Today i went to the physiotherapist and they confirmed that i have RSD in my left hand and arm. Thanks to this forum i was prepared for this even though i was hoping for a basic nerve damage diagnosis and to hear "this is normal after a burn injury". Nope its got all the signs of RSD except for the skin discolouring, but atleast we caught it early. Probably because of all the reading i did on burn recovery and what to look for.

So I have been on 25mg of Amitriptyline for the past few days and its helping with the pain a little. Im going to try 50mg to see if there is any extra pain relief. The doc said to start at 25 and go no higher than 75mg. I think less is best but it has to work.

The physio gave me gentle excersises to try, which is much the same as my burn physio. Im not to push through the pain, but to stop before it hurts. Because i have been to the beach and the water has helped she has asked me to continue that while the weather is still good. This is great because im an hours drive from the clinic and its pool for hydrotherapy. Plus the beach gets me out and about and gets the dog excersised. Next week i will be starting Mirror Box Therapy, which ive read good things about.
Mostly at this stage we are focusing on pain management and resting my hand with gentle physio.

Personally, Pain aside, I feel my outlook on this is pretty positive. I was prepared and im just glad to be moving forwards and have some control over the pain so that i can atleast tollerate it most of the time. Im annoyed to be going through this after my burns, but i guess ive built up good coping skills from the first round of pain. I am bored out of my mind though so ill also be looking at some things i can do to occupy myself, esp on my "good days". I treated my burn injuries as time out and found a positive from the experience and ill do it again. I do know ill have my bad days but like before ill deal with them. At least ive got some pain relief now. Its made such a difference.

Can i ask one question? Before this set in i had started to work on getting fit. I was mostly running and really enjoying it. Because its my hand and arm, would it be a problem to start again or should i hold off? or try something else? I just know im happier and healthier if i burn off energy and am worried about not being active. any advice would be wonderful.

Thanks everyone. I hope at some point i can contribute to some threads on here.

Several of our posters over the years used hyperbaric oxygen therapy for RSD. One gal bought a unit and has it in her home!

If you search hyperbaric in our search engine on the first page of the RSD forum, her posts should appear. Look back in time for them.

I cannot put a search list up for you..our software doesn't do that well, but I found 122 posts with that keyword in it.
This member is who I recall the most:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ght=hyperbaric

If you do a name search on her you'll find all of her posts in members list.

Another way to manage RSD pain, is this...something new which helps centrally in the brain where the pain it interpreted.
RSD has a central pain component. Your mirror therapy is going to try and help with that too.

This link discusses the tDCS treatment and devices:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...highlight=tDCS

fmichael, at RSD is currently using this electrical treatment at home. You might want to post further questions to him or any other person you choose off that thread to expand the topic for you.

Thanks MrsD
I have had a look at Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. My closest machine is in Adelaide (S Aust) Its a 4 hr drive to get there and im looking into it. I need to do a trip soon so I am trying to make that work. My cousin has used it and It helped his Cronic Fatigue.
Ill have a read of both options.
Thanks a heap.

Molly,

I love, love, love your attitude! It is absolutely critical in hitting this condition head on, which is what you are doing. It took me a year to get a diagnosis, but after I did finally get the diagnosis in 2009 and then after a little bit of "woe is me" feeling sorry for myself, I attacked it and have had reasonable success. Things can get better.

A multi-disciplinary approach is the best one for CRPS. My team consists of a podiatrist, chiropractor, pain management doctor, general practitioner and a physical therapist who I now need to see only occasionally.

I have a "daily routine" which involves warm water soaks followed by full lower body stretches taught to me by my physical therapist. Then I do some yoga and meditation followed up by daily exercise. It's important to keep the body moving but of course not to aggravate the condition. The whole routine of mine takes up a good part of my morning, but it helps greatly and I wouldn't miss a day of it!

Any kind of hydrotherapy is great. I swim a lot too as I live on a lake. I think some sort of exercise is a great idea when it can be tolerated; just be sure it is something that you can handle and of course, ease into it and ramp up a little at a time. You could start by walking, then running very short distances, etc. and see how your body handles it; might be a good idea to check with your doctors before starting it.

You really need to find out what works for you. I've found that a combination of conventional western medicine as well as some complementary holistic therapies like meditation, massage, yota etc. are helpful. Below is a link to some complementary therapies to consider. Click on the link and then scroll down to the section titled "healing therapies A-Z".

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

Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try things. (that includes different medications too) If something doesn't work, try something else. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as the old saying goes.....

Good luck to you and keep us updated!

Whereas I am glad to hear the DID diagnose you, I'm sorry to hear it is indeed RSD/CRPS. Good though that it was caught early. With the right approach, and care plan you can definitely put this into remission!! I love you attitude, and wish you the best of luck! Don't lose hope and follow your doctors orders and you could beat this with a matter of months!! It is definitely different for everyone, and it sounds like you were already dealing with a LOT! Don't hesitate to ask questions, or contact any of us here for support!


Research and see if there are any specialists in your area for RSD. It can help tremendously! As well as be a bit of comfort to you as well. I have a Psychical Therapist, Pain Psychologist, Physiatrist, as well as my GP. Establishing a good solid medical team, that works together, from the beginning can be a rat benefit and asset on your road to recovery!!

Thanks everyone.
Im still feeling positive, however i think im getting a little nerve pain in my other hand and left foot. Its minor and im hoping that that is all it is. Plus im starting to get a little rash on my upper left arm. Im feeling good considering though. Being on Amitriptyline is probably helping considering its an anti depressant. I have also upped my dose to 50mg and its really helping with my pain. I have moments where i can forget there is anything wrong with me.

I have decided to improve my diet, and although i am supposed to be on a gluten free diet, ive been quite naughty since my accident so im focusing on improving my diet. Ive been Vegetarian for 12years as well so I have no excuse for eatting badly...... bread is just too easy though. lol.

Im looking into meditation and gentle yoga for excersise. and i went for a walk this morning and it felt good.

I am starting to feel a little annoyed with the fact that im going to be stuck in a situation that i was ready to get out of. When i was burnt i gave up my rented house and moved into my parents place so that i could afford to recover and live until i was ready to work again. I was ready to move out and restart my life. Now im stuck here again and i dont know how long for. They are fine with this but i turned 30 last thursday and this is not where i wanted to be at this stage in my life. so i cant help but feel disapointed even though i can see the bigger picture.

Today im in a bit more pain and the Amitriptyline has left me a little sleepy, so im planning a quiet day resting. but latter ill go to the beach to soak my arm. At the moment im really interested in how people have mannaged their day to day lives in a positive way. Ive been looking at the resourses listed in the sticky posts. Im really glad to have found this site. I joined another before i found this one and never recieved a reply. So again thankyou for the support.