[kittygato]

Did anyone else have issues with accepting the RSD diagnosis? I have heard it from two doctors and yet, I refuse to accept it. Did anyone else experience this same thing?

[Imahotep]

Not me.

It took a couple years before anyone even said what it was and more years before a diagnosis. By the time of the diagnosis anything would be preferable to limbo.

[kittygato]

Originally Posted by Imahotep

Not me.

It took a couple years before anyone even said what it was and more years before a diagnosis. By the time of the diagnosis anything would be preferable to limbo.

I'm so sorry. My doctors told me that I have RSD, but have not said anything about pain management. the only thing that has been mentioned is the MRI they are trying to schedule...

[Imahotep]

Originally Posted by kittygato

I'm so sorry. My doctors told me that I have RSD, but have not said anything about pain management. the only thing that has been mentioned is the MRI they are trying to schedule...

The insurance companies, apparently, are sticklers for excluding all other possibilities before allowing treatment for RSD. They would allow pain relief, but doctors, apparently, are loathe to prescribe pain relievers because of close governmental oversight. Many doctors, apparently, are not even allowed to write prescriptions for the few drugs that are usually effective for RSD.

Talk to the doc and see if he'll refer you to a pain specialist or anesthesiologist for pain relief in the interim. Doctors advise that this should be considered a last resort because pain relief will not help with the disease itself and can lead to serious side effects like addiction.

Don't take medical advice from me but it's also said that a properly managed pain program is very unlikely to lead to addiction. Talk to the doc but I would suggest not trying to get an Rx. Let him steer you to or from one.

This is a very sensitive area for doctors. Most pain relievers are ineffective. Ultracet or an equivalent works a little for some people and seems to be easier to get. It's addictive and should be treated with respect. Ask the doc.

[Imahotep]

This isn't a death sentence. It will change your life completely if you can't shake it but it won't necessarily destroy it. You have a good chance of a "cure" if it's caught in the first two years. Some people are cured by the very first block. Don't get your hopes too high but there are several techniques they can try to put this in remission. You have early diagnosis on your side.

It's even possible that the tests will turn up something more benign. Keep hoping.

If it does get cured you have to be very careful since it can come back easily.

Good luck.

[Vicc]

Hi Stephanie,

From amother post you wrote, it appears you were injured in November, and averyone will have suggestions about what you should do when an injury is that recent. I think it would help all of us if you could explain your symptoms in more detail, just about all of us divide RSD into two stages, and agree that early and aggressive treatment is essential.

Any changes in skin color are important, as is the kinds op pain, does the skin burn or sting; or hurt inside? Does cold affect your RSD? Does heat? Is there more than one degree temperature difference between your affected and contralateral (opposite) limb? Have you noticed any changes in your hair or nails?

I'm a firm believer in early and aggressive intervention, and what you tell us about your signs and symptoms will help us formulate our replies. I know it will help me figure out what to say...Vic

[Marla]

I totally agree with Vic on the aggressive intervention is "Vital" in early diagnosis. The earlier the better
the outcome. Of course you will have to continue activity to ensure remission will remain and try to avoid
having another incident that will cause injury....which sometimes could be difficult to do.

But this is NOT a death sentence, but yes it is a life changing situation, which you can do great things with it as long as you remain positive and informed.

I know it can truly get you down and have you so overwhelmed right now, but it will be alright.

You are in my prayers and I wish you all the best.

Love, Peace & Blessings,
Marla

[kittygato]

Originally Posted by Vicc

Hi Stephanie,

From amother post you wrote, it appears you were injured in November, and averyone will have suggestions about what you should do when an injury is that recent. I think it would help all of us if you could explain your symptoms in more detail, just about all of us divide RSD into two stages, and agree that early and aggressive treatment is essential.

Any changes in skin color are important, as is the kinds op pain, does the skin burn or sting; or hurt inside? Does cold affect your RSD? Does heat? Is there more than one degree temperature difference between your affected and contralateral (opposite) limb? Have you noticed any changes in your hair or nails?

I'm a firm believer in early and aggressive intervention, and what you tell us about your signs and symptoms will help us formulate our replies. I know it will help me figure out what to say...Vic

It is definitely the early stages of something as its only been 3 months. My hand gets hot and/or cold at random. When it's really bad, it turns a light shade of blue/purple. My hand gets hot even when my arm is cold, or even the other way around. I have had increased hair growth on my arm. And have also noticed that my nails grow so fast on that hand that I cant keep up with simple filing. My hand does sting and it does burn. Sometimes, it is so sensitive that any blanket or fabric hurts.....

[tayla4me]

Dear Stephanie,

I really hope you can find a Pain Management team which will initiate treatment sooner rather than later.
Your symptoms sound as though they could really benefit from a Stellate Ganglion Block or a series of them.
You are at a perfect stage to really get great results and even a cure.
There is a program called Graded Motor Imagery and Mirror Imagery that is being done by some physiotherapists who have a special interest in RSD, this stops the brain remembering the pain and helps to keep from getting atrophy of your arm.
I wish you lots of luck and early intervention.
Love Tayla

[hopealot]

Yay and yipee for the early diagnosis!! This does significantly improve your chances of healing. Hoping with you for full recovery!