Hi Everyone,

One of my symptoms that I just can't seem to understand is the sweating of my fingertips. At first it was my pinky an ring finger on my right hand that started sweating but now it is all 4 on my right hand. Also the amount of sweat in the last few months has increased. It use to a small amount on the tips but now it leaves puddles on them. My hand/fingers can be freezing cold yet they are still sweating. Or it can be -40c (I am in canada) and my fingers again are sweating. I have noticed with the increase of the burning feeling in my neck/shoulder the more it happens. Usually colour change will happen in the fingers/hand when sweating is really bad. I have never had issues with sweating on my fingers before my injury and nor does my left hand sweat what so ever.
Has anyone else had this happen? Lately it seems to be happening more often. Anyone know why this happens? As to what is going on in the body and causing this symptom?

Take care,
Karen

p.s. probably going to be asking a few questions about symptoms as this is all so new to me (diagnosed only a week and a half ago)(in pain 5 months now).... so please bare with me.

Yes, CNDAngel, and so it goes.
The cold stimulates your sympathetic nerves, and they 'don't know' what to do. So therefore, the inappropriate perspiration.
Try some antiperspirant.
And, then Eucerin, because that usually lead to dryness and cracking of the skin.

Hope this helps a little.
Pete
asb

Thanks for the response. It does help. My mind is trying to wrap its self around everything. Even though I knew there was a chance I might have CRPS...I am still finding it hard to accept this is what it is. I guess I just hoped the doctors were missing something and there would be a quick fix to all my issues.

I have tried antiperspirant but didn't help much but I will look for Eucerin.
Thanks again
Karen

Karen,

Keep the questions and concerns coming. Keep on researching and experimenting to find out what treatments and therapy works for you. Don't be afraid to question the professionals, as some are not as experienced with CRPS as you might think. Because of this, multiple opinions are highly recommended!

During and just after my diagnosis, I kept reading and reading, trying to understand, trying to see like you, if the doctors were missing something. Actually have to be a little careful that you don't over-analyze. And once I read just about everything on the internet (literally), I backed off as I was experiencing "paralysis by analysis"! And you do have to have a good eye for filtering out what doesn't apply to you and the really negative stuff.

Positive mental attitude is really important with CRPS. Easy to say, hard to do right?? And the mind/body connection cannot be over-emphasized. When you get sick of researching CRPS, start researching mind/body connection for some good therapies to try.

I am using a Health Coach from my insurance provider, available for people with chronic conditions. Below is a link from the University of MN that gives you great information on alternative therapies that can (along with conventional medicine of course) be very helpful. I have incorporated a few of them with great success.

http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/

After clicking on this link, look at the bottom of the page HEALING PRACTICES A-Z

As for the understanding and acceptance part, coming to grips with CRPS has some similarities to the 5 stages of grief when you lose someone. Maybe not to the same extent, but the progression of feelings is similar for many; I know it certainly was for me.

Denial— "This can't be happening, not to me."

Anger—"Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; "Who is to blame?"

Bargaining—"I'll do anything to get this fixed!"

Depression—"I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"

Acceptance—"It's going to be okay."; "If I have this condition, I may as well learn how to best manage it and put forth my best effort in trying to improve".

Getting to the last stage of "acceptance" is your goal. And you WILL get there.

This is a new symptom I've haven't encountered. Since you are new to the RSD/CRPS journey, you have certainly come to the right board. I have never met more compassionate and understanding group of people. I would have surely lost my mind without them. I pray daily for for everyone on this board.