hello there..
I find that antioxadent tea seems to bring down my swelling quite a bit.. but I am mostly bedbound these days and that aslo helps the swelling too.
I drink white tea and roibos red tea, the white tea is realy good.. I usualy drop in a dolop of whatever fruitjuce I have to flavor it a bit or drink it plain is good too the roibos red is great on its own. I love it and drink large amounts of it a day most days..

The white tea more good for us antioxadents than green tea, the roibos tea has even more than white teas and is naturaly decafinated.. an low or no tannins so no bitterness at all.. Roibos tea is given to cholicky babies in africe wher it is a main staple drink, with a little milk in roibos tea they wean babes from their mothers teat. a very good tea I frink it red no milk.. its good hot or cold.. I drink both... yumm and soo darn good for you anytime but expecialy around flair time and spread.. or if swellings an issue.

When my legs were swollen I was having daily epsome baths (my house was cold) or at least every second day.. the swollen stage it settles down abit later on.. I forget how long have you had RSD and what treatments have you had already?
I hope your day is going better bud,
Sandra ((((((hugs))))))

Hi Sandra,

Thanx for the info.

I've actually been drinking Roibos tea, because I read a previous post from you. We have an ample supply at work of a variety of teas, I may buy some white tea in addition and alternate with the Roibos.

I will try to eat more colorful veggies as well. I don't know if I can squeeze in Epson Salt baths daily, but when I'm finished with this I will try. I'm usually always on the run, and have a very tight work schedule. (8:30am to 8:00pm) I get home around 9:00 pm and it's coordinating for the kids for the next day and some "catch up". I will try though, anything is worth a shot!!!!

I'm also considering
Acupuncture, what are your thoughts? Please advice, to me you are the "ALL KNOWING" on this forum.

My treatments are generally the Neurontin 300mg twice a day and Physical and Orthopedic Therapy twice a week. I've been treating myself mostly any way I can find!

I agree with you about the arm splint, and I have read similar information about casting. So for the past 4 or 5 nights I have taken it off. I try to sleep with my arm straight and elevated. The key word is "try". It's only during the night the doctor wanted me to wear it...it's not a cast, it's a splint. Do you think that matters?

I'm in so much pain right now. My fingers, my neck and my arm. I just took the stocking off it, it was starting to burn a little.

Off to the bath now, I pray it works.

I'm so sorry you're confined to your bed, how sad for such a nice person as yourself. I do hope they find a cure for this monster and you are able to do the things you like to once again.

Lots of Love,

Melissa

P.S. I just got a call regarding my MRI for my C-spine, I'm scheduled for 6:15 am day after Christmas. (About an hour and a half drive...eek)
Wish me luck!

Melissa,
I am so sorry about what you are going through
I have not found anything so far that helps with the swelling, but I have heard that Grape Seed Extract can be really good.
Hope you are feeling a bit better
Take care
Love
Alison

I never heard of that...I'll look for it tonight at the store and let you know if it works. Do you just apply it to the swollen part? Is that a silly question?

Last night I sat in the bath with Epson Salt for over an hour (filled it twice with hot water) Elevated and drank the Roibos tea. Today I've been drinking orange juice, V8 (with fruits and veggies) and had plenty of colorful greens at an italian resteraunt for lunch today.

See, I really do listen to y'all! The fingers on my right hand seem less swollen, but are still red. Lips and teeth still very odd sensations though!

I'm going to keep up the Epson Salt baths nightly and the other suggestions to see how things turn out.

How are you feeling? Any better sweetie? I know you and your mom are going through so much with your health. I do hope things improve and you're able to hold up with your new hectic schedule this winter. Saying tonz of prayers for you both. I have a 14 year old daughter, and I can't imagine her going through what you've been going through.

Lots of love!
Thanx again for your help.

M

Melissa,
Thank you for your reply. Grape seed extract are herbal tablets which you swollow (they don't contain many side effects)
This is a website about Grape seed extract http://nccam.nih.gov/health/grapeseed/

How are you?
Sadly no I'm not better. I have had another flair of RSD in my arm and my arm is infected. My leg is still the same unfortunatley.

I really hope you are a bit better.
Take care
Love Alison

Melissa,
I am not sure if they sell Grape Seed Extract in Walmart etc. You are probably best going to your herbalist (that is where I got my Grape seed extract from)
Take care
Love
Alison

Hi Alison,

I'm sorry to hear you are not better!!!!!!!
What are the doctors going to do for your infection? Do they think it will get any better? I'm so sorry to hear your arm is infected, please keep me posted.

I'm doing fine today, on and off (You now how it is)

I'm going to the herbal store after work and going to see if they have any and give it a try.

I've been trying the stockins, but they seem to irritate my arm more than anything. I also worry the fluid will build up in my fingertips and cause more problems with my nails. (So far they seem fine)

I appreciate your good advice and sincerly hope you will find something to help yourself with your arms.