[GJmom]

the rsd has flared really bad in my hand, and I can't open it. has anyone else had this and what do i do i will try to post a picture of it

[GJmom]

here are the pics...

[ali12]

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your arm

My arm did this when the RSD began to spread, my doctor diagnosed me with Dystonia (a movement disorder) as well as RSD. It took months to resolve but eventually I could open my hand - I started putting thick marker pens into any gap in the fist and stroking the muscle to stimulate some movement.

If you need anything, just ask
Pain free hugs
Alison

[Jomar]

Hi,
I'm sure the others will be along soon with some ideas for you.

I know a few have had locking up or dystonia type problems of hand, arms or legs.

splinting has been mentioned, muscle relaxers or injections too I think.. that's just what i recall reading.

I wonder if Low Level Laser or Ultrasound treatments would help?
I don't recall seeing anyone mention those...
I suppose if it is a muscle based cause those might work , but if it is nerve based they most likely would not.

[Linmarie]

So sorry. Yes, this happened to me. It was so scary not to mention the pain. I soaked alot in epsom salts. Several times a day for 1/2 hour. I think the epsom salts really helped me. It felt good to me. I was fortunate to get a good OT that eventually got it working again, although the thumb is still atrophied. I had a cortisone shot that made the pain even worse. Just wanted to share my experience with you and wish you the best. I know we all can respond differently.
Oh, also the OT had me do a parafin wax treatment several times a week. I bought one and still do it (though not as frequently).
Hope you get the swelling down soon.
Linmarie

[GJmom]

thank you both so much! this started last night. my husband kept prying my hand open (good god i thought i would die) he made a splint to keep it open while i slept. i took it off to see if it would stay open, and well it didn't. so i am trying to splint it back.

[GJmom]

Originally Posted by Linmarie

So sorry. Yes, this happened to me. It was so scary not to mention the pain. I soaked alot in epsom salts. Several times a day for 1/2 hour. I think the epsom salts really helped me. It felt good to me. I was fortunate to get a good OT that eventually got it working again, although the thumb is still atrophied. I had a cortisone shot that made the pain even worse. Just wanted to share my experience with you and wish you the best. I know we all can respond differently.
Oh, also the OT had me do a parafin wax treatment several times a week. I bought one and still do it (though not as frequently).
Hope you get the swelling down soon.
Linmarie

thank you so much. i have tried to soak it, but not with epsom salt. i will try that now. what is parafin wax, and were do you get it?

[Desi]

Originally Posted by GJmom

the rsd has flared really bad in my hand, and I can't open it. has anyone else had this and what do i do i will try to post a picture of it

Yes! I have had both my hands swell up, but the odd thing is, my left swelled up more than the right. It hurt so bad, when trying to open it, I cried too! Even shut, you feel as if the pain is so intense, your going to go crazy!! I am so sorry your going through this, as many here said the same! Love, Desi feel better soon, ok, now??

[fmichael]

Dear GJmom -

I can't imagine how frightening this must have been, let alone that you've had the presence of mind to be on the computer. A number of threads have been put up over the last year on dystonia. Two of the better ones were posted by Sandra (Sandel) and open links to compilations of various drug therapies:

Dystonia medication facts.. resource guide @ http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...light=dystonia

and

NEW BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PERSISTENT PAIN (dystonia etc) @ http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...light=dystonia

Of the drugs mentioned, I have never used any of the more interesting rheumatological agents. I have, however, used Baclofen with some success - although at the cost of short term memory. Klonopin is great for anxiety but did nothing for my spasms and while Flexeril was useless for me, I know others who swear by it. As with so many things, to each their own.

You should really be seen by a good neurologist. All the best.

Mike

ps Parafin wax is the old fashioned wax that my grandmother used to seal jelly. It's now used in a machine that heats it to variable tempratures in the 140 - 160 degree range. You quickly dip the affected limb in and out 5 times until a soft warming glove/boot/etc. forms, which you then keep on for a few minutes. Many people find it quite relaxing as did I, until one day I developed an incredible sensitivity to the heat, and that was the last of my parafin experience.

[Linmarie]

GJmom,
I was just thinking about your hand and what finally brought down the swelling on mine - prednisone. It took 3 rounds and the last round, high doses then tapered down, lasted 4 weeks. It brought the swelling down finally.
The parafin wax is what they use at nail salons. I bought mine at a department store. I have to go to a medical supply to get the wax but I think it originally came with some.

Linmarie