When I get mirgaines I have used a cool wash cloth but not on my rsd area. I feel baths are the best for that for any change in temp. We are all different that is for sure. I also think there is a difference when one does something like this to themselves vs when someone does it to them. Like I can put a light finger on my area but if a doc or someone else it really flares me up cause I know the time to do it,the amount of pressure and more where if that makes sense.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful input....Right now I am having problems with foot , toes and fingers feeling like they are full of ice, I use a heating pad to try to warm things up. I never use ice...and when I go to PT on Monday I will not let anyone put ice on me...think Ill spend time in the therapy pool today...luckly I can go anytime I want...went to see pm dr on Wed. He going to start another series of sympathetic nerve blocks as my RSD has spread from my foot and ankle to my whole left side including my face...and my place of work wants me back asap...so pm dr is kinda being pressed into putting me back with restrictions on sitting only...that ought to be fun considering I work for a warehouse, membership club, owned by a large retailer...cant mention names, but you get the picture, stupid workers comp...so I got to go back in 2 weeks to God knows what position...oh well, hopefully the nerve blocks help again. anyway, thank again all for your opions, I will consider them all...
Jeannine

Ice caused my RSD to start spreading origionaly, that and too vigorus hands on PT massage of my right calf muscle. Ice damages the small nerve fibers, I have seen thermography pictures of patients with hot RSD who used ice to try relieve their pain and it was nasty! It may feel good but don't do it, the damage to your nerve fibers are irreparable and eventualy (only a few years) even your skin will break down (one big ulcer) I will look for the pictures again this is serious stuff! Please use a wet towel or sheet instead.. just try it anyway ok please?
If that dosn't work as well then do what you will anyway and I will hunt those photos, thanks.


Sincerly
Sandra

I need to try the pool again too. Anyhow I hope you feel better and I hope the next PT and blocks go better. I know one feels trapped when wanting to listen to a PT or doc but at the same time some are just not on the same page and can often do more harm then good. So you have to really think and weigh the options. I can still remember at Cleveland getting yelled at by the PT person and she told me since I would not do I would never get better. Well then we had a team meating and all the doctors felt that I was already pushing too hard and I was not at the point to do that. So I was so thankful I did not cave to her. I think there is balance between pushing and going too far. Many thought