Dear Smoke,

Sorry to hear that your RSD seems to be spreading. Mine has spread also. Along with the spread I've experienced intensifying pain as well, which gets worse, or "flares," when I do too much. This is common for most RSDers. The key is to find the right middle ground, where you are using your affected limb just enough.

The faster that you are treated with the right combo of meds, PT and other medical treatments the better your chances of minimizing your pain and possibly halting your spread. For me, my PT has been really helpful in keeping me sane - he believed in my pain when others didn't (and that was BIG) and has supported me while I fought WC for meds, doctors, treatments, etc. I now have really good docs in Boston at teaching hospitals that know their stuff, but it took me a while to get to where I am. For Loretta on this board, she has her combo neuro, physch and pharm (I think I got that right). You will notice that others on this board also have PM docs, or anesth, or rheum that treat them for their RSD, it depends on where you live and who specializes in what. Your best bet is to combine the care of your PCP (I really like mine, and he writes some of my scripts) with the very best docs you can find that are RSD knowledgeable - usually the best are going to be at teaching hospitals or really large medical centers.

This is the best advice that I got from this board when I first joined, so that is why it is the first thing I am telling you. Especially since your RSD is starting to spread.

Good luck, Sandy

Smoke,
Sorry for your situation.
If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.

I apologize, for bustin' yer chops about not being around.
(that seems to happen all the time on the tbi board)...

Anyway,
We'll all be here for you, and in a short while, you'll be one of the gang.

WE all suffer, and somehow get through.
I'm on my way to my neurologist, and my head is pounding. I overslept.
Dam.
I wish you well Smoke!
(I have another friend by that name)..

Pete
Asb

After I asked what a SCS was, I looked it up on wikipedia. Should have known. I have looked at all the medical stuff on this, and consider myself incredibly lucky to only have it as little as I do. Seems as though emotional stress is the worst, makes it pretty bad. My lady is preggers again, puking constantly, and in an 'interesting' mood. Makes it fun. She told me this morning/late late late last night, 6:30 am, after I snapped and said something I shouldn't have (I'm sick of your attitude) that she couldn't even look at me, and wanted to stab me in the heart, and twist it, for she wanted to watch me die. I dunno 'bout you, but that really sucked. Methinks I'll be right careful what I say in future. And buy a level three tac vest, you know, the one with the knife proof trauma plate...lol...good Lord, whatta long strange trip this is being. I appreciate all your support, I need it, I think. Well, later. Smoke

Smoke, I am sorry I havent posted before now. You had so many people posting to you I thought I would wait. I am sorry you dont have family support. I think next to not having the support of our medical proffesionals thats the worst. You need support at home. You have so much on your plate right now. You must be a really good father if you do the majority of caring of your child. I really hope your RSD isnt spreading & you were having referred pain. You really need to find a doctor who possibly look at doing more for you to stop that from happening. Aroubd here dont hesitate to ask any questions. Everyone here is so good about helping. I hope you find someone to help you.
Take care, Denny

I should clarify something. My mother has been gracious to watch Niki for me when I'm at work, as my lady is lacking in patience with little man, and just loses it. She's a good woman, but hasn't the maternal instinct, I guess you could say. In a way, that has helped me, for I am forced to be the primary person with him, getting up in the night when he's crying, etc, and I feel that has kept the RSD from spreading. I hardly notice it when I'm holding him. Mind you, I'm on meds, without them, I'd be in trouble. I did get laid off yesterday, so by the end of summer, I've got no insurance, and I'm stressing how I'm going to pay for the meds I need. But it's all good right now. I also want to praise the people at Volvo, they have treated me with great kindness and cut me breaks that have made a huge difference in my life. Unfortunately, there isn't enough work for us all, and I was let go. Hopefully things will pick back up and I can get back in. Basically, most everyone has been there for me, with a few exceptions. I know this sounds strange, but I hope the folks who look down on me for being on DRUGS never have any reason to understand the pain I'm in. May they never need drugs for pain. Oddly enough, most of these people are alcoholics, which I found very ironic. Rocks and glass houses never occurred to them, I suppose. Sorry, rambled. I have had great emotional support from my family, and I just wanted to make that point. Well, I gotta go, a friend of mine is needing some help, her mother is dying and seeing Niki makes her forget.
Later all,
Smoke