Hello All...
First let me say a big thank you to the originator, as well as all who posted regarding TOS symptoms thread.

My physiatrist has been trying to dx me with RSD for a while. I questioned him about TOS, but he didn't think it was so due to where my numbness goes. So I guess I'm wondering, what to do.
I had a C5/C6 fusion a few years back, just found out I have a C6/C7 herniation, and a bulge below that...have thought that my worries were my neck.
Shoulder pain OUCH! negative arthrogram MRI, Severe scapular pain [knots that refuse to go away, trigger point injections haven't helped] My right arm gets heavy quick, burning pain runs down it--work at my computer kills me. Oh, and my hand turns purple often [swells too] I can get the purple to go away [raising it up etc.] Severe headaches, base of my skull---have had facets injection for that...hmmmmm. Bought a tens unit...it helps somewhat...ice helps too and heat [RSD'ers tell me to stay away from ice]
I'm supposed to go for a stellate ganglion block [sp] but haven't scheduled it cuz I'm a big chicken...I've been on a pain contract for Vicodin for about a year, take flexoril [tried Neurotin...as well as a few others along the way...no good], and am currently on day 10 of steroids, for my most recent flareup.
I could really use some advice...
OH yes, one more thing...I've noticed a bone, behind my clavical, didn't show up on XRAY, doc says it's not a first rib...yet, no one seems able to tell me what it is...

Thank you in advance...and I apologize for the length [and scatter]

CB

Find at least one blessing a day to count...it will keep you sane!

CB

I'm so sorry to read your symptoms, I don't have rsd so I can't advise you much but I'm sure others will be along with some comments

Ocgirl

for some reason it was thought that I had RSD too, along with my bilateral TOS. I ended up having bilateral sympathectomies done, which in hind sight now, I am not sure I ever needed that done and now my hands don't sweat (no big deal), but I sweat all over my back and abdomen (big deal to me).

Why do doctors confuse this? I don't mean to derail the thread but I am kinda glad to say I am not the only one that has had these two terms thrown at me.

At this point there is no doubt I have bilateral neurogenic TOS. But RSD? Even after the last surgery (I had to have an axillary nerve cut to make room for the lat-flap) I have a part of my upper arm (the back part of it) that is hypersensitive. Dr. Annest assured me it is not RSD...even though it felt like raw rugburn all the time. It is slowly improving.


So I guess my question is....what is the criteria for RSD? How does it differ from TOS??



\/\/\/ Oh yes... I forgot - I did have stellate ganglion blocks ( I was so scared too!) that gave me very temporary relief and then I rebounded!! I must have blocked it out....lol

I wanted to let you know that I have Bilateral TOS and I have been thru my 2nd surgery. I also went thru the, is it RSD or is it a nerve healing. My Dr and I tried all the routes, time, steriods etc and nothing seemed to really help me. I had feared that I had RSD starting and my Surgeon also suggested that I may have it in the works so he wanted to do a Stellate Ganglion Block. Like you I was also scared to death... I didn’t want to go thru another block or more injections but I also didn't want to suffer the consequences of RSD. So after pushing it under the table for a while I chose to do the block. I did have relief for 22 hours. Now I will be going for my series of blocks to try and put this in remission. Here is the link to the thread if you are interested in reading it... But I do suggest you at least go and get the block. It will help diagnose you either way and it is better to know if it is RSD now than later...
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=17282
Best of Luck to you
Many Hugs
Dawn

Understand your fears and anxiety. You're just walking down the path where I've already been. My question is, where do you live? I am in West Palm Beach, FL, and could give you a vote of confidence about your doctors and/or the facility where it is taking place. Have you checked the credentials of your physicians and/medical facility? Have you asked your doctor if he/she has had any experience in this procedure and/or RSD? Those are two very important questions. You might ask if it would be possible to have one of their former/current patients call you. Some times some doctors will do that, though it is not the norm. Sherry a/k/a Angel90s

During the past 4 1/2 years of TOS, I do believe I have had some RSD that has come and gone. Of importance is to get to a top neuro while you think it's active, and get some opinions.

I think these docs can spot it and know what to do about it, and when to wait for surgeries while it calms down. So you don't need to fear it forever.

Just be careful about it.

Best of luck and hugs to each of you.