I have managed to get the flu in the summer.. ug! I thought I would die yesterday. My CRPS II is predominantly in my feet/legs, but it goes every/anywhere. Then I started having SEVER pain in my neck and upper shoulder area. So bad that I went and looked up meningitis b/c I thought.. well maybe. But I don’t have fever at all. Upper respiratory infection. So I’m coughing / sneezing and this is aggravating L3, L4, & L5. The RSD went on a rampage with this neck/upper shoulder pain. All I could do was take meds and try not to cry. Today is somewhat better, but wow… I’ve had a body ache flu before RSD and it was a walk in the park compared to what I have felt yesterday and today. It’s like everything has gone haywire. My spams have increased along with RSD attacking me everywhere, my eyes super blurry, can barely move my neck, and there seems to be no comfortable position AT ALL. I have been as weak as a kitten, scared to even walk much, or hold things in my hands.

Have you noticed that the flu seems to go to the power of 10 since getting RSD?

Good Lord, please let this pass quickly. I am amping up on Vit C, and other vitamins, and cold meds, and RSD meds…. <sigh>

I had the flu this winter and last. and the symptoms are definitely intensified .its like your skin is on fire and the muscles joints and bones are filled with hot led. burns as it weighs you down. but whats worse is with the RSD and getting colds or the flu. any chest congestion has a hard time clearing up to lack of cardio. this means a much higher risk of pneumonia. I suggest boiling a pot of water putting your face over the steam and use a towel over your head so the steam can break up any congestion you might have . as for the pain all over the skin. (you got me) but if you figure it out please share.. sorry to here you are ill please take care. watch the princess bride it ill get you laughing at least .. it helps me when i get sick..

Funny you should mention colds and RSD. I had a "summer cold" and ended up with pneumonia..your explanation makes sense. When the cold first came on, my OT explained any cold/flu would make the RSD worse. It felt like I had lava running thru my arm just ready to explode. Little explanations of the quirks of RSD have made me feel like I am not crazy

There are medications that can be given to reduce the length of the flu. Something you may want to talk to your doctor about. But, if I recall, the medication has to be started within 48 hrs. of symptoms or they aren't effective. Some are very mild like Amantadine which has been around forever. Others are newer anti-viral. Not sure about how these anti-virals would interact with any of the meds for crps since I haven't had to face the flu since I came down with cprs. You may want to call your MD to see if they can help.

Thank you all for the feedback. Just nice to know I’m not alone. Ever so
s l o w l y I am starting to shake it, I think... But yes, all in my joints and muscles for sure, very very painful. I have noticed that when my RSD is at its worst, my hearing gets SUPER sensitive. And if anyone touches me it will start my body tremors. Still really stiff in my neck and shoulders and my lower back is not happy at all with all the coughing & sneezing. Antihistamine has at least clamed that down. Steroid nose spray, and a host of other things are helping. I almost never get a summer flu. I felt like someone had taken a baseball bat and just beat the crap out of me. Thanks again. You all rule!