your legs or joints, but because the water buoys you up some of the weight bearing & muscle fitness benefits are not there. So you'd have to do more swimming to get equal benefits.

I don't know if your insurance would pay for PT but I do agree with Jo and Daniella that you do need exercise and massages.

I spent 4 years in PT for the RSD, Fibro, TOS, and other things and when I finally got the right therapist, they helped me a lot. They didn't make me do any lifting or tugging or treadmills. They did massages and stretched my fingers and hands and they did teach me some exercise to do at home. I am doing better these days. I have my setbacks but I do consider that it's been like a miracle that I found the right help in the right places.

Find you some exercises to do on line or as I said a PT. I will say I can't join gyms due to the machinery they have although I'd love to. Now I do some exercises at home and I am able to get out a lot more. You have got to get some movement going in your body by loosening things up.

I hope you find some good help soon. Party sounds like fun, I had a great Christmas even though I was sick and this weekend I have to drive 150 miles one way to a funeral for someone we spent Christmas with. I dread the trip and I cry for the loss of a good person.

Feel better soon.
Ada

Thanks Mike...Any translation would be appreciated!

Thanks for all your replies,, I do go swimming 3x weekly and massage 1-2x weekly. My muscles are atrophying despite using then and I think the only way it will stop is by breaking the cycle...I just wish we knew how to do that!!

Walking is awesome...you may need to wait for the ice to melt! But really, I think my daily walks with my dog have helped keep me sane.

Good luck...xoxo. Sandy

Oh, Sandy. I so miss walking. That was my stress outlet. I would walk it off. No walking now. I was just wondering today, how to replace that. I guess I've switched to more meditating on scripture, but there are some days when I just want to feel the physical release from getting some exercise. Soon I hope doc will let me do water exercise. For now he is against any unnecessary movement. He is hoping this will reduce the inflammation around the nerve and reverse the effects, but I kinda think we are past that now. Enjoy your walks for both of us. No more Smokey Mt Cades Cove walks for me, no trail hiking. I'm making new choices for escape.

pat e

I can only walk about 1/2 a block before my foot and leg give out . The only physical exercise I can still do is swim and that is slowly fading with my back muscles going and my left leg muscles too.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

Debbie

so sorry guys....RSD is an awful condition that affects each of us so differently. Ugh....

Please take care, Sandy