ok, i broke my left wrist last yr....developed RSD in left wrist, hand, arm, even up into my shoulder. i've previously suffered w/plantar fasciitis in my left foot, almost 2 the point of surgery! NOW, the drs think i have RSD in my left foot - much pain all over my foot, burning, knife-stabbing pain, etc. can RSD affect one side of the body?? pls help!
p.s. most of u know i have epilepsy....and had started the drug Keplin 12 days ago 2 help my Lexapro work better. well, just started having seizures - had 2 get off Keplin - even had 2 begin Attivan..... helped settle my nerves!

RSD can spread anywhere in the body it wants to, including internal organs. Not to scare you with that info but it's the truth. RSD spreads via our nervous system which touches every single square inch of us.

There are three "types" of spread, Mirror spread, which is when it spreads from the left side to right or right to left. Continuous(what has happened with you) when it spreads up or down one side of the body. Independent spread is when it goes from left to right foot or left foot to right shoulder.

Hugs,

Karen

wow....thks so much 4 the info! my wker's comp can't understand how it could spread from hand 2 foot!!

Hi NancyinLA,
RSDSA is a national organization for RSD. Their annual meeting was here in Scottsdale Arizona, so I got to go. They will have a DVD of the 2 day seminar. lst day was for RSDers and 2nd day was physicians and therapists etc. They have a lot of information in their web site. They have a spot on the web where you can put your zip code and they will give you the closest location for a support group. They will give you a phone number and contact name. It's a good way to find out good Drs. therapists in the area familiar with RSD. Another good website is" rsdrx.com Dr. Hooshmand for years was a prominent Dr. in Florida. His website is still up and very informative. He retired. A part on the website is puzzles. It's 140 questions by patients and his answer. Worth looking at. For instance, information before going to dentist. We don't want RSD in our mouth, which can happen. I take precautions and he has me take antibiotics the day of the procedure.
Hope the best for you. your friend, loretta

Hi Nancy
mine has mirroed from my right leg to the left,,even the original site[small cut on r-heel] is where it started on the left leg,,then consumed the left leg ,migrated,,,Good advice is to not wig out,,everytime i did,,it made it worse,,,its hard to stay in a calm state of mind when you see it spreading ,,but it does calm my flares down when i stay busy and stay calm,,good luck with you,,maybe its not rsd,,my hope and prayers are with you as well as with everyone here ,,,,,,,,bobber

Hi Nancy,

I wish I could tell you RSD doesn't spead. There are some in the medical fields that think it doesn't. I can tell you for me it has gone fullbody. It started in my right arm and shoulder then left arm then my torso and legs. The worst thing you can do is get too anxious about it only makes you feel worse. Ativan is great for helping with the anxiety (at least it works for me).
Keep in mind RSD acts differently for all of us. Thus, the reason Western Medicine has so much trouble manageing the pain.
I hope you find peace and just take it one day at a time.
Sherrie

Good point Sherrie
But i think one of the biggest problems is that rsd is on the back burner,,you wouldnt believe how many dr's and technicians dont even know what it is,,,thats why I put my hope in God, In all due honesty,, i didnt know what it was either until this year,

Hi all,
I had an appointment a few months ago with a neurologist ( from my regular medical insurance, not WC) whom I haven't seen since as i never returned!!

Here's why.......I was telling him how concerned and worried I was about the RSD spreading and he said..."Don't worry, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD) doesn't spread...that's why it's called 'regional', because it stays in one place....."

As soon as the appointment was over, I hobbled right OUTTA that office..

Hope4thebest xo

RSD can for sure be on one side of your body. I had surgery on my right hand and came down with RSD on rt hand,arm and shoulder. I also understand that it can move to opposite side? Are you getting nerve blocks? I got nerve blocks along with physical therapy and it really helped---the two go hand in hand. The most important thing is to keep things moving---even if it hurts!! Its strange, I have partial epilepsy also. I wonder if there is a connection between the two??? I take Lamictal for my seizures. I hope what ever treatment you are getting brings you much relief from your pain. take good care---keep in touch----hutch

I sure don't blame you for running fast out of the door. It is a fact that it can and does spread. I am amazed that a doctor who specializes in Neurology is not more familiar with rsd more then that----but it happens all the time!! I thought thats why they are considered specialists??? If they are not familiar with something, they should admit it, research and then get back to you. They should at least consult with their colleges who are more familiar with it???