CRPS

[jskiver33]

I injured my right hand by slamming it against a toliet. ( I used to clean houses and hit it pretty hard )  I was diagnosed with CRPS.  My doctor put me on Lyrica.  I had horrible side effects from it and had to stop taking it.  I was also put on Perocet.  Well I started to abuse the pain medicine and just recently got out of treatment for that.  I am on Suboxone.  It helps with the pain some.  I'm back at work full time and having a hard time with the pain.  But I don't want to take narcotis anymore.  My question is does anybody have any suggestions on what I can do?  I don't see my doctor for a few weeks.  Also I have extremely dry skin in the web of my hand.  I use lotion like there is no tomorrow and it doesn't work.  Now almost the whole palm of my hand is red.  Not dry like the web.  I've done some research and can't find anything about dry skin being a symptom.  Anybody with the samy symptoms or anybody who has any advise, please respond.  Thank you very much in advance.  Just typing this hurts sooooo bad.  

Jessica

[jskiver33]

I did see a specialist.  I mis-used my pain meds, and he won't see me anymore.  I don't blame him.  I signed a contract saying I wouldn't do that and I did.  I did go through treatment and I am 42 days clean.  I just need to look around for a new Doctor.  I was just wondering if other people with this condition had the same symptoms has I do.  I don't want back on pain meds.  I'll have to deal with Advil and the Suboxone.  Thanks for the response and advice.

[Reruho]

If you have been diagnosed with RSD/CRPS, then you need to be seen by a RSD/CRPS specialist. This is a very complex disorder that few doctors have a grasp on.

Yes, RSD/CRPS can cause problem with your skin. The RSD Foundation's Clinical Practice Guidelines says this:

Skin changes - skin may appear shiny (dystrophy-atrophy), dry or scaly. Hair may initially grow coarse and then thin. Nails in the affected extremity may be more brittle, grow faster and then slower. Faster growing nails is almost proof that the patient has RSD / CRPS. RSD / CRPS is associated with a variety of skin disorders including rashes, ulcers and pustules. 9 Although extremely rare, some patients have required amputation of an extremity due to life-threatening reoccurring infections of the skin. Abnormal sympathetic (vasomotor changes) activity may be associated with skin that is either warm or cold to touch. The patient may perceive sensations of warmth or coolness in the affected limb without even touching it (vasomotor changes). The skin may show increased sweating (sudomotor changes) or increased chilling of the skin with goose flesh (pilomotor changes). Changes in skin color can range from a white mottled appearance to a red or blue appearance. Changes in skin color (and pain) can be triggered by changes in the room temperature, especially cold environments. However, many of these changes occur without any apparent provocation. Patients describe their disease as though it had a mind of its own. (http://www.rsdfoundation.org/en/en_clinical_practice_guidelines.html)

I recommend you go to RSD specific websites for the best information. Some excellent ones are RSDS.org, RSDHope.org, RSDFoundation.org and rsdrx.com.

I have dealt with this disorder for 3 years. I have had the skin peel and then the skin turned and remain red for weeks.
Reta

[Tuckamore]

Hi Jessica,

Sorry that I do not have any great suggestions for you. There are physicians that specialize in the treatment of hands. Have you consulted one of them? They can usually be found at a larger teaching facility or a well known national clinic. It just takes a call or some research to locate one. They may have some options for you.

I am sorry that you are dealing with chronic pain. We certainly can relate to chronic pain and the many challenges it presents. Please feel free to let us know how you are doing. We're here to support you.

Take Care,
~Tuck