And welcome. Please grab a chair and pull up to the circle. Feel free to offer up any information you feel might be of use to us. We are always open to receive handouts. (That includes food too) Research is always such an important part of RSD/CRPS because of the fact that it is still rather new in the eyes of alot of physicians. We sometimes end up educating them it seems. Plus there are soooo many facets to RSD/CRPS that we are constantly searching and looking for information and sharing what we know and learn. Once again welcome and thank you for being here! Chin Up!

Mark

Thanks for the warm welcome! And Kate, thanks for the hand-stretching ideas.

Annie

I've got damage to the median nerve after a venipuncture ( blood drawing ) 4 days ago. The pain in my arm is going worse and I wonder if anyone can tell me what will happen next, who I should see and what is the long term prognosis Thank you very much.

wintiskinti-
Hello and welcome,
A new thread made for your question.
Did you have RSD already? before the venipucture?

here-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=7266

I'm still in the process of learning more about RSD
{ I don't have it myself but I do have TOS}

Is that normal and usual to have weakness and grip problems with RSD? Is it because of the swelling and pain, or because the nerve is not working properly?

I ask because that part sounds a lot like TOS/RSI - weakness of hands and grip/ loss of finger coordination, sometimes even a "claw hand"

Of course there is more to it than just that.
I'll post some TOS links that describe more of the symptoms ,better than i can, and shows some positional testing photos.
TOS info:
http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/thoracic_outlet/
http://tos-syndrome.com/newpage12.htm
http://tos-syndrome.com
http://www.acofp.org/member_publications/thoracic.htm
http://www.cwce.com/feinbergarticles/tos.htm
http://www.doctorellis.com

If these sound familiar to you also there is more info on our TOS forum-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

It seems RSD and TOS and fybro can share many similar sx and tx - they overlap quite a bit.

Don't bother seeing your regular doctor (GP, internist, etc.) unless you need a referral; you need to see a neurologist ASAP. Be assertive about getting an appointment soon. If there is more than one neurologist available, ask for one that handles patients with CRPS/RSD and/or peripheral nerve damage (if the receptionist doesn't know, ask to talk to one of the nurses, who should be able to tell you which neurologist to see). If indeed you have CRPS/RSD due to venipuncture, prognosis is variable, but early treatment is key. Many of these cases get better in a couple of months, and many last years and years. It's extremely important that you see a neurologist as soon as you can.

Keep detailed notes (names, date/time) about every contact you have with anyone from the place where this happened. Take time soon to write down exactly what happened at the time of the injury and in the days afterwards, and start keeping track of the progression of your symptoms. These notes will also be very helpful to your neurologist. Keep notes of every doctor's appointment. A high percentage of venipuncture CRPS cases result in insurance claims or lawsuits. If your symptoms are still there a month from now, or are getting worse in the next couple of weeks, find a lawyer.

My injury occurred during a blood donation, and I waited almost a year to see a lawyer. Because I'm a nice person, I didn't want to sue the (nationwide) organization involved. However, when a person from the organization suggested I hadn't complained enough when it happend (which is bull!), basically insinuating that it was my fault, I was finally angry enough to get a lawyer. Fortunately, at the recommendation of my mom, who is a nurse (and who recommended I get a lawyer from day one), I kept excellent records.

I wish you very much luck. Stay optimistic. Stay informed. Let us know how you are doing.

Annie Poo

Hi and welcome Annie and Wintiskinti..

I know you will find a great bunch of people here feel free to post your thoughts, questions, and feelings.. we are here for you to be of help and support, as you will find that you are a comfort to others here too.

The research potential here is staggering, look back through the posts and know that your best bet on this journey is to help yourself.. by that I mean don't wait for your doctors to answer your questions, you will find that you know more than your GP after a few days on this forum.. do your research and bring it to your physician.. you are your own best advocate.

Again a huge welcome
Soft hugs,
Sandra

Heya

Welcome! About the muscles tightening - I have botox on my hands/shoulder/neck/thumbs to reduce the spasm - works ok. splinting also helps - I have solid night splints and day splints to wear to stretch the muscles in my arms out... FUN FUN FUN..

warm wax does help etc.
when I first got this I had no use in my right arm at all - but with physio I got a lot back medium term (had an EMG and am now an RSD quad... almost no movement at all anywhere- after major flare....)

Anyway Welcome - like you I can get pubmeds etc - doing a science degree atm.

Take care -

Rosie xxx

Hello Annie Poo and everyone else, Thankyou so much for your reply. I've actually got more information from you than from the doctors I have seen so far. Following your advice I am seeing a neurologist today so THANK YOU THANK YOU. After reading your posting I sat down and made notes about the venipuncture, the nurse who performed it almost fainted and had to sit down in another room! I am only just beginning to understand why. The shooting stabbing electrical pains are becoming almost unbearable and having just had IVF treatment I am unable to take most of the pain medication.

I would be very grateful if you could tell me have you had any surgery or medical interventions besides drugs to ease your pain. Though I am trying to be optimistic I am a realist by nature and was wondering what the course of this injury usually is ie: what should I expect over the next few weeks/months.

Once again thankyou Annie Poo for your advice and for wishing me luck. I will definitely let you know how I get on with the neurologist. Thank you so much.
Wintiskinti xxxx

I'm so glad you're seeing a neurologist today.

I wasn't diagnosed right away, and have not had surgery. I've been treated with psychotherapy (biofeedback relaxation technique to reduce irritability and allow me to concentrate on other things), occupational therapy (to control contracture of my right hand), and with meds (anticonvulsants carbamazepine and/or gabapentin).

Let us know what your neurologist says.

Annie