Hi All,

I have told my long story many times and how I always felt there was something else wrong with my RSD Arm besides the rsd. Well finally, after 3 years of questioning and reading and wondering my doctor finally thinks there might me more then just RSD. Don't get me wrong I believe I always had RSD but something else was wrong. Most of my RSD symptoms have calmed down tremendously through all the procedures includng ketamine. But I was left with a chronic pain in my arm/elbow that just never quits. The pain is inside my arm right next to the elbow so I am able to protect it for the post part and deal with the pain with a low dose of medicatioin. I also believe this situation is what keeps the RSD alive, for lack of a better word, because I still at times will get burning, spreading of the pain down my arm to my hand, the headaches, sleeping problems, swallowing problems etc. but these symtoms come and go and can go from minor to quite sever at times.

Anyway, I posted I had pneomonia(spelling) a couple of weeks ago and still getting over it. They gave me prednisone to help with the lungs. Keep in mind I was given prednisone when I first got injuired back in 2003. My arm,hand,elbow was so swollen after the injuriy they used prednisone to get the inflamation down. I told my PM Doctor that while I was on the prednisone for the pnemonia I had 0 pain in my RSD arm. He was really surprised and stated and I quote him, "prednisone would not do a thing for RSD". So we breifly discussed what has gone on in the last 7 years and he said maybe we should do some studies to see what is happening.

I always have felt that at the end of the day there was something wrong with this arm. Just because I wasn't screaming on the floor in pain and I came so far with this injuiry, I mean I was told I might not ever be able to use this arm again and today if I didn't tell you I had this horrible disorder or saw my scars you would not even know I had a problem. But I do suffer every day and it has changed my personality tremendously. So this spring I will start the process of trying to find out what is really wrong but at least I have the support of my PM Doctor.

I will begin with my current surgeon and go from there. I believe I have a neuroma or a small nerve compression.

Wanted to share this because you never know how things could change and I welcome any suggestions.

Gabbycakes