I'm so happy that you have seen your doctor and that you've started on meds and you are seeing some relief.

I didn't mean to confuse the matter by copying your message and starting a new thread for you. I was so concerned that nobody would see your message when posted as a "reply". I'm glad that it got quick attention and brought you the experience and answers that you needed.

What type of tests? Did the doctors mention blocks...Stellate Ganglion Block? This would be a good next step. The quicker the better if he suspects RSD.

One thing is don't use ice on the area ok? Until you know absolutely for sure know it's not RSD, I'd stay away from ice. It's not good for us.

Please keep us all posted regarding your upcoming tests. I'll be praying for you. One thing we don't want is another RSD diagnosis.

With aloha, Dana

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME oh did I mention WELCOME!!

It is always great to have new folks coming aboard. Don't be shy. If you have been here for more than a day than you are no longer a new member!!!

Chin Up!!

Mark

Hi again,

Glad to hear you got in to see a neuro right away. I'm guessing that the tests you have scheduled probably include a nerve conduction study(?). With a venipuncture injury, there's a good chance they can conclusively document the site of nerve damage using this method, such as the exact branch of the nerve that was injured. I'm hoping that you just have a damaged nerve and not Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). By the way, CRPS Type I is the new name for RSD. Type II is when the CRPS results from a known nerve injury. If you have CRPS, and they can document the specific nerve injury using nerve conduction study or other methods, then you would have CRPS Type II (like myself).

Gabapentin works very well for many (including myself), and not well for others. Be aware that it and other anticonvulsant medications can cause some pretty hefty side effects, especially at higher doses, but not everyone experiences these. Also beware that neurologists often tend to understate the severity of these side effects. Weight gain, general fatigue, and "brain fog" are common.

As Dana mentioned, stay the heck away from ice, and try to stay warm in general. Many CRPS patients, including myself, experience extreme cold sensitivity on the skin of the affected area. Being cold in general can cause symptoms to flare up.

The tendency with painful nerve injuries is to protect the limb and not use it. However, if you can, use your hand as much as possible. Do simple range of motion exercises with your hand and fingers. Try to keep your hand & arm muscles strong and your fingers and wrist flexible, but also don't overdo it.

Good luck, and let us know how you are doing!

Annie

Once again THANKYOU to Anniepoo and Himomdp and everyone else who replied. Your replies have been extremely valuable. Thankyou so much for taking time out of your lives to help me. It is MUCH much appreciated.

It has been twenty days now since the venipuncture injury and the pain in my hand and arm is getting worse. It's waking me at night and then keeping me awake. My hand seems to be stiffening and my thumb and forefinger feel as though they have been burned. I have all kinds of shooting, burning, aching and electric shock types of pains.

In reply to Anniepoo: yes the neurologist is going to do nerve conduction tests in a few days. Please could you tell me the side effects to the garbapentin that you mentioned as I'm not happy about taking any type of pharmaceutical drug and as I'm in alot of pain anyway I can't even be sure that it's working. I have been told to double the dose to 600mg today. Would you class that as a high dose?

Is there anything else I should be preparing myself for? Once again thanks to everyone for your kind replies.

Wintiskinti.

Wintiskinti,

I hope you are feeling better, and am glad you did go to the Dr. I hope they get this under control ASAP. I thought I'd post this link to the RSDSA website so you might find some information that would be helpful to you.

http://www.rsdsa.org/3/clinical_guidelines/index.html

Good Luck..

Janet