Hi,

My friend has RSD in her foot and half way up to her knee. She also has reynold's and always had poor circulation to her extremities. The concern's we have right now is how Vein-ey the affected foot is compared to the other. Should we be worried about this or is this normal? Due to RSD is there a higher chance of getting Deep Vein Thrombosis? Should we be worried and ask for a couple of scans to check for clots?

Also on a separate note: If she decides to get a nerve block, can that possibly end up making the RSD worse and progressing it further?

Appreciate all and any advice.

Thank You.

As far as the nerve block goes my experience was that I was scheduled for three on one day and three on another day. But when the first three indicated no results my neurologist cancelled the remaining three due to the possibilty of causing my condition to worsen.
For some reason unknown to me, the first set of blocks were some sort of a test batch to determain whether the blocks do good or bad.
Blocks help some folks but not others.
As far as the affected area looking veiny, my left arm where this monster started, looks very veiny at different times and I'm told this was normal in CPRS / RSD cases.
Good luck in whatever you choose to do in your search for relief....

Hi Zerx

I have CRPS2, TOS and poor peripheral circulation to extremities. Right TOS was initially misdiagnosed as Reynards, despite my having had surgery which confirmed severe left TOS. An Australian physio who specialises in CRPS (Phd in CRPS and uses graded motor imagery/mirror work) told me I was at higher risk of DVTS. She advised me to be careful when using supports under my legs for sleeping, better to use soft pillows rather than foam, and less is better. I can't remember what else, you can probably google signs of DVTS. I watch for discoloration and pain. For me CRPS/RSD is focussed in upper body, so these sx would be more obvious.
Hope this information helps your friend,

Booklover

Hi,

I also have CRPS in my foot and ankle from having ankle surgery. I ended up with a DVT in the same leg about 14 days post-op both from immobilization and diminished blood flow due to CRPS.

I would definitely have your friend watch for the telltale signs of a DVT (I have had 2 )...very painful swelling( different pain from RSD), redness, uncomfortableness, and inability to move the limb or bear weight on it.

If her Dr is open to doing ultrasounds periodically, I would do them. Generally they don't scan down past mid calf and if there is a lower clot...say in the ankle or foot, they don't treat that...but with all that is going on she might get prophylactic treatment.

As far as the nerve blocks go...I can't say since mine was cancelled due to the DVT...can't do invasive procedures while on blood thinners. Since I couldn't have the nerve block done my pain management Dr discussed doing a Ketamine infusion treatment. I chose the one day high dose treatment about a week ago and have had about a 80- 85% reduction in my pain level, but it climbs just a bit each day, so he is willing to go with a Lidocaine pain patch and redo the Ketamine infusion whenever I want or I can wait until I am off blood thinners to do the nerve block.( have no idea how long that will be, will likely redo the infusion in 2 weeks or so)

I hope some of this helps, this is a disease that leaves one with more questions than answers. Best to you and your friend
Terri

Hi,

Thank you all for sharing your experiences, feedback and advice.
Greatly appreciated.

Hope you all the best.

-Zerx