Ive had a lot of different pain symptoms./ My skin/hand temp is about 10-13 degrees cooler than my right. And there was a bit of sweating. But other than enough swelling that I cant wear my engagement ring, no major swelling or redness. Than k goodness I've seen pictures and my heart goes out to anyone who has experienced that. But does that mean I don't have CRPS? My skin is a bit paler and slightly mottled white and pink splotches. but nothing notable? Don't I have to have that major swelling to has CRPS?

No you don't. My wife who has RSD now for 10 years has had bouts with swelling but not on the scale I've seen others have. Both her calves swelled somewhat about 4-5 years ago, was prescribed a steroid and never had issues like that ever sense. Her initial injured arm has been in a brace for 10 years is the total opposite of swelling, its atrophied.

I agree...From what I have learned it seems that there are a myriad of symptoms. All are not required for a diagnosis. Symptoms seem to come and go depending on treatment as well.

I guess what I am saying is all cases do not present the same way or progress the same. This is based on what I have read. I am new to this all myself, only being diagnosed this summer.

Sigh..... I thought I might be reaching... I'm having another(continued)really painful day. I was seen by the Anesthesiologist/pm specialist's office yesterday. Only visited with the nurse who sent a recommendation to have my doctor start me on Lyrica. Well the stupid regulations thru the low-income clinic are stupid. My doctors knows whats going on but instead of him being able to just write a superscription I have to have an appointment for him to write a "new" prescription. And guess what they're booked till next week.......I feel like screaming!!! I can't take this!! They seem to not get it! I am in pain and I need HELP!! They act like it's no big deal. Just wait. Ha... I'd like to see them with this kind of pain and be told to wait. Between not getting support from my fiance and now the damn (sorry) doctors are still jerking me around because of "procedure"!!!

Sorry everyone. Maybe I am whining.....I just feel like I don't have anyone "THERE" for me you know? I just don't know what else I can do

Just to clarify, swelling with atrophy can be an issue as well.

Emily, Most of us have felt isolated and frustrated along the RSD journey. You may want to look into a RSD or Chronic Pain support group.

Meditation, listening to soothing music, taking long warm baths with Epsom Salts, being mindful not to engage in activities that will exacerbate your pain, etc. are all options for trying to cope with severe pain. If you can see a pain psychologist, a good one can really help. The more stressed you are, the more you tense your body, and guard RSD effected limbs, the worse your pain will rise--which is a vicious cycle. Even learning to breath deeply is invaluable...

Hi Emily,

Not to be Debbie Downer, but you are also early on in the RSD battle, right ? Worse swelling, worse sweating, worse redness, etc could all still be in your future if the RSD progresses.

On the upside, you may still have time and hopefully your docs will try to be aggressive with getting ahead of the RSD monster.

How did it start for you ? How long has it been going on ?

I know you are 'waiting' on the Lyrica.....What else have you tried to help manage the pain ?

Well I'm on it started in October. Injured from a bad venipuncture/blood draw. It all went downhill from there. I've tried Gabapentin helped the pain a little but side effects so horrid I couldn't continue on it. They gave me ..woo hoo..tramadol for a pain killer..it doesn't help so much though. I'm also taking 50mgs or Amitriptyline 1 pill before bed. I have tried ice packs docs say it if helps to do it. Well I can't walk around with an Icepack wrapped around my arm. Plus I've been doing some reading and from what the consensus says I'm not supposed to use it for CRPS, that it can cause complications.I want you to know I am not usually so ..well desperate sounding, I've just had a rough ...well rough since it started and without the support from my partner..It makes it a LOT more difficult and stressful. In turn that makes my pain worsen........I'm going to talk to the doc tomorrow about something for possible anxiety?? I'm not depressed just....lacking emotional outputs. And I would just like some relief.....to sleep a night without waking in pain or not being able to fall asleep....well i'm gonna try to go to bed so I'll talk you you soon ....I am trying to be "ok"

If your doc is telling you to use ice, then he is not the right doc to treat RSD.


Please read.
http://www.rsdhope.org/ice-and-crps.html

LIT LOVE is correct if the doc is telling you to ice it-----ice him, find another doctor. Also, I can not stress the fact "STRESS" is something you really need to reduce. Reduce stress over time and it will reduce your pain.