Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

Karen, as early as possible is always better, but being diagnosed at 6 months is certainly Not Bad, all things considered! I believe my doc said the hard wiring changes in the spinal cord happen sometime between 12-24 months of RSD onset? You should be optimistic!

I've been able to keep other areas of my body (my dominant upper extremity is my main RSD site) from turning into full blown RSD areas, after injuries, by employeeing various strategies to "calm" them down.

The fact that you have family that is experienced with the syndrome is sad, but also helpful that they can pass along their experiences.

Piggybacking no side-effect coping strategies with your blocks is the best chance you have of long term success. Warm Water PT! Sauna (Infrared reduces some of my swelling)! Gentle massage with a highly trained massage therapist! Warm baths with Epson Salts! Taking meds before your pain escalates too much (if you're using pain meds.) Try HBOT via insurance or out of pocket if you can afford it. Moist heating pads. Gentle exercise. Use pillows for cushioning in the car if vibration hurts. Meditate or pray. Avoid TV during this period of healing. Avoid foods that will exacerbate your RSD. Avoid stress. Get help to take over some of your household chores during this time. And so on, the RSD sticky "lifesavers" will give you lots of other ideas!

I told you about Lidoderm patches already, but let me give a slightly longer explanation, it's best to use them in flare situations. If you try to use them daily, they don't work as well--at least that's my experience. Your doc might even have samples for you to try, and if insurance won't pay for them (and if you can't afford them) the cream is a good option. The cream is stronger, but won't last as many hours. Also, make sure and wash your hands well after application--you don't want this stuff in your eyes!

My one great regret is that I wasn't "selfish" earlier on. Your health has to be your first priority right now. Consider that you have a new job, taking care of your body, to the best of your ability, 24 hours a day.

Thanks so much for the positive feedback!

Originally Posted by Karen67

I am trying to be selfish as far as being kind to myself. But I gotta say, its hard sometimes to not get depressed about the whole thing. Then I read other peoples stories on here and I feel like a whiney baby! I would love to be able to take a sauna or hot bath, but it causes me to flair. I can't do anything that involves warm or hot water. I have to do sponge bathes. Its driving me crazy! My PM doc is having me soak my feet in luke warm water to get me used to it?? I think. But your positive words and encouragement mean more to me than I can say. I will take your words to heart and keep on truckin'. Karen

Originally Posted by Karen67

I am trying to be selfish as far as being kind to myself. But I gotta say, its hard sometimes to not get depressed about the whole thing. Then I read other peoples stories on here and I feel like a whiney baby! I would love to be able to take a sauna or hot bath, but it causes me to flair. I can't do anything that involves warm or hot water. I have to do sponge bathes. Its driving me crazy! My PM doc is having me soak my feet in luke warm water to get me used to it?? I think. But your positive words and encouragement mean more to me than I can say. I will take your words to heart and keep on truckin'. Karen

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

Infrared involves no water. It does make you sweat though. I've tried regular saunas as well, but the infrared worked better for swelling. Did the summer heat bother you?

Different pools use different temps. You might want to call around and see if one offers a temp you'd be comfortable in. Local pools in my area range from the too hot 93 degrees to the high 70s.

I'd be interested to hear what warm water does to you. The during and after...

Originally Posted by Karen67

Well, as far as i know they're are not any pools for at least 150 miles from where I live. I am going google it and try to find a pool somewhere. As far as warm water goes or anything but ice water, it makes my feet swell and burn up with pain. Not sure why, but it drives me crazy. I would so love to be able to take a nice hot bath. Karen

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

No YMCA? Often smaller communites offer public programs at their high school pool. Or sometimes gyms have them.

Your doc's office will have written Rx for pool therapy if there is anyone offering it locally!

The Infrared Sauna I found was at a tanning salon.

Originally Posted by alt1268

Karen,
I left work 1/24/11. In April, 2011 I filled for SSDI, Everyone says you will get denied several times, so in June or July I signed the paper work with a SSDI atty.
August 23, 2011, I was approved, so I didn't need the atty. I would wait till you get denied before getting a lawyer involved.

Paper work seems to go on for several weeks.

Originally Posted by don1956

i got denied the first time,but the 2nd time i didnt use a lawyer i just reapplied,at the "SSDI"with my new info and got approved

Originally Posted by ballerina

I was also approved first try without an attorney. You can save a nice little chunk of money to try yourself the first time.