[keep smilin]

Can I ask a question?? Anyone with RSD in your back.. Is it hard to draw in a deep breaths due to pain?? Does it feel as if you are pulling in 'cold' air at times?? Difficult to stay in one position esp. sitting??

Thanks..Kathy

[keep smilin]

Originally Posted by keep smilin

Can I ask a question?? Anyone with RSD in your back.. Is it hard to draw in a deep breaths due to pain?? Does it feel as if you are pulling in 'cold' air at times?? Difficult to stay in one position esp. sitting??

Thanks..Kathy

Okay, leave it to me to eleborate on my own question but possibly this is lungs Iam talking .. I did have a SCS implanted in 2008..just in case it is part of the equasion...

Kathy

[Cricket183]

Kathy,

I have RSD/CRPS in my back and yes I have a lot of difficulty with being in any position. Mine is primarily in my upper back and from your post I am gathering that's what you are referring to also. For me, lying on my back is the worst. Sitting upright is also difficult. The best position for me is a semi-reclining position. I spend a lot of time in my recliner. As far as the breathing issues it is really difficult or me to answer because the RSD/CRPS is also in my chest wall and rib cage on both sides so I rarely take a deep breath--in fact I avoid it at all costs due to pain. Sorry I couldn't be any more help.
Cricket

[ali12]

I have been diagnosed with almost certainly RSD in my back, although my Pain Management Doctor can't be 100% sure if it is that as I have other underlying back issues going on also that could be causing some of the pain and symptoms I am currently experiencing (curvature of the spine and Shceurmanns disease - a disease that causes the discs in your back to herniate).

I'm almost positive some of the symptoms I have ARE from RSD. I have severe pain in the middle of my back and also have a lump that comes and goes and becomes very red, bruised, swollen and changes temperature. I am unable to sustain one position like you and find that sitting for even short periods of times causes extreme pain. I am constantly having to change position.

My PTs think that some of the symptoms I am experiencing are from the underlying back issues however they too think that RSD could be a contributing factor. I have been given exercises to do to try and help but they don't seem to be at the moment. My mums wanting me to go to another hospital for a second opinion.

At my last PT appt, my PTs found out that my heart rate is a lot faster than what it should be. Like you, I find it hard to breath and feel in and out and feel as though my chest is tight. I'm going to see a Cardiologist because of that but have been told that it can be quite common in RSD / Chronic Pain conditions.

I hope things start looking up for you soon. Sorry you have to deal with all this, I know how stressful and scary it is!

Alison

[Cricket183]

Alison,
I too have an increased heart rate that started around the time my RSD spread into my chest wall. I started having runs of SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia-a very rapid heart rate) and also low blood pressure. My cardiologist ran all kinds of tests and luckily did not find anything wrong with the heart itself. After all the tests came back ok he determined that the RSD was affecting my heart rate and blood pressure. I wish I could explain it the way he did but it all has to do with the sympathetic nervous system and the nerves that innervate the heart. I am now on medication to keep my heart rate lower. I pray all goes well for you when you see the cardiologist. Keep us updated.
Cricket