I'm so sorry to hear about everything that you are going through right now, Stressedout! I really hope that you aren't dealing with a spread and that if you are, you will get over it pretty quickly!!

Unfortunately, I don't think there is really anything that we can do to stop RSD from spreading! I have learnt that RSD will do whatever it wants, whenever it wants and theres nothing we can really do about it unfortunately.

I have RSD in my left leg and both arms. It started in my leg, then spread to my right arm after an injury and then to the left after a fall. Whenver I have suspected that the RSD is spreading, I have tried to move as much as possible. It is REALLY painful BUT it is what my doctor and PTs suggest and say can help more than anything.

I usually start off by doing really gradual exercises and then build up when I feel that I can tolerate it. I find it easier than doing too much at once as that seems to make me a lot worse! Theres a fine line between doing too little and doing too much!!

I have also been adviced by my PM Doctor to take some strong doses of Ibuprofen when I am in a flare and/or suspect a spread. I'd speak to your doctor and see what he thinks about that and what is the highest dose you can take that is safe to do so.

Have you tried anything like Espom Salt Baths? I know they can really help some people as they tend to relax your muscles a bit. They didn't help for me but as we all know, everyone is different and no two people will react the same.

I totally understand what you mean about not being the type of person to complain or scream from the rooftops that I am struggeling. I have never been like that and it takes a lot for me to compain. I guess sometimes I feel like I am putting other people out or come across as a winer ... thats where my 'Type A' personality comes in!!! Since I have had RSD though, I have slowly learnt that I can't keep 'ignoring' things and have opened up a little more ... i'm still really shy but do tell my doctors when I am struggleing. If you don't ask for help, unfortunately you sometimes don't get it.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and if you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here for you as I DO understand what you are going through and how scary it can be!!

Take care and please keep us posted!

If you can convince a doctor to write for it, a warm pool, (exercise of any kind) but warm pools are great, as you can move through the water, (not necessarily swim), with some resistance, and get some "soft" movement, and blood circulating.
DEW her does this.

I think it's excellent, and is recomended by my doctors!
(You asked how to slow the spread, and this is the only thing that I think will do it, imho) Exercise.

Feel well!

Pete

From what I have been told and everyone is different so follow your body and treatment teams advice but it is key to keep moving. Very hard when the pain is so high. Have you been on any of the nerve meds like neurontin? Do you have tramadol? You may want to try it if you do during your flare ups. over the counter on here someone suggested Alevel liquid gel caps and I take that on an occasion. The bath is good as well and some like epsom. I think it is good you are seeing a psych. I waited 2 plus years to do that and I am so gald I finally went back. It does not take the physical pain away but helps me be more rational and with anxiety which I would think helps pain.Hang in there