Hey Austin,

My 17-year-old daughter also had RSD in her stomach, and she too participated in Dr. Sherry's program. I agree with your thinking that what they do there does have the potential to help although Sarah, like you, found no relief for her abdominal pain.

I read that you have tried every imaginable treatment, and I'm sure it seems like that; but I just had to ask if you have ever had a chance to try hyperbaric oxygen treatments. They were the one treatment that finally stopped Sarah's pain and allowed her to return to the many activities that she was missing out on.

Hang in there, Austin ... and never, never give up hope!

Jeanne

While yes it has seemed like every treatment possible i have never heard of the "hyperbaric oxygen treatments" but i will be sure to contact my doctor once they open this morning and will ask about this. At this point i am trying any suggestion that others with RSD/RND are using that i have never heard of. I thank you for this new suggestion. You have given me a new sense of hope to rely on. As well it is nice to hear from another that has gone through Dr. Sherry's program. Thank you for your post. Hope you and sarah the best of the pain free years.

Hi again Austin,

Your doctor's knowledge of hyperbarics (hbot) may be limited as it is something that many have not been taught in medical school. There is a neurologist in Florida (you can google rsdtherapy.com) who has had lots of success treating RSD with hbot. On this site is a link to a Discovery Health Channel Broadcast about a young girl who was bedridden with RSD for over 4 years, until her family came to realize that hbot was key to her recovery. The last I heard she was in medical school and doing well. We did not go to this doctor; but I am so very thankful that we found his site, as that is how we first learned of hyperbarics.

If you or your family would like additional information, I would be happy to try to help.

Jeanne

Actually yes i very much would, as my doctor told me today that they only use the Hyperbaric oxygen thing for severe wounds and he thinks they wont allow me to do it will RSD. So what do i do? Thanks

Hi Austin,

I've been researching for my own treatment after failing most other.

I found a treatment center in Tampa that does ketamine treatments run by Dr. Kirkpatrick. I know Dr. Schwartzman has a long waiting list.

Dr. Spiegel does hyperbaric oxygen treatments in Palm Harbour Florida.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

I am actually realizing defeat is the out come anyway i go. Its to late even if the Hyperbaric or the Ketamine works my life is so screwed up the stress would upstart it within seconds. My friends are gone. My best friend that i depended on and was always there for me has abandon me and could careless now. My family is by law family but is so distant from me its not even funny. Basically i am just forced to sit here and await for it to attack my brain like it did on January 28th, 2008. Only this time i will not come back.
Well sorry anyone has to listen to me.

Hi Austin,

RSD is so incredibly stressful and a very lonely illness (I know, tell you something you don't already know); but often times the stress and lonliness stem from misunderstanding an fear. I am sure that it feels like all of your friends have forgotten you; but in truth it is very likely that they really just feel helpless and don't know how to be there for you. Is it possible that the stress with your family is resulting from fear about your RSD? They are probably scared, just like you ... and have no clue how to help. If your family has any questions about hyperbarics or our RSD experience, please put them in contact with us.

Please find someone you can talk to. I know that you asked in one of your posts for prayers, but always know that you can take it all to God in your own prayers. He is there for you even when everyone else seems to have let you down.

Jeanne

Hang in there. It's probably not nearly that bad.

For me one of my surest symptoms is pessimism. Initially when I got this thing the pessimism was just that and nothing more. It would come and go with the pain and other symptoms in a flash. I'd even experience the pessimism first and know the pain was hard on its heals. Now days the pain almost always comes first and the pessimism is mixed with depression and anxiety and often paranoia. But it's still the same thing; a mere symptom. I even worry about getting well when I hurt for fear I'll lose my income which is pretty tough for an older man in poor health. But then I remember that it's not my good health that's the problem and if it were then I wouldn't fear not being able to work. If the symptoms weren't there then neither would the anxiety, pain, and fatigue etc.

I am very lucky that my support mostly hasn't left me. Indeed, for a time I even pushed them away a little to save them the pain if I killed myself but this wasn't fair to them or me. They would be entitled to any pain they experienced. It has to be sufficient that they know.

The point is simply this; if you were better your perspective would probably change. Whatever is driving your family and friends away might change and if it doesn't you can make new friends and start your own family. I suspect your pessimism is a symptom rather than a result of your disease. Cure the disease and it will right itself in either case.

Best of luck.