RSD or Pinched Nerve

  : : Car accident January 96.  That night tingleing sensation under left eye, left leg and left arm tire easily, left hand turns red every now and then.  These symptoms have not changed. Present symptoms: Entire left leg hurts.  Swollen from knee down.  Foot goes from clammy and cold to red and hot.  Left buttock hurts if I lay on my right side.  The little and next finger on my left hand go numb every time I lay on my right side.  Left area of face tingles when I lay on my right side, the same area that felt odd on the night of the accident.   If I sit or stand for any length of time I feel like my throat is swollen, my lips tingle and the bottom of my tongue tingles. Walking and sitting for about a half hour will aggravate all symptoms, especially my foot.  I do have pain in other areas of my back but not near as severe as the pain on my left side.The trouble with my foot was diagnosed as RSD but I did not respond to any blocs, gagapenten etc.  Several neurological examinations did not find any one thing significant.  MRI of t-spine normal.  MRI of c-spine shows DDD (?) at c6-c7.  Doctor felt it was fused but x-ray 11 years earlier 100% normal.  In short, I can reproduce subjective findings on demand, only diagnosis is RSD of left foot.  IS IT POSSIBLE THAT A PINCHED NERVE MAYBE IN LUMBAR AREA COULD BE THE CAUSE OF ALL THIS MESS?  I HAVE BEEN IN A LOT OF PAIN FOR THREE YEARS AND I NEED HELP?       If it is best I go to Cleveland, then I will.  I want help.  Thanks
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  : I doubt if a single pinched nerve could cause the problem in your foot,
  : much less all of these problems, especially since you have problems right
  : up to the level of the face. RSD could explain some of the foot problems
  : and this is a notoriously difficult disorder to treat.
  : I note all of the normal MRI's but you do not mention if you had an MRI
  : of your brain / brainstem , this is a logical place to look for something
  : to explain the facial/ throat/ tongue symptoms at least.
  : I cannot promise a dramatic resolution if you visit the Cleveland Clinic,
  : but definitely this cannot all be explained away by a lumbar root problem,
  : and you obviously need a comprehensive re-evaluation.
  : If you wish to be evaluated here you may need to be seen in our Pain Center,
  : but I would suggest starting with a neurologist who specialises in this
  : area. If you wish to be evaluated in our department i would suggest you
  : start by seeing Dr Robert Sheilds, the number for his appointments is
  : [phone], no referral is required.
  
  I think the doctor has given some very good advice.  I think you should follow it.
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