Thank you for updating us, Summertime. I totally understand what you mean about being both physically and emotionally exhausted after Physical Therapy. I have PT sessions once a week at my childrens hospital and when I come out of PT, I always seem to be in a mood and it takes a while for me to come round. If someone says something to me when I am in a lot of pain, even though they might be trying to help, I always think that they are saying something wrong.
If you feel that the PT isn't helping you, I would speak to your doctor and see what he/she suggests to do. My PTs told me that it can take a while for PT to start helping but that even though you might feel like it isn't helping, it could be at least keeping you where you are now and stopping things from getting any worse than they already are.
Take care and keep us updated when you can.

Hi Summertime,
Yes, it makes sense, I believe it's not entirely possible for someone to truly understand what RSD is like unless they have it. My daughter, age 29, understands the closest. She is a court reporter and has done depositions on RSD patients and she has done a lot of research too. She and her husband moved to Chicago a year ago, but now she comes back every 2-3 weeks and works here. Her husband became a commercial pilot, so it is so wonderful they can come back so often. She left yesterday. My husband trys to understand, and is very helpful, but our life has changed so much, it's just not possible for it to be the same. You are not alone, even though we all might react differently, we are all the same in so many different ways.
I've been sleeping a lot lately, also. I'll see my Dr. next week, and I'll ask him about the SCS. I respect him greatly. I have skin lesions that bother me as to looks. When I asked him about having them removed, the moles, he said he wouldn't be able to touch them, because of his insurance. His insurance does not allow procedures on RSD patients. i remember, my daughters malpractice case, was because the Dr. didn't inform the patient about the possibility of getting RSD from the surgery procedure.
Summertime, it's late and I'll write you later after I see my Dr. He is a neurologist, pychiatrist, pharmacologist from new york. I'll see him Monday. I hope you rest well. I know you understand about the memory problem, but, did I tell you I have full body RSD? How did your's start? and where do you have it? I'm sorry, I forget. Take care, Loretta

hi summertime,

one thing to remember with phys/therapy is NOT to let them ever put ice on your rsd parts.....many therapists like to use it but it's about the worst thing u can do to yourself......likewise, there r several of us here who didn't do well with contrast baths, so be guided by your own response if that's suggested.

i've seen several p/t's over the years and was never too impressed by my results until last year when i started with aquatic therapy....like rmsully posted, u r able to do things u simply can't do on dry land.

doing the exercises in water feels safer to me - if i fall, my hair gets wet, but no damage is done......the warm water therapy (pool is kept at 88 degrees) has improved my balance and strength......the change isn't dramatic, but i'm a bit better in those areas.

the best part of working in a pool is that i have far less pain while i'm actually in the water......that effect wears off quickly once i'm on dry land, but it's so nice to get some relief.

i hope you'll have a chance to try aquatic therapy.....just remember that you'll need the water at 85 degrees or warmer.......good luck with your p/t.

Hi,
I for one just could not tollerate PT at all. I am so hypersensitive as well as swell from both hot and cold that Ive had oh probably 4 therapists after like 3 visits basically say, "you are just to sensitive we cant even touch you. Its a waste of both your time as well as ours" so basically, dont come back. Frustrating but, to me sure PT is gonna be a bit uncomfortable but when it is so bad that all you can do is cry and beg to stop there is no reason to go.

Blessed Be
Deb
RSD is not whom we are what we have to be is fighters and survivors.

Hi everyone,
Therapy is very difficult and probably impossible for some. My first frozen shoulder was so bad, I took pain med before hand and also paid myself for massage therapy to soften up the tissue. I was strapped down and tears rolled down my face. I didn't feel I was getting worse by it, or would have stopped. Would have permanent frozen shoulder with no range. The second shoulder was much easier and faster. Then the third time with therapy was for frozen hand. and desensitize the touch. That was tolerable, but too late to get full range back. four fingers can move just partially, but enough to cut my own food and have some use of it.
I just want to say, that the anti-anxiety med lorazepam works well for me for less pain 2 mg. 3 times a day. take less vicodin and flares are less due to stress etc. CoffeeBean said I was only one she had heard take it for this. My Dr. is conservative, but he also feels that type of med has a place with me anyway. take care, Loretta