[cndangel]

Hi everyone,

Thought I would introduce myself. I am 39 years old, married and a mom to 2 beautiful girls. One is 18 and the other is 2 and a half.

On Oct 15th/2010 I was hurt at work. I work with special needs children and this year I was put with a very aggressive student. He grabbed me by the hair and cranked my neck back and then when I reached up with my right arm he grabbed it and gave it a good pull. At the time of the injury my shoulder/neck felt like it was on fire and that fire has not gone away in 5 months. I am also getting a lot of different symptoms as well. My symptoms are as follows:

Constant burning feeling in my shoulder and sometimes neck that seems to increase due to movement and stress.
Swelling/tightness in my shoulder that never seems to go away.
Shooting pains from my shoulder down my arm and a shooting pain from my ring finger up the arm.
My whole arm and hand can ache at times.
Sweating from my pinky and ring finger even when limb is cold. I have just noticed in the last 2 weeks that all 4 fingers sweat now as well.
white dots (patchy) up my arm.
Tingling in my fingers and in the middle of the night my arm goes asleep 2-3 times and is completely numb.
A constant Migraine.
Only being able to sleep 1-3 hours at a time and wake up many times during the night due to burning pain.
Loss of range of motion in my right arm. Unable to lift it very high.
Fingers swell and turn a bluish color at times.
Limb will get very cold (turns white) or very warm (turns red) at times.
I am also finding I can no longer tolerate heat or ice packs any more or my arm will turn bluish and cold and burning feeling will increase.
Also my right hand is very dry and itchy.

I was recently diagnosed with CRPS (RSD) by a neurologist and a pain medicine specialist.

I am currently taking Cymbalta (for the pain), have naproxen (which doesn't seem to do anything) and Oxycotin.

I am starting a new physio therapy next week. I will be going 3 times a week for 2 hours a day. I am a bit concerned about this as I would still like to have some quality of life and not just pain all the time.

My pain doc tells me that I have to work through the pain. I understand I have to get this limb moving but at the same time I don't know how much pain I should have to go through. As I am sure you all know it hurts just to move the limb in the slightest and if I move it a lot I spend the next 24 hours curled up in a ball in pain.

Anyways that is a quick introduction of myself and what I am currently going through. I look forward to getting to know all of you and sharing advice/support with each other.

Take care,
Karen

[AintSoBad]

Hello Karen,
You've come the right place, although I'm so sorry for the reason.
What a freak accident!

I've had rsd for over 27 years. It sounds as if you may have some TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome) involvement there too. As do I. (There is another thread on NT here, for that).
I'm glad you got such a quick diagnoses, (took me 7 years). They've got to be aggressive enough with your pain relief, so that you can do some stretching, but, I'd be careful about any kind of strengthening exercise. See if they don't torque up your headaches!

Your body will tell you what works/doesn't.
As you say the ice or heat. If they don't work, chuck 'em. (I use ice packs on my head, for headaches, but not for rsd, and most people will say they don't like ice on the rsd). Moist heat may come to work for neck, shoulder area.
Get some Eucerin (they make one called 'calming itch relief' too) or something like that for your right hand. (It dries from the inappropriate perspiration, the rsd).

I'd suggest that you talk to your neuro about more pain control (if you need it for therapy), and ask about TOS. He may want to send you to a hand specialist.

You'll have lots of friends here. If you like, you can PM me.

Also, I suggest you get over to to
www.rsdsa.org
Join.
It's a source of wonderful information.
Keep in mind too, that this disorder is 'Managed', not too often cured. But, you got a dx early, and that's your best chance to put it in remission. Do your reading and gather knowledge, all you can!

I wish you all the best, keep your chin up and appreciate all the good things!

Pete

ASB

[HurtsBad]

Hi Karen,
I was also recently diagnosed with RSD, mine is in my leg. I know everything that you are going through... I have all the exact same problems. Quality of life has also been a huge issue for me because I have been for the most part "couch bound" for almost 6 months now even though only being diagnosed about a month ago.

I've found a lot of very useful information on here so far. And everyone is very warm and welcoming! It's so helpful for me also knowing that there are many people here experiencig what we are experiencing. Although our families are suffering from our diagnosis' as well, the people on here have a much better understanding of our daily suffering.

Wishing you pain free days and restful nights,

HurtsBad
(Amy)

[Millerprof]

Welcome! I'm sorry to hear of what you are going through. Did the doctor discuss doing any blocks? Or some Lidoderm patchs or a TENS unit? That may help to get the pain under control enough to feel a little more comfortable doing PT. I do completely understand "working through" the pain. It seems counter-intuitive to use a limb that hurts so bad, but if you don't the pain will probably never go away. You stand the best chance of recovery if you can mobilize the limb, but I think it needs to be in conjunction with some good pain management.

I was diagnosed with RSD in my foot 4 years ago following surgery. It was a severe case--I even had the bone wasting and transparent skin; my foot was purple, the pain spread up my leg. I couldn't move my foot barely at all; my ankle locked up. My limb was freezing and I couldn't stand the feeling of anything blowing on it. It took me a year and a half, but I am completely recovered. I have NO pain anymore. I threw EVERYTHING at it, including aggressive PT (with aggressive pain management). You CAN get better.

