Hi Michelle, WELCOME!! 7 weeks and it is still hurting? Why don't you go and get you a good pain doctor and see what he/ she says? I think that this is too long for you to still be having some pain. You mentioned this "cold feeling" where at? All over, like chills or the arm itself? Mention all these symptoms that you mentioned here to your doctor. Maybe your family doc. can recommed a good RSD doctor, pain specialist for you. Good luck to you, Michele!~Love, Desi

I agree with Desi. Maybe a neurologist since this most certainly a nerve-related problem. If you are in an HMO, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor for any specialist. He/she (if they are good) should be able to help point you in the right direction.

This sounds like something that should not be ignored. Seven weeks is way too long.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Mike

Desi, when there is pain, it is mild and dull. I have read that rsd is severe pain.
The cold feeling is weird, it's not like I'm cold, but some cold feeling on my arm randomly.
It has definitely gotten better over the past 7 weeks as the tingling has gone away.

Hi Michelle

My rsd started from a blood test, and it happened the same way as yours- with that immediate intense sharp pain that went right up and down my arm and then burning and other pains later.

My dr told me to just wait and see what happens, but for me that wasn't a successful response as rsd soon developed in that area due to the nerve damage. Hopefully yours is still at a local level and there are things that can be done to help with nerve damage, to help prevent rsd from starting.

Definately try and see someone asap. I was told by another dr that nerves heal at a rate of about 1cm month, so it would take a while for it to stop affecting my arm down to my fingers. I don't know how true this is, but if they do tell you to just let it heal naturally, this maybe their thinking about it, but of course that's the worst thing you can do in terms of rsd, as the longer you leave it the less chance you have of getting rid of it. If nerve blocks are done in the first few months then it can help stop rsd from developing.

Definately get it checked out asap- any pain beyond the original injury (ie takes longer to heal than it should do) is something that should be followed up on.

x Kate

My RSD spread to my right arm inside the elbow after getting a shot to give contrast for an MRI. It's still there and has subsided gradually over the 3 years or so. In my case it has been insignificant because it's just some pain and there isn't any apparent loss of function or ability caused by it. I'd sure notice it a lot more if other stuff wasn't giving me a lot more problem.