Hi All,

I can not seem to find an article which actually breaks down different people and their symptoms of RSD.

The reason I'm looking, is because two doctors have ruled out RSD because my left arm is not showing signs of color change (although it does get quite red easily). I have visible signs of poor circulation, cold palms, sweaty sometims (not all the time) in my hand.

My arm is swollen stemming from my elbow region (where I was stuck with a needle over a year ago by a Phelbotomist) to my forefinger, right up to the back of my neck. Even under my arm...I was starting to get pain and looked and found a vein popping out. My arm has been swollen for about 8 months now. I get burning flesh pains...you know, like someone is holding a blow torch to your skin!!!!!! I have definate signs of muscle weakness as well.

So even though my arm isn't blue and I'm not constantly sweating...is it possible for me to have it? Not that I want it...but without knowing what exactly it is...it's kind of difficult to treat. The symptoms I have had for over a year indicate I have most of the RSD symptoms listed, so I believe this diagnoses would be the most accurate.

Any thoughts? Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Also, if anyone knows a link or two to documents that suggest RSD can be present without color change or skin abbrassions, please let me know.

Thank you so much friends!!!!!!

Hello,

While nobody "wants" to have RSD, yes, it would be helpful in treating it.

I do not have any signs of blue extremities. I don't have issues with sweating at all. But, I have RSD. Just because you don't have the above, doesn't mean you don't have RSD.

Mine is red - like a burn on my arm and has red dots. I also have this starting to spread in my other arm.

I would go see a pain specialist. They may be more informed of specific pain disorders. When I first started seeing this after surgery, my IM doctor said that I just need to live with it. When I told him that another doctor thought it was RSD he said that he'd never seen this disorder in his 25 years of practicing. You just haven't found the right person..

Good luck - and for your sake, I hope you don't have this because it really sucks.

Thanx, I hope not either. But after a year of symptoms and numberous doctors I wish it were something so I know exactly what to expect!!

I'm going to the doctor on Thursday, I'm going to ask him if he can refer me to a good pain doctor or someone who can determine if this is RSD or something else.

I have a feeling it is though...because I've ruled out everything else I could find. Ho ho hummm....

Thanx again!

Hi,

Well RSD is often a clinical diagnosis of exclusion - if nothing else is a reason for the symptoms then it is likely to be RSD. From what I have read you don't need every symptom in order to be diagnosed with RSD and thus not having full colour changes or full sweating doesn't mean that you don't have RSD. I would get properly evaluated by a pain dr who knows about RSD. Are you in the US? If so then it might be worth ringing around the pain consultants and asking them to find one who is good with RSD and who has experience treating it.

Good luck and I hope you find some answers soon

Rosie xxxx

Thanx Rosie,

I'll be talking to my Arm/Hand Specialist on Thursday, I'll ask him if there is a Pain Specialist around that he could suggest. So far this doctor has been very eager to help, but if this RSD he might not have the experience necessary to lead me to recovery. (Hopefully) Or at least stop it from spreading...

So frustrating. I just want to know when I wake up in the morning my face wont be swollen, my arm 10 times bigger and I even fear, sometimes, that I wont wake up at all.

It's so difficult to live like this...the pain, the things I want to do I can't seem to anymore.


I'm in Massachusetts, I dont know if there are any options for me. If anyone here can recommend a good RSD doctor in Massachusetts, I'd be most grateful.

dealingwithtos,

I hope you can stop the spreading of this aweful monster!

Good luck and thanx for your suggestions.