Hi,

I've been diagnosd w/ stage one rsd in my hand by having a bone scan, but I was never properly diagnosed or counselled by a nuerlogist, just a hand surgeon.

I had to re-locate to northern ca shortly thereafter, and have been having a very hard time finding a nuerologist specializing in rsd. I have tried the clinics, ie. Stanford, USF, ect. and no help.

I found a pain Dr. in Napa, and he wants to do the implant device...which I just don't feel ready to do. (The blocker shot he tried had so many side effx for me, it didn't help my pain all that much.) His conclusion was that the pain was more due to the mix up in the spinal cord, than the actual injury. You guys know what I mean...

Meanwhile, I feel I am losing strength little by little in my hand and pain is worsening. I really want to figure out how to proceed.

I'm sorry to be redundant, I'm sure this has been talked about ad nauseum, but I could sure use some help.

Thanks, Diana

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....