Hugs, welcome, and sorry you are having to go through this.

Have you been prescribed any medication to help combat some of the effects of this pain? It doesn't completely help everyone but anything that might have some effect is good. I am taking Cymbalta, others use Lyrica, Neurontin, etc. Also, physical therapy or occupational therapy would be of some help. It is painful but if you stop using it, as sad as this will sound, it gets worse.

I have it in my leg and hip. I have had a nerve block, two days of relief and muscle spasms from my back down thereafter. I have just gone through the trial stimulator (what your doc is suggesting) and am EXCITED to be waiting for the permanent.

Keep goals. You used it once, you will be able to again. You just need the positive aggressive treatment. AND LOTS OF SUPPORT. This is a great place for that.

Also other sites you might want to visit:
www.rsdhope.org
www.rsds.org

Hugs. You'll make it.

Hi Diana.. Christine has said it "ALL" with her reply posting back to you.. "Great post there, Christine"!!! anyway, just wanted to welcome you! I have problems with my hand and wrist.. spread now to my entire arm and shoulder. I too, like Christine said .. go and get you some Physical therapy or occupational therapy in that hand to strengthen it! love, Desi

Take your time and get treatment for your RSD try to find a good Nuero who understands this!
I will say this the old saying no pain no gain is wrong for us with RSD! do what you can in PT stop if it hurts, no ICE either on affected part.
Get a second opnion if you do not want a implant ! why rush into it, find a NUERO! at a medical School!

Welcome, and ((huge pain free hugs))!!

I really hope you can find a good doctor, and that you can improve. I hear you about losing the strength- some of my muscles are beginning to atrophy in my wrists even though I use them daily!

that is why we must use are affected areas with caution....

Hi Diana,

My RSD started in my left hand. It totally atrophied and looked like a little bird leg. The rest of my hand swelled. I did not (could not) use it for months. I had stellate ganglion blocks, several courses of prednisone, and had a hand therapist who actually knew about RSD. She put me on a stress-loading program, gentle massages and parafin wax program. I was able to build it back up somewhat. While I don't have much strength, I still try to use it as normally as possible (except when I have a really bad flare). It was an orthopedic doctor that sent me to PT. My personal opinion is that the doctor doesn't necessarily have to be a neurologist as long as they can help with the RSD.
Linmarie

Diana
I've been to 2 neurologists, 2 orthopedics and now have my pain doctor as my main physician. As Linmarie said as long as the doctor is familiar with RSD that's what really counts.
My Pain doctor treated my RSD very aggressively from the start, which is the proper way to go about it and he's been wonderful. I actually got my first block at my first appointment with him. It seemed to be happening all so fast that it scared me but looking back I was still trying to accept the diagnosis. Honestly I still struggle with accepting the diagnosis.
Anyway best advice I can give is to trust your gut....
Welcome to the board
Jeanne