Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

[clarajane]

I was injured 2 yrs. ago, and developed RSD in left arm, after two surgeries, nine nerve blocks, thirty two oxygen therapy treatments. The nerve blocks last give me relife for a while. I'm told oxygen treatments after 40 or maybe 50 may repair the nerves. Right now I have just finished three more nerve blocks and on Lyrica, but not able to take this drug all the time because of side affects. Is there anything else for this condition. My job were I was injured does not give me anymore treatment, so any treatment I have to get on my own. Now I'm not able to because of money receive anymore treatments. Is there anymore that can be done for, RSD?
Thank you for your help. I'm 56 yrs old, not able to stay up more that 2-4 hours, very seldom am I able to get out of the house, so my life has done a complet turn about, and I don't see any future for me.
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[Brazen31]

I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS in left leg in 2008 by Mayo Clinic. Since then I've had nerve blocks, lidoderm patches, PM Meds, and had a spinal cord stimulator placed in my back. The best remedy thus far has been the SCS, until the internal battery stopped holding a charge. I know you're limited to funds and insurance so I'd advise you to consult with a neuro surgeon and determine if they will work out some sort of payment plan. Write your state health department to see if there's an affordable insurance plan that accept pre-existing conditions. If you find a solution you should elect to go for a trial SCS to see if it's a comfortable solution to your RSD. Knowing the type of pain you're experiencing first hand, I can say that you'll benefit from a SCS. I had a Medtronics device put in and it's one of the worse units. Boston Scientific's precision plus is the better of the two. I hope you find some sort of relief soon. I'm having mine replaced with the BS SCS. Hope this helps.. Good luck!

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

I understand your apprehension about cold packs being used, but as I mentioned in my post above, the cold pack is only for cases of body areas with "swelling", when heat would do more harm than good.

However, in areas without swelling, heat therapy, by any method, does give beneficial results and is one of the mainstays of treatment for complex regional pain syndrome.

I would advise clarajane to contact your mom to have a better understanding of this treatment option as she appears to be highly experienced dealing with this condition.

Thank you for your input.

[zdesotelle]

No! Cold pack will not help. I advise that you stay on your current medication. I would have to know more about what kind of RSD you have. *RSD has different kind of pains* You should use heating pads *like blankets except they are smaller. Surround these around the hand that hurts.* to help keep your hands warm. RSD may cause bad circulation. Also you can purchase a machine, I'm not sure exactly what you would call it but it will heat up and melt wax. I suggest using this whenever your hands get cold, or for pain relief. My moms best friend has RSD and went to get a new type of treatment, and its been in remission for over a year now. She had to go to Florida to get this treatment, and sometimes the RSD comes back, never for over a week, during times when she is extremely stressed. Please don't even attempt to use cold packs, these will intensify the pain. I hope this helps! I've seen the crippling effects of RSD. I will find the name and treatment that my moms friend used and PM you that imformation. I really feel for you and I hope that this helps. If you have any other questions, let me know. My mom who is a CHT, Occupational Therapist who has worked first hand with RSD, will be more than happy to provide any imformation that will help.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

I am so sorry to learn of your condition and how it has been affecting you. I do hope your condition would get better soon.

Aside from pregabalin, some other medications used to treat the symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (complex regional pain syndrome) are antidepressants such as amitriptyline and anticonvulsants such as gabapentin for neuropathic pain, and corticosteroids such as prednisone to reduce inflammation. Capsaicin cream is also reported to be beneficial in relieving pain associated with RSD.

Aside from drugs, you can apply cold packs for swelling and heat if the affected body part is cool.

Physical therapy can also be helpful in relieving some symptoms of your condition.

Other avenues to consider are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), biofeedback training, and spinal cord stimulation.

You should talk about this with your doctor.

Aside from treatment, you should also try to maintain physical and psychological health by continuing with your daily activities as best as possible, getting adequate rest, and talking about your condition to your family and friends.

Hope this helps.