I've had two bier blocks now, and I'm sheduled for another one next friday. Both times they've injected medications into my foot, where I have the CRPS.

Can anyone give their opinions on the safety of this? I'm reading but I can't find much info on it. But some sources tell me it isn't safe to inject a needle into a CRPS area. And that it can make things worse and cause spreads. I've also read that just a needle can cause CRPS in the first place...

I was told by my dr to not let anyone put a needle or anything else like a blood pressure cuff on my rsd area. I was told that after I had accupunture and they put needles in that area and caused spread of my rsd. My pm dr told me after the fact unfornuately for me, but at least I know for the future. My opinion as well as my drs is DO NOT LET THEM PUT NEEDLES IN YOUR RSD AREA EVER!!! Maybe they can find another spot to put it in. Good luck whatever you decide. I would get more drs opinions on this as well. Take Care.

Thank you for sharing about that needles.I have tried blocks in my leg 2 times,hurt really bad in my RSD leg.Could not get the response we were looking for refused the 3rd.if it does not work why do it!!!!
Question what is it about the ebsons salt??what do you use that for?and How?

Hi Moosey, I'm not exactly sure what epsom salts do, but there supposed to be good to soak in. I was told about them first by Allanira. They do help calm my nerves a little emotionally as well as physcially. I hope if you try them, they help you too. Take care.

thank you..You know I was also wondering if anyone gets mouth sores?Along with all the rest of the rsd..I get blood sacks in my mouth then they pop,its gross.My memory is not as good as it was.I was a good speller,now I really question my-self.I forget what I read and from who.I have to return and return..Oh well I guess there is worse.

Hi moose,

Epsoms can be great things....they work by blocking pain receptors in calcium channels. I think lol. Always use the unperfumed kind.

Use a couple of tablespoons in a warm bath, or put a few tablespoons dry into a damp cloth, fold up, and put directly on burning skin. Works really well on the burns for me.

Definitely never ever any tissue damage in CRPS area (or nearby) - even something as slight as a needle. And when they use a needle in a different limb always ask for a paediatric one as its much finer and causes less tissue trauma. Hence less likely to cause spread...

Good luck,

Bram.

I have the odd mouth sore, but not as many as I used to - for anything in the mouth I absolutely swear by Manuka honey. It's amazing stuff. A few years ago I had to go to the doc with this massive sore that just wouldn't go - I tried all sorts, nothing worked. In the end in desperation I went to my health food shop and asked them, and they said Manuka. It was expensive and I was pretty skeptical, but I like honey so I thought if it didn't help I could eat the darn stuff! Within two days my sore had healed, and was completely disappeared within a week. I've used it loads since then, and on my daughter who gets them sometimes. It's fab and I can't recommend it highly enough lol. Just make sure you get the decent stuff from New Zealand with a Manuka factor of at least 10.

Best thing is there's no side effects and it's very gentle on your system. Plus as a bonus, honey doesn't go off, so one pot lasts for years!

Bram.

When I was initially diagnosed with RSD, I had the same block as you. My PM doctor told me that it would end all of my pain. It sounded great and I was so excited to have it. I was only 12 at that time so was put under general anaesthetic. When the anaesthetic wore off I woke up and was unable to walk. All of my co-ordination had gone and when I tried walking my leg would kick out in front of me and i'd fall to the ground. I spent over a year in a wheelchair, relying totally on my parents. It took a lot of physio (PT) to get me to learn how to re-walk again.

A few years ago I also developed a ingrown toenail on my RSD limb. It was really infected so I had to have it removed. The needle again caused a bad reaction and I developed myoclonic spasms from it. From that point, all my doctors said that I should never have any operations on my RSD limbs, unless it was absolutely needed.

My advice would be NOT to go through with the block. Since the complications happened to me, I have spoke to so many doctors who have said nerve blocks in RSD limbs is an absolute 'NO NO' as it often causes more damage than enough... I only wish I knew that back then.

Have you looked into an epidural? If you don't have RSD in your back that may be something to look into. I had one a few years ago with Ketamine in it and it really decreased my pain. It didn't last long (only about 6 hours) but it was worth it and doctors often look into the surgical pain pumps for long term effects if it works.

Take care and I hope things work out for you.

Alison

I have had the epidural 3 times..lasted about 1 hour on the 3rd. one..but thank you..I am great for all thoughts..

I go to a doctor near where I live for pain management.He spoke about infusions and botoxe..I am not sure who does them.I live in Gloversville ny.But I have to say I wonder about my doctor.I feel he tries,but just not sure what else he can do for me.I have tried so many meds.They work for awhile then nothing.Also a lot of meds bother me. .he ask me how I have been..Good and bad ..Well then I feel like when I say not too good..WHY.Why..I feel like saying duh..its RSD..I feel like I do not dare to tell him bad at times.Like I do not want him to drill me.I am a hard worker.I live on a farm.We have crops to tend too.I work from home too.Plus I have my husband and dog to take care of.i am not one to just sit and cry..I keep pushing..But there are really times when I know I have to stop.slow down..Has anyone had good relief from infusions?????