Yesterday, I went in for my 2nd epidural block since the SCS implant on Dec 2010. Unfortunately, I had the SCS implanted twice due to lead migration and battery moving. The first one was in Sept 2010. On Dec 2010, I had the leads surgically placed as well as paddle implanted.

Originally the stim was implanted to help with nerve pain in my right leg (from approximately knee area down to toes) following 6 surgeries to correct injuries from a car accident in 2007. Since the paddle was implanted, I have experienced RSD symptoms in my mid back region (where paddle is at), between shoulder blades, base of my neck and primarily left arm, hand and finger tips (the right side is slowly catching up). My surgical site is extremely sensitive as is the other areas, as well as increased swelling. The orthopedic surgeon that performed the surgery in Dec of 2010 told me two weeks following the implant at his office visit and stitch removal that it seemed the RSD was spreading to other regions.

My pain doctor (first one) said that it was just due to the swelling, 2nd pain doctor said it could be RSD and a third thought possibly medications. Now, keep in mind that the pain doctors are all in the same practice, sometimes a certain doctor isn't there when appointments are scheduled so you see whoever is there. My husband and I went round and round with this office until we finally got one doctor, one nurse, one P.A. and one office location as there was so many different answers, so many different medication screw ups on their part, as well as screwed up office locations and/or times.

So, I am currently being seen by the doctor that thought the RSD could be spreading and affecting other areas now. However, at yesterday's epidural, he did say that even though I am presenting with RSD symptoms in those regions, that he has very rarely seen it spread like mine is. He stated that he has seen it start in one leg and move to the other, but not start in a leg, move to the "trunk region" and the opposite limb (my right leg originally and now my left arm is being affected).

I was surprised to hear this, especially since finding this site. I thought that I had seen a "diagram" on here somewhere that showed the different ways RSD affects/spreads. I know that the leg to leg is called a "mirrored", and I would like to find it again to show my husband and doctor. Can anyone help me out and/or does anyone have a good understand as to how RSD sometimes work? I figure that people who are suffering like I am would have a better then doctors sometimes. If I am not his "text book" patient, I would like to educate myself so I can help him treat me or maybe it's time for a new doctor...

Thanks for the help in advance.

Actually, I just found it again and this time I printed it and SAVED it to my computer.

My wife broke her right wrist and over the years without any invasive procedures except for Ketamine fusions and a reset of her wrist, has spread nearly 10 years to her other arm, back and both legs and feet.