[truthone76]

Just wanted to let you all know that I went to the doctor today and she is sending me for a MRI of my head and neck she also has started me on neronitin for pain and states that now she is not sure if it is RSD or neropathy. She also said that I need to see a dermatologist for the rash and she wants to rule out other things before she states that is is RSD. I am also in PT, and OT for the pain and to help me get back into things again. Has anyone ever gone through this routine before with all of these tests and such................?

[tayla4me]

Hello there,

I have had MRI's etc as part of my diagnosis. It is a good idea to rule out any nerve compression or damage that may be causing your pain as these things may make a cure a little easier. An MRI will show a very complex view of the nerves in you neck and head and is the best test for this.
A dermatologist is also a great idea, sometimes there needs to be a small biopsy of a rash to ascertain the cause and then the treatment.
It sounds as though you are really lucky to have a doctor who is willing to do all the investigations that will lead to the best outcome for you.
I wish you all the best, let's hope there will be a positive result for you.
Cheers
Tayla

[Desi]

Tayla, I couldn't have said it better.. ya took the words right outta my mouth and posted it here!! I so agree here with Tayla on this.. Your very lucky to have a good doc. who is willing to do all the investigations that will lead you to the best outcome.. yes, I am quoting Taylay's words..LOL Thanks for the good reply here, Tayla!! I had an MRI, bone scans, plain ex-rays also, just in case the doc wanted to rule out anything else. I too want to wish you all the best! love, Desi

[HeatherAnne]

Yes, its completely normal for doctors to try to rule out other things. I went to about 10 different doctors and 2 1/2 years later before getting a firm diagnosis....

When my pain first started they thought I had tendonitis because my muscles burned.. then they thought it was bursitis.. then it was tissue related due to the swelling in my knee. They did surgery to take out extra tissue which inevitably made it worse. Six months after the initial pain, then the color and temp changes began for me and they sent me to a neurologist and a physiatrist (Doctor of osteopathic medicine) which confirmed the RSD/CRPS diagnosis. They had tossed around the RSD name though for about 2 years before naming it that. I think a lot of doctors want to make 100% (or 99.9% ) sure before giving that name because RSD is different for a lot of people and there isn't one test they can do to prove you have RSD... If they did we all would have gotten the early diagnosis we needed...

BUT keep you chin up, RSD isn't allllll bad... It has always made me appreciate the Little things in life (even if I do get fed up with the pain sometimes).. Keep plugging along, you will come to a point where its managable (not great...) but manageable..

But IF anyone hears of anything new i am definitely on the lookout for something else to help as well....

Good luck all.

[JOAN_M]

what a great outlook heather!
and yes truth, it sounds as if the doctor is doing all the right stuff to make sure of the diagnosis. you could have something curable and that would be great. joan

[HeatherAnne]

Thank-you Joan!!! It's taken many years to become positive about it

[JOAN_M]

you are entirely welcome!
Yeah, it takes a long time to accept this monster, and tame him, so you can live together in peace. i have just gotten there myself. the bitterness is gone and i enjoy what i can do and try to keep going. i have bad days but a good life that is how i look at it. i am very blessed.
joan