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.

Hi Malissa,
Many thanks for your reply.
I really hope that you can get the Grape Seed Extract, please let me know if you can get it.

My PM doctors ringing my mom on Monday (Christmas eve) to see how my arm is, if my arms still red then he is going to prescribe me some Antibiotics and we will have to pick them up straight away. If my arm gets worse (which it doesn't seem to be doing) I have to go straight to the hospital. The swelling on my arm seems to have gone down a little, but all of my skin seems to be cracking and going red and yellow where the infection is.

I am glad that you are a little bit better, have you got all of your Christmas shopping sorted??

The stockings hurt my leg and arm too, I can't wear them on my leg because of the hypersenstivity.

Take care
Merry Christmas and a happy new year
Love
Alison

Hi there..
Ali can you get your mom to take a picture of your arm now and post it so we know what to watch for with infection,, so others can know if it is just normal RSD swelling or mabie infection.. I had a bite that blew up my ankle for awhile too. Sory you are doing so poorly honey.. I hope you are feeling better real soon.

Grey hound lover (GLH?) lol sory its just a mouthful.. I had missed your post to me here.. sometimes I just come on to post a link and dont read.. depends on mood pain and time.. then they slip away,you know same ol.. lol.. feel gidy today for some reason.. but hon honestly I am not all knowing as you put it, I just read alot to distract me from the pain.. Alot of what I post too is because I think it's important for us all to see the options and treatments avaliable, and so we can make informed decisions about our own care.

My own opinions about acupuncture is somewhat gaurded.. I know people who say it's helped them but I personaly would not try acupuncture, mostly because my RSD is generalized so I am now very leary of any treatment that my body may consider invasive anywhere.. second I am a big chicken at the best of times and third WCB wont pay for it here.. *sigh* I would however try acupressure I think.. the studys sound good but what works for one.. it may not work for another.. but I think it's a bit expensive for me at presesnt too.

I am looking into a study that works with the middle ear and hot or cold water in the inner ear canal.. sounds realatively unenvasive and is having very promising results with RSD.. I am in contact with a group doing a clinical trial in California.. I wish I could go and be a part of it.. another *sigh* lol..


Take care my friends,
Sandra

Ohh and I second the grapeseed extract.. its another antioxadent, but always check with your doctor is also a good habit.

I have had and still continue to have tremendous relief with acupuncture.
What a fantastic source of pain relief !!!!!!! and beyond !!!
I will try to find some abstracts that speak to it's positive effect on dystonia - a side effect in some cases of CRPS
It also helps with all types of pain relief for any kind of injury .
I always feel better when I am having acupuncture.
It is my # choice of pain management treatment for RSD.
It takes away my burning pain and sensitivity
It made my cold pain disappear . It rocks!!!!

Make sure to find an EXCELLENT acupuncturist schooled in the ancient art of Chinese medicine and not one of these 5 years and get your liscence people schooled in America.The more they know the better .
Acupuncture has been healing diseases for 5000 years .
Many Western schools of medicine are incorporating it's use into their programs of study.it is only gaining in its prestige what has been known for thousands of years - that it works!!!!!
Whatever you decide -Good Luck

Happy Holidays

GnP