[birchlake]

Karen,

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You definitely have come to the right place.

Read through these threads and you will get a LOT of useful information that will help you.

This condition is so individual and unique, that you have to do a lot of research and experimenting in finding out what works for you.

I was diagnosed in 2008 with CRPS in my right foot following multiple surgeries. While I still have CRPS, I can honestly say that things are much better.

I have found the right combination of medications and with the help of a physical therapist, chiropractor and a pain management doctor, have developed a daily routine (I spend 3 hours a day currently) that helps me manage my CRPS and lead a relatively normal life.

This process is not a straight line for anyone. But many do get better. Work at it.

Most of us have problems sleeping. It is so very important for you to concentrate on improving your sleep patterns as lack of sleep = more perceived pain the next day. For me, it was some habit changes and an anti-depressant that helps with sleep (Trazadone) that allowed me to get more shut-eye.

And I would research the use of ice. It isn't recommended by many professionals as it can aggravate the condition. I craved ice packs when I first had this disorder, but didn't use it at the advice of people in the know. For me and at this point, warm water is the best hydro-therapy for me. I start every day with a 30 minute soak in a warm tub.

Good luck to you!

[cndangel]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for the welcome.

To answer a few of the questions that were asked..... Yes, blocks have been mentioned but not happening at this point yet. Neurologist is just doing a few tests first.

When my injury first happened they thought I had a rotator cuff tear or dislocation and was given and MRI and a xray (no problems showed up). My neurologist sent me for a MRI on my cspine and brachial plexus last Thursday and tomorrow morning I am going for an EMG/NVC test. Anyone have one of these? If so are they painful?

On Wed I start my new physio therapy program. I have been going to physio right from the start of my injury but have not had any improvement and in fact things are progressively worse. I am hoping the new physio is going to make a difference as this time its a physical medicine doctor and his physio therapists doing it.

Because I was hurt at work I have Workers Comp. putting a lot of pressure on me. Which makes it hard. I do work 2 hours a day on light duty (some days even that is too hard). But I find because I have to go through Workers Comp for everything that a lot of my treatments/dr visits take longer then usually. Have to wait for approval on everything from workers comp before we can proceed. Very frustrating.

Another thing I am finding very difficult is taking care of my 2 year old. I have not been able to pick her up since I was hurt and just daily care of her is so hard. I have also noticed lately its really having an effect on her. In her pretend play she always plays doctor and all her stuff animals are "sick" with a hurt arm/leg/paw. Just recently she gets very emotional when she is playing this and says things like "Puppy is not getting better.... Puppy is very sick". Of course I know its because my injury has lasted so long and she see's me in so much pain. It worries me though that this is going to have a lasting affect on her.

Thanks again all for the welcome. I have been reading posts on the board and find it comforting to know I am not alone with this and others are going through or have gone through what I am.

It is also good to read others have gotten a lot better in time!

Take care,
Karen

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by cndangel

Hi everyone,

Thought I would introduce myself. I am 39 years old, married and a mom to 2 beautiful girls. One is 18 and the other is 2 and a half.

On Oct 15th/2010 I was hurt at work. I work with special needs children and this year I was put with a very aggressive student. He grabbed me by the hair and cranked my neck back and then when I reached up with my right arm he grabbed it and gave it a good pull. At the time of the injury my shoulder/neck felt like it was on fire and that fire has not gone away in 5 months. I am also getting a lot of different symptoms as well. My symptoms are as follows:

Constant burning feeling in my shoulder and sometimes neck that seems to increase due to movement and stress.
Swelling/tightness in my shoulder that never seems to go away.
Shooting pains from my shoulder down my arm and a shooting pain from my ring finger up the arm.
My whole arm and hand can ache at times.
Sweating from my pinky and ring finger even when limb is cold. I have just noticed in the last 2 weeks that all 4 fingers sweat now as well.
white dots (patchy) up my arm.
Tingling in my fingers and in the middle of the night my arm goes asleep 2-3 times and is completely numb.
A constant Migraine.
Only being able to sleep 1-3 hours at a time and wake up many times during the night due to burning pain.
Loss of range of motion in my right arm. Unable to lift it very high.
Fingers swell and turn a bluish color at times.
Limb will get very cold (turns white) or very warm (turns red) at times.
I am also finding I can no longer tolerate heat or ice packs any more or my arm will turn bluish and cold and burning feeling will increase.
Also my right hand is very dry and itchy.

I was recently diagnosed with CRPS (RSD) by a neurologist and a pain medicine specialist.

I am currently taking Cymbalta (for the pain), have naproxen (which doesn't seem to do anything) and Oxycotin.

I am starting a new physio therapy next week. I will be going 3 times a week for 2 hours a day. I am a bit concerned about this as I would still like to have some quality of life and not just pain all the time.

