Has anybody with RSD tried a hot tub and if so was it helpful or cause more pain? Also my RSD is my left knee and foot but I get strange feeling like chili bumps just out of the blue,and this started about 2 weeks ago if I touch a certain area right under my knee that feels like a shock or vibration that goes to my mid calf and up to my hip is the a normal process?

Thank you so much for your help and kindness

I have a Jacuzzi bathtub and soak often. I don't have a regular outside hot tub, but it's the same principal. In the winter there is just nothing better for me than a hot bath. I have cold CRPS and in the winter I can literally feel me thawing out as I submerge myself. Of course I'm like a wet noodle and bed is the ONLY thing that will happen afterwards. My muscles seem to appreciate it and it tends to relax everything.

I have made the mistake of taking a hot bath and then try to go somewhere where walking was required. Big mistake! Huge! Other than that, yes, this therapy works well for me.

Goosebumps: yes... random and sometimes often. I have read that this is part of the gig. It has something to do with our cooling mechanism being broken.

Shocks and vibrations: I too have both of these symptoms. The electric shock is definitely a CRPS symptom and the vibrations, for me these too are part of the gig. I have developed tremors over the years and sometimes my body will just hum (vibrate) before an actual tremor starts. I don't know if you're old enough to remember that in hotels WAY back in the day, you'd put a quarter in to make the bed vibrate. My husband jokes with me that we don't need quarters for our bed... just me... lol

So sorry that you're dealing with this too! No fun at all.

I tried hot tubs after aqua theraphy, because the the water was so cold in the pool, and I needed to warm up! I can't do the aqua therapy anymore because of this plus the surgeries I am still healing from, but the hot tub was nice for a short period of time. I like warm baths too. I had a little redness and swelling after the hot tubs, but it took some of the aching away. I just had to go in really slow! I didn't have the burning then that I have now, so I don't know if I could go in one again.

I've never really had goose bumps, except when cold. I do get sweaty palms and feet though. And when people bump in to me I sometimes get that shooting electrical like vibration, except mine is in my right rsd hand and wrist and travels up to my shoulder.
I am so sorry you have this and full body no less. I don't have full body, but mine is spreading and though my drs don't think that will happen, they aren't sure. Well take care and I hope you have as pain free as possible night tonight. Take care.

Thank you so much I have been down all day with the goose bumps and strange feelings I have a Jacuzzi tub I will try it,and yes I am old enough to know about the beds lol.How do you get your pic on here like yours? and again thank you sooo much.

Renee thank you yea I guess this rsd is going on a sight seeing tour of my body lol only on left leg /foot/and taking a tour to my left hip area my PM has me back on cruthes
again thank you

Click on your name, then click view public profile, then towards the top on left hand side click User CP, and then again on the left side of the screen under Setting & Options click Edit Avatar. I am no pro at this site, so perhaps there is a shorter path, but this is the only way I know.

Good luck with the hot tub. I hope it helps!!

My CRPS sounds very similar to Vrae's description, but with an absence of a comforting jacuzzi lol! I take a nice steamy shower or bath when I get really chilled, and it does seem to help - but as V says, I get completely wiped out by it.

I too have tremors in my left leg, and my arm too on my left side. My leg ones are more violent and obvious when they happen, the arm ones are still minor - but then I've had CRPS in my leg far longer, so I can look forward to my arm ones spilling drinks over me very soon! I get goose bumps too, and sometimes when my hair on my leg (I don't shave my legs very often now, sorry ) stands on end with them, it's really painful and sensitive. Normally a sign that I do need to shave them! The electric shocks are random and violent and horrible. I hate them. I'm lucky in that I seem to have them less often and not as bad now that I'm not taking Gabapentin anymore. I find I get them in some weird places though - literally anywhere, from in my ear to in my belly. Freak me out sometimes.

It's no fun at all, but do have to laugh sometimes at the whol sorry circus.....otherwise you cry

Take care everyone. Maybe tomorrow will be the day....

Bram.

It's true, I feel lucky to have the tub for sure. Tremors: yep me too, mine started in my legs and then went EVERYWHERE else, just like the electric shocks. My tremors have gotten so bad you'd think I have Parkinson's. Legs, arms, even my lips and tongue... awesome hu? Here's the thing I don't get, if I didn't have Gaba, or some drug like it, my tremors would be out of hand for sure. And the Neuropathic shocks too... hum.

I haven't done the hot tub and I don't have a nice jacuzzi tub but I take hot baths. As hot as I can stand it and now add epsom salt. It helps and wipes me out. Good thing my husband is no longer on the floor but in an office. Hes home at night so he can bathe goober boy while I slouch on the couch lol. Then we put him to bed and I head to mine. After pushing cats out of my way or rather trying to lol. I get the sudden goose bumps. Out of no where it could be 90 degrees and I get chilled. I also get the electric shocks and tremors when I am really hurting and something brushes my leg or foot. Ugh I need one of those baths tonight.

I honestly don't know what I would do without the hot tub!! When pain is out of control or sleep has been deprived for far too long.. I head straight for the hot tub, it is soothing and relaxing for both the body and mind. I think anyone with RSD/CRPS or any other movement disorder should be gladly given one through their insurance policies. ** For anyone wearing a trans-dermal pain patch caution should be taken when using hot tubs, saunas and Jacuzzi baths.

Regarding the goose bumps brrrr - I get them randomly as well and also get teeth chattering whole body shivering during what should be comfortable temps.

Judy - Anything that you think might make you feel good by all means do it for yourself! If the warmth of a shower feels good then a hot tub should also. Personally I loathe showers anymore because the pressure of the water causes significant pain so I tend to take baths now instead more often than not. If you haven't tried adding epsom salt.. ad a couple of cups to a warm bath, turn down the lights and relax for 20 min or so.. it is amazing for most.

Cheers,
Tessa