Hi everyone,

My arm has been killing me lately. It was hurting all the time but yesterday it got so much worse and I keep getting severe shooting pains from my shoulder to my fingers.

I have been trying to move it as much as possible as I know it's really important but am noticing that my shoulder seems to be pretty stiff and heavy.

My mum was looking on the internet earlier at things that might help and give me some relief and found an article on the internet about shoulder pain and RSD. It said that sometimes, the pain can be caused by tendonitis and can be common in RSD. I looked it up and I do have some of the symptoms however my doctor is usually hesitant to look into other possibilities and just says it's RSD which can be pretty frustrating at times - especially when the pain doesn't always feel like the typical pain that you get in RSD.

Here is a link to the article. I was wondering if any of you have heard of this in RSD and if you have experienced it so that we can look into it? I had a quick research and it says that it can be a common complication of RSD.

http://www.disaboom.com/Health/compl...-with-rsd.aspx

Also, when you are in a flare, do you notice that all of the other symptoms seem to get worse?? Lately my leg has been hurting a lot more and the balance issues seem to be back again when I try and stand up. A few times today I have nearly fell because of it.

I just want some relief from the pain. I can't sleep because of it and just feel so worn out and tired all the time.

Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank you for all of your help - you're all the best!

ALI

i am so sorry about the possible spread. i hope that it doesnt have you tried epson salt bath or put it on a hot towel or just a heating pad. i have noticed that i am very clumsy since haveing rsd have torn legiments in botth feet since rsd and broke the other foot. maybe the advil will help.
you are a very brave and speical girl ill tell you that much, i know how hared it is to be young and have rsd i was a little older than you when i first got and your attitiude is awsome to say the least

hope this finds you well

hugs

carrie

Ali
Sorry I missed your post somehow, I want to reach through the computer and give you a hug.
I truly hope it is just a combination of stress that is causing what my physio calls an 'rsd reaction' rather than a straight out spread. All my fingers are crossed for you and I'm praying too.
Are you taking vitamin C by any chance? there have been studies that have shown it to have some benefit and its a natural supplement rather than meds and also salmon oil or some fish oil (salmon is the purest quality) its a natural anti inflammatory that my dr gets me to take also and I feel better for it and I dont think its placebo. Keep getting your Mum to very lightly massage your shoulder and arm if you can bear her to, also in the bath gently move your arm under the water if you can get it deep enough, hopefully that will ease the pain a bit. I know not to tell you to keep moving it as I know you tell everyone to do that
I might also suggest taking plain old paracetamol, or similar (not sure what you have in the UK)...just as if you would have before you got rsd and hurt yourself, it may still be an accute pain that is happening and trying this wont hurt you.

And above all, try and de-stress, forget about the mess that has been going on, focus on your studies and your bright future, your trip to Vegas and the coming spring...remember those all important happy hormones!

Dont forget I am here for you, just need to say if you need anything.

Take care sunshine

Long time no talk, Ali. I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through now.

The only thing that I can think off is nice long baths with epsom salt. It will help with the inflammation and stress. This is if you are able to take a bath, some of us can't.

I am praying for you and thinking of you all the time. Good Luck hun!

H

Thank you all SO much for the kind words and ideas - I really appreciate them and you guys are the best!!!

My shoulder is still really hurting and I have had a really bad headache/migraine since my shoulder has been hurting - I think it is probably because I am holding my neck in a strange position to try and compromise some of the pain. I see my PT's on Wednesday so i'm going to ask them to have a look and see what they think could be going off - hopefully it will be something and nothing but I am getting the bad shooting pains and deep bone aches that you get with RSD. I have been trying to move my shoulder the best I can .... it is REALLY painful and my shoulder is really stiff but hopefully it will prevent any more spreading!!

MsL - Thank you so much for the info on diet and RSD, I really appreciate it! I have read Dr Schwartzman's site about diet and RSD and try and cut down on any caffeine (I have one cup of coffee a day at the most) and I don't eat many meats other than chicken as I don't really like it. I'm trying to cut down on fizzy sodas as that is something that I really love but I know it is SO bad for you! I don't eat as much chocolate as I used to do after reading that it can impact on the pain but I still enjoy it a lot so that is something i'm trying to cut down on soon!! I'll have a look at Schwartzman's site again and see what foods I need to cut down on - I LOVE junk food and I am really going to have to learn not to eat it as much as I used to do now that I have RSD! Thanks again for the info!

Felicia - Thank you SO much for your kind words and advice. You know I love you and you are going to make a great Physio (PT) one day!! I don't take Vitamin C at the moment but am going to speak to my Physio's about it and see what they say - they haven't really suggested it to me but I know it can be really useful in preventing Osteoperosis so it is worth a try! I think you can get it over the counter in the UK so i'll see how I get on with it and hopefully it will help!!

Heather - It's good to see you again - I've missed you and wondered how you were doing!! Thank you for suggesting taking a hot bath - i'll have to try that. So far, my shoulder really hurts in the bath tub/shower but I know it's important to try and touch it as much as possible - the water just seems to aggrivate the shoulder and RSD pain at the moment but i'll work on it!! Thanks for the advice!!

Thanks again everyone! I will keep you updated and let you know what my PT's say when I see them on Wednesday - hopefully they will have some answers as to what is going on as I can't cope with the pain at times it's that bad!! I'm going to speak to them also and see if they have any ideas as to what meds to take whilst flying with RSD as we go to Vegas on Sunday and it's an 11 and a half hour flight - i'm not looking forward to it at all but hopefully everything will go OK and it will be worth it!!

Hi Ali,

I'm so sorry to hear of your fall and possible problems in your left arm. Please try to stay calm. You are always so encouraging and sympathetic toward eveyone on here. We appreciate you so much. Please let us know what the pt and Drs. say. I've been temporarily off the internet, as my lapdown is down. They gave me a temp. password as I have forgotten that. Hope to get the computer people out here this week. Take care, Loetta

I am sorry that you are facing more and I know when I feel pain in other areas or something happens like you are facing I too fear the worst. I try to stay in the moment and do what I can to get through the day.It may end up just being sore and not an rsd spread(fingers crossed) You are such a strong young lady and I hope that you find relief and answers on Wed too. Keep us updated.

Ali

I don't know how much traveling you've done, but one thing to remember is that you can get up and move around the cabin whenever the seat belt sign is off. Talk to the flight attendants and let them know your situation. They are there to help you. Do not be afraid to ask them for assistance.

I have traveled a great deal over the years (as a Flight Attendant and passenger) both long haul and short haul.

I just came back from my trip to Seattle albeit only a flight of a little more than an hour and had no problems. The Flight Attendants were very helpful as were the passengers in assisting me with my carry on and getting my checked bag.

Good luck with your PT on Wednesday and your flight on Sunday! Have a great time in Las Vegas!