My pain doc tells me that I have to work through the pain. I understand I have to get this limb moving but at the same time I don't know how much pain I should have to go through. As I am sure you all know it hurts just to move the limb in the slightest and if I move it a lot I spend the next 24 hours curled up in a ball in pain.

Anyways that is a quick introduction of myself and what I am currently going through. I look forward to getting to know all of you and sharing advice/support with each other.

Take care,
Karen

Also sounds like a brachial stretch injury as well. Any reason he didn't do stellate ganglion blocks?

[cndangel]

Originally Posted by Dubious

Also sounds like a brachial stretch injury as well. Any reason he didn't do stellate ganglion blocks?

Honestly I don't know. I just had a MRI done on Thursday and tomorrow morning I am going for EMG/NVC. So maybe after these tests they are going to become more aggressive with my pain treatment. They have mentioned trigger point injections to me and blocks...but no word to when I will be receiving them as of yet.

I know the MRI that was done last week was to check my cspine and my brachial plexus.

It seems the doctors are finally all getting on the same page and now focusing more on treatment then trying to figure out what was going on. My family doctor is the one that first started saying almost 2 months ago she felt it was CRPS. Of course workers comp has been fighting that diagnoses all the way. But just a week and a half ago a Neurologist confirmed it was CRPS and last week a physical medicine doctor also confirmed it.

With any luck, Workers Comp will now allow me to get the treatment I should be and start my path to recovering.

Take care,
Karen

[Jomar]

Originally Posted by cndangel

Hi everyone,

Thought I would introduce myself. I am 39 years old, married and a mom to 2 beautiful girls. One is 18 and the other is 2 and a half.

On Oct 15th/2010 I was hurt at work. I work with special needs children and this year I was put with a very aggressive student. He grabbed me by the hair and cranked my neck back and then when I reached up with my right arm he grabbed it and gave it a good pull. At the time of the injury my shoulder/neck felt like it was on fire and that fire has not gone away in 5 months. I am also getting a lot of different symptoms as well. My symptoms are as follows:

Constant burning feeling in my shoulder and sometimes neck that seems to increase due to movement and stress.
Swelling/tightness in my shoulder that never seems to go away.
Shooting pains from my shoulder down my arm and a shooting pain from my ring finger up the arm.
My whole arm and hand can ache at times.
Sweating from my pinky and ring finger even when limb is cold. I have just noticed in the last 2 weeks that all 4 fingers sweat now as well.
white dots (patchy) up my arm.
Tingling in my fingers and in the middle of the night my arm goes asleep 2-3 times and is completely numb.
A constant Migraine.
Only being able to sleep 1-3 hours at a time and wake up many times during the night due to burning pain.
Loss of range of motion in my right arm. Unable to lift it very high.
Fingers swell and turn a bluish color at times.
Limb will get very cold (turns white) or very warm (turns red) at times.
I am also finding I can no longer tolerate heat or ice packs any more or my arm will turn bluish and cold and burning feeling will increase.
Also my right hand is very dry and itchy.

I was recently diagnosed with CRPS (RSD) by a neurologist and a pain medicine specialist.

I am currently taking Cymbalta (for the pain), have naproxen (which doesn't seem to do anything) and Oxycotin.

I am starting a new physio therapy next week. I will be going 3 times a week for 2 hours a day. I am a bit concerned about this as I would still like to have some quality of life and not just pain all the time.

My pain doc tells me that I have to work through the pain. I understand I have to get this limb moving but at the same time I don't know how much pain I should have to go through. As I am sure you all know it hurts just to move the limb in the slightest and if I move it a lot I spend the next 24 hours curled up in a ball in pain.

Anyways that is a quick introduction of myself and what I am currently going through. I look forward to getting to know all of you and sharing advice/support with each other.

Take care,
Karen

I just looked at your descriptions of your injury and symptoms (very similar to TOS) & while you could have RSD also, It does sound very much like a stretch injury and how a few have acquired TOS - thoracic outlet syndrome .
Some of our long time members were nurses and got similar stretch injury from falling or catching pts.

We have a TOS forum here and there might be some therapies mentioned in the forum that will help you also.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

TOS is not well known either so they might be overlooking it, but best to get a correct DX and tx.
comp is a another can of worms too

we have a work comp forum too.

[cndangel]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

I just looked at your descriptions of your injury and symptoms (very similar to TOS) & while you could have RSD also, It does sound very much like a stretch injury and how a few have acquired TOS - thoracic outlet syndrome .
Some of our long time members were nurses and got similar stretch injury from falling or catching pts.

We have a TOS forum here and there might be some therapies mentioned in the forum that will help you also.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

TOS is not well known either so they might be overlooking it, but best to get a correct DX and tx.
comp is a another can of worms too

we have a work comp forum too.

Thank you for the information. I will check out both forums. I have never heard of TOS before. So going to research it a bit. I know someone else had mentioned to me about TOS when I first posted.

And far as workers comp goes you have that right...that is a whole other ball game. But if they think I am going to lay back and just take what ever they feel is fit...they are going to find out quickly that I never back down easy and will fight for my rights!

Take care,
Karen