I'm Annie. Married with two kids (6 & 7). Diagnosed with CRPS type II almost a year ago after a venipuncture injury to my radial nerve that occurred while donating blood in early 2005. Original symptoms were in my right forearm, but spread in late 2005 to right shoulder and right side of face/head. I'm very fortunate in that I don't have a severe case, and most pain is controlled by anticonvulsants ~2/3 of the time. No swelling, little redness, but have contracture of right hand, major cold & wind sensitivity, moderate touch sensitivity, deep bone aches, burning, periodic muscle twitching in arm, etc.. Able to work, although concentration significantly affected by meds & irritability during flare-ups. Am a scientist and need dexterity in my hand to do technical work. Because my symptoms worsened & spread last winter, and are very much affected by cold, I'm nervous about the onset of cold weather this year (live in Wisconsin). Consider myself extremely lucky it's not worse at this point.

I just found you all - I am from the other BT..before the crash.

I first had RSD in 2001 after a fracture in my right foot, it gradually went away over 4 years. Then, came back when I twisted my shoulder at a PT evaluation. This time, it is much worse. It was staying put for a while, but seems to be on the move now. It has moved to my other shoulder, down my back. Am also feeling pain in a toe in my good foot. That would mean all 4 quadrants. Not good.

This week, I go to see a new doc, 3 hours away. He was in the same pain management office as Stanton Hicks for a few years, so perhaps he will know something about RSD.

My Pain Doc now does OK, and my family doc has been a real trouper. Neuro is trying, but doesn't really KNOW RSD so I don't trust what he wants to try, and I turn it down, which frustrates him. But it's MY body, ya know? Yes, you do know!

Would give the world for more than 4 hours sleep a day!

Was good to have the old BT back, but even better when someone on there mentioned this place --- and to find all the "old" friends here!!! Like coming home!

Jules

Is there anyway I can contact you or you contact me. We have such a similar situation & would love to talk to you.
I am not disclosing who I am online either, and I notice you won't receive private messages. If you can't do this I certainly understand and respect your privacy.

Hope

if I arrive on time my family gets very worried. :P

I am 48 now, am a RSD warrior since 1995. I severed the tips off my long and ring finger on my left hand in Nov. 1994 using a wood joiner. Diagnosed at UKMC in March 1995. Have had several blocks and bunches of different meds and pt. Am on just meds now, but more likely will be seeing pain management again as the rsd is in my left shoulder. I am tougher than rsd but it does knock me down at times.

I am getting back on my feet after separation and soon to be divorce.
My children are Ann, 27 and her new husband Dale, my son Dougie, 24 and Morgan, newlyweds as well! My son Darin,24 (Dougie's twin btw) is doing well, he's an up and coming web builder and business wiz. No grandchildren yet, but soon I hope!

I am a woodcarver too and love my horses.

So that's me.
Kathy