hello need some help, i have had this rsd for about 8 mn. about a year ago i tore my bicep off the bone while at work lifting, i have 8 blocks in my neck to hepl witht the pain some times they would work but it was short lived only for 12 hrs , then the pain would come back i have been on alot of meds and they make you feel zoned or like some of yall said make you feel like your in a fog , i work on an ambulance and cant be in a ' fog " when im trying to take care of PT my self, now they are talking about a pain pump or a scs , not sure what one they will pick because i dont know if it will be up to me due to the fact it is a workers comp. case , i just know im tired of being in pain and taking these meds that make you feel messed up , and dont do much for the pain or the cold feeling you get , im only 38 yr young . its so hard to explian to people what this is like , when im at work and my hand and arm gos cold i have the person im working with feel it , i know that sound wired lol but at least they can feel and see its not some thing im dreaming up, and they see the color changes in it aswell , they may not be able to feel the pain i have but they can feel and see the temp change in it, what one would be better if i get to pick , the pump or scs ???????? thank you .

emtmedic

Hi Emt,
So sorry of your pain battle. it can truly dominate our lives it seems.
Work Comp cases can be tricky and drag on and on an onnnn, and in getting either one of these procedures, there are several steps that have to be taken (or 'hoops' to jump thru, however you want to look at it).
Do you have a certain doctor who is locked in to your case? And are they giving you this option between the SCS or PP?

The good thing about having to make this big decision is that both of these have a 'trial' you can do first, to help decide if you will get optimal pain relief.
The pain pump will require a long-term commitment with your doctor (in regards to getting the reservoir refills), and sometimes it can be difficult in locating one who will do these. Being a WorkComp case, I'm not sure how open your options will be, like you mentioned.
Several RSD'ers have made mention that the SCS had caused their RSD to spread, so you might want to keep that in mind and ask Dr about it.

On the upside, there have been several here who have wonderful testimonies of getting their lives back due to these units.
Since no 2 cases are alike, you'll have to piece together all the info you can and between yourself and your healthcare team, you'll have to look at all the pros and cons and decide which would benefit you the most.
The best way to get a 'feel' for what patients are saying about these, is to read the testimonies, take lots of notes and make sure you've got good communication within your healthcare team.....as there really is alot involved in obtaining these devices.
But, again, the good thing about it is the fact that you do a trial procedure, which proves crucial when coming to making the final decision.

Good Luck to you, and I'm sorry you are going through this. We all know it is not an easy thing to be dealing with.
We are here for you, to offer the best support we can and share our experiences.

Truly Caring
Rae

emt_medic25, there is also a dedicated RSD support group forum here on NeuroTalk.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html