Hi. I woke up on March 31st in extreme pain with a swollen right foot. Could not walk. Went to ER and was admitted for four days with cellulitis. Took it easy the following week elevating my foot. On April 16th, I returned to work. By lunchtime, I was in tears from the pain. The next day, I called my family doctor who said go back to ER. I was admitted for three days. Told me cellulitis had cleared up. My foot looked terrible with extreme pain, swelling and purple coloring. One doctor said I had gout and psoriatic arthritis. After leaving the hospital, I saw an arthritis doctor and neurologists. Arthritis doctor said I do not have gout or psoriatic arthritis. Said I'm a medical mystery. Neurologist said I had anyuerism or MS. I had a brain MRI and an MRA. Both normal. Then a friend of mine mentioned RSD because of my symptoms. I go Monday to find out if this is what I have. I've been on state disability since April 18th due to go back on June 18th but doctor wants me to go out longer and eventually apply for SSDI. There is no way I can work. The pain is so intense. I spend my days in bed. I'm up all night in pain and so fatigued during the day. If I do fall asleep either the pain or soaked in sweat wakes me up. I have five children and have always taken care of them, our home and worked full time. This is all new to me. Thanks for listening to my story and any advice for me would be appreciated. Thanks.

I am sorry to hear about your difficulties. May I ask if you had a previous injury to your foot or surgery? Are you on any medications now? sleep is hard to come by without adequate control. Mine did not come until I gave in and started an antidepressent.
The group here is wonderful and very supportive. Feel free to vent, rant, rave, or inquire. Welcome!

Thanks for the warm welcome! No injury or surgery. Fourth time that I had cellulitits. First time I couldn't walk because the pain was so bad.

Let me back up 17 years. My first pregnancy I gained over 100 lbs. It was mostly edema that never went away in my hands and feet. At six months pregnant, I was in a car accident. No x-rays or other texts were done on me until he was three months old. They showed a cracked pelvis. No idea if it was from accident or the hard forceps childbirth.

I have elevated my feet for the past 17 years and have been to numerous doctors who said they didn't know what was wrong with me. The pain had been excruciating. Sometimes my feet sweat bad and water has seeped from the top of them. I'm glad I'm finally going to see a doctor who specializes in RSD. If that's not what is wrong with me then I'm back to square one. Very frustrating and depressing. I also have MSK (medullary sponge kidney) and IBS.

I currently take Lorazepam for panic attacks, a water pill for edema, and Neurontin for the burning/shooting pains. Sometimes I take a Vicodin which was prescribed for kidney stones. And, Indocin for inflammation. All that and still in pain and swollen. In hospital, I was on Morphine.

I also have lower back pain, numbness in hands and feet. Its scary and hope I can get some relief and treatment after I see the doctor on Monday. His name is Dr. Schwartzman. I hear he's the best!

What do you think of my symptoms? RSD or something else? Thanks.

Is that Robert Schwartzman in Philly? If so he is the best. Just curious, how long were you on the wait list?

Gee whiz! I am sorry for all that you are experiencing. I can tell you that weeping from an extermity is a key symptom in cellulities. The kidney issue will cause back pain but usually mid back and IBS can cause lower back pain.

I hope that the dr. can help you and give you a finite answer on monday. Keep us informed.

Thanks and yes, he's in Philly. Two year waiting list.

wow.. sorry to hear of your pain and confusion. DR shwartzman. another wow. good call with him.. he should be able to help sort out this mess. you aren't a mystery. the dr is clueless(lol) It is an unfortunate series of events that brings you to us but welcome to our family. and you should be grateful to have a friend that even know the dx RSD exists.. most are luck to find DR that know it(LOL) not so funny but yes . good luck with your appt.

Just curious. Schwartzman only sees patients with a verified diagnosis of CRPS. Since you are newly diagnosed how did you get on the wait list two years ago?

He has a two year waiting list. I explained all my symptoms and was put on a list where another patient cancels an appointment. I'm very fortunate to have been placed on that list. I will post on Monday after my appointment. I pray I do not have RSD but if I do, I know there is treatment and this wonderful support group.

Have a good night.