Hi again,

Just wanted to add a couple of links to the Dutch research findings - they are streets ahead when it comes to dedicated research into RSD/CRPS and associated neuropathies. Not specifically dental, but for a really informed overview, this is a good starting point:
http://www.rsdcanada.org/parc/englis...anderlaan.html

and pdf download:
"The Evidence Based Guidelines Development (EBGD) Guidelines on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS-I) dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of CRPS-I" published in Nov.2006:
http://pdver.atcomputing.nl/english.html

all the best

Hi there Dianne,

Gosh, you're one of the lucky ones! Yes, yes wouldn't it be great if I could tolerate it; but not only can I not, it severely worsens my condition. Others have this too. I realize it's the standard treatment for many things, and there's no real substitute either, but....heyho...

Just do a search through the forum for "no ice" - you'll get the picture, lol! There's lots of literature about it, even a quick Google on RSD CRPS "no ice" brings up a ton of stuff.....
all the best

But Also Thanks To All Of You For Helping A Dentist Fraidycat,
Wow Thanks,thanks, :d Sue

Thanks for the thanks Sue - but what a great opportunity we've been given (thanks again Dr. Todd) - we may be hurtin' but we ain't dumb....we know a good thing when we see it
all the best!

Just to give you all an idea about the information out there for dentists; I went through my 2002 edition of "Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient" and there was not a single thing in there about CRPS. This is the primary textbook for addressing systemic disorders from a dental perspective. Maybe the next edition will have it! Thanks again to all of you for the information and advice!

Dr. Todd

Hey DocTodd,

OMG really?

Well, you gotta get to bed, but I think you'd better check in here now and then - I think this is going to be One Long Thread...

all the best.

The fact that CRPS is not mentioned in the dental text is really not a surprise to me, Dr. Todd.

Unfortunately, I've had to explain my condition to most medical professionals...including medical doctors. Most look at me like I'm crazy, or making it up, until I explain it to them in medical terms and they begin to understand. I usually explain that while practicing my trade that I never knew about it either and probably would have the same reaction they are. Then, when I came down with it, it all became too clear.

Kudos to you again Dr. Todd! I also have a very progressive and caring dentist. She uses different types of treatments, my favorite of which is an herbal neck and shoulder pack that they will heat up for patients. VERY relaxing, and stops alot of the neck tension, and subsequent muscle pain. I even bought one for home! My CRPS is in my right arm, so all we have to do dentally is NOT hit, bump, or otherwise bother it.
One thing that might help patients is to cover their affected part with a soft, light blanket. For myself, the air conditioning in most medical offices causes problems, as it comes from above and blows down on patients, which really ticks off my arm. It really helps to not only protect the limb, but to remind staff that jostling can hurt.

I also have a problem that is particular to the dentist's chair! I have thoracic spine problems, and discovered the hard way a few times that having the doc raising and lowering the chair into position causes me horrible muscle spasms!! (which scared both me and the dentist!) After the first time or two, we figured it out, and I now have a note in my chart that states DO NOT raise or lower chair with patient in it. It's the little things that can make the biggest difference...

Bump........