[LisaM]

but a question nonetheless Know how we have that little section at the bottom of the board that tries to list other posts all around this site that may talk about what our current post is about? Well, I clicked on one by Trix from the TOS site, inquiring HERE about what she could do to prevent getting RSD from her TOS surgery (she's having both sides done at ONE TIME! Yikes!). And since my RSD got worse after having tos surgery on one side, it piqued my interest so I clicked on it. And someone (can't remember who...but I know SOMEONE DID) responded in part with this:

"Move it or loose it" is a big thing with RSD. Muscles atrophy and joints "Freeze"...and things just can go all haywire if RSD parts are kept immobile for too long. If you DO have to do this, then try to move parts...gently and slowly asap once you are able to.

Which leads me to my question...

After my surgery (on right side) my right elbow was locked in place for some reason. It was locked in a bent positiion. like I was holding a pop in my hand. It would NOT move for ANYTHING. Initially it hurt, then it didn't hurt, but just WOULDN'T MOVE. Not a bit. PT had me carrying buckets with weights in them, applied heat, warm heat, tried manual manipulation,etc..NOTHING worked. Finally,very slowly over time, it is "almost" straight.

But do you think that was the rsd that made it not able to straighten? I mean, it was almost like my arm was in an 'invisible sling" for all that time, and it was really weird, cuz BEFORE surgery it wasn't like that...but once I woke up, BAM...it wouldn't budge.

How weird is that? ya think it ws the rsd???

Hugs
LisaM

[Jomar]

I don't know is RSD would have caused that reaction- it almost seems like a nerve or something was affected during the surgery??

But I'm not an expert on it at all - just trying to figure it out how that could have happened.

[msdrea83]

when i first got hurt the docs thought i had fractured my elbow, so they put me in a full arm cast. it was only in there for like 2 weeks when it got taken off, so i should have been ok, but like u my arm was completely stuck. it was like that for months. i went to intense PT where he forced my arm to move into normal position (i was on a TON of pain meds!) until it finally would begin to stay straightend out. its still not completly straight, but if i hold both arms out my left looks only about 2 inches shorter then my right. if i keep my arm bent for a while it will start to get in a stuck position again. both my therapist and my docs said its from the rsd...

[Joselita]

Hey Lisa...

I am the one that said it...here is the whole paragraph:

Would you windup in any kind of cast, or have your arms/shoulders immobilized in any way after the surgery? If so, for how long? Casting and immobilization are other big No No's for RSD patients, and things to be avoided....IF at all possible. Sometimes, it is not possible (as in when a bone is broken or whatever, and casting HAS to be done). "Move it or loose it" is a big thing with RSD. Muscles atrophy and joints "Freeze"...and things just can go all haywire if RSD parts are kept immobile for too long. If you DO have to do this, then try to move parts...gently and slowly asap once you are able to.

It was right after talked about not using Ice, and if asking if she knew if she would be able to have a SGB done if she was that scared of getting RSD. Here is the link to the Thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=3577

I don't know about waking up and not being able to move a certain area after surgery, because my RSD started out in my foot and then went to my lower leg. After my foot surgeries, I was casted. Casted and non weight bearing..so moving wasn't much of an option while the cast was on. I know that I am VERY lucky that I didn't loose any more ROM then I did (didn't have a total "Freeze up" of the ankle), and that I have been able to get a lot of it back. But, then...I use it, all the time. As much as I can. Lots of times, even when I really shouldn't. That is just because I am very, very stubborn. LOL

So...I guess that I can't really answer your question...but I wanted to "Fess" up to being the one that said your quote there. Hopefully more upper body (erm...or...initial upper body, since I DO have it in my upper body, but it never has acted the same as it does in lower...it is very weird thing, RSD) folks will come on and have a lot more to say and be able to help you out a lot more than I am.

Hope that you are doing well with the crazy weather that we are having. I don't know about anyone else, but I am more than ready for SUMMER to get here! ROFL

Take Care,
Jose