Hi All,

It's been a while but I've been going through a number of things. Since I can't seem to sleep I wanted to update all of you on what's been going on these last few weeks. I've been reading all your posts, but never had a moments peace to respond.

I have been going to my O/T appointments. As some of you know the doctor wanted to try the full arm splint at night in hopes it would reduce the swelling. It's not totally enclosed it just keeps my arm straight while I'm sleeping. It hasn't helped with the swelling, my arm has actually expanded half an inch. The O/T seemed quite concerned and told me to mention it to my doctor. She's not sure if it is from the therapy or the splint or if it's "just because". The burning in my neck stayed for some time, my doctor prescribed P/T for my neck and shoulder while continuing with my O/T. At first the P/T messed around with my neck a little, made me somewhat more uncomfortable for the next few nights with the burning etc. She has now been focusing on posture techniques as well as massaging the cervical spine in my neck which seems to be helping. My neck is a lot less painful now! So I'm grateful.

Last week I slipped on the ice in my driveway and bumped my swollen arms elbow. I had a little bruise but didnt feel too bad. Then, all of the sudden the next day I felt burning all over my body. I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the fall, therapy or what. But I would get these cold rushes all over my body which was followed by this horrible burning sensation. Like I was on fire. It was in my head as well...like I've been describing with my lips, teeth but the worst this time was my eyes. They had a glassy appearance but to me they felt extremely dry and painful. So much so I was unable to focus on anything. Have you ever tried to look directly at the sun and you get this weird stinging sensation behind your eyes and you had to close them? That's how my eyes were with everything. Not just the computer, ANYTHING! I couldn't hide my discomfort at work...people thought I was ill with the flu. Only, I knew it wasn't! It last four solid days and I felt helpless and worried so much about my future while it was happening. I thought that was it for me...my life was just about over because doing anything was such a painful chore. I can't imagine how people live like that all the time. For those of you who have consistent full body RSD constantly, I think I had a glimpse and I'm so sorry.

I think I mentioned before about my left knee being red when getting out of the shower. I felt some stiffness there for the last few weeks. Last year (after the needle injury in my arm) I began to notice at night my left ankle and calf was bigger than my right. I mentioned this to my Primary Care Physician and he didn't seem concerned. Thought it might have been from sitting at the desk all day. I agreed with him, I had no reason to believe otherwise. Especially since my blood sugar has been well controlled for the past few years. It was swollen when I went to him last Thursday, he had a look at it, noted the shiny skin on my lower calf and the swelling. He was saddened by the news and told me he was going to have a talk with his receptionist and to make her rush getting me that appointment to the Pain Clinic in Boston. (Apparently she had lost his previous request, which is why I never heard back)

These past few days I've felt fine. My arm is still swollen, and stiff. But my neck is burning a lot less and lower back seems better since the new mattress came. (As long as I don't sleep on my stomach, because it's near impossible for me to move from that position. OWE!!!!)

I've been using more moisturizers on my RSD limbs now more than ever...anything to prevent lesions like the ones I've seen on other unfortunate folks. I've been staying away from caffeine as best as I can.

I'm trying to ween myself off cigarettes as well. I'm hoping to quite by next week! (Pray for me and my poor family who will have to deal with me)

Aside from tonight, my sleep has been much better...

I hope all of you are doing well. I'm praying for poor Alison and her arm right now and hope she and her mother will see a pain free moment soon. I wish this for all of you as well.



M
GreyHoundLover