[lora j]

can some one help i had n ankle sprain four months ago now they say i tts also mild rsd my question is if they want to do cortisone shots is this bad and has anybody heard of mild rsd and what makes it a sever case i don't think i want to aggravate it. please help on mt third doc not a lot of answers.

[Truth Seeker]

Caution.................
I was diagnosed with "MILD" RSD in 1996, here it is thirteen years later and I am still dealing with RSD.
At no time ever have I been able to figure out where "MILD" even entered into this.
Personally, I would refrain from allowing a doctor to insert a "metallic" needle into any RSD effected area, but the choice is yours.
Gather information first before you make a decision.

[puppyloverof2]

Hi Lora,

I do think it is possible to have "mild" Rsd. I think it begins to be mild and how it goes from there depends on what treatment, how soon it is found, how long it has gone untreated, etc. I had an injection in my wrist (that is where my RSD began after Carpal Tunnel Release surgery) back in March and it did not aggravate it, it was more of a diagnostic tool and I got "maybe" about 15-20% relief for about 6 hours. I personally would rather have an injection of cortisone that may relieve some pain and confirm or deny to the doctors that you do or do not have RSD, than to go right into a stellate ganglion block, although that has proven to be successful or helpful when performed early in diagnosis. I personally did not want to go that route. The risks associated with the nerve block scared me enough to stick with the PT. There are 4 phases of RSD. I have had RSD for 1 year and I believe I am in phase II because I underwent aggressive PT shortly after diagnosis. RSD has to start out somewhere & from what I have read, "mild" RSD would be limited to a phase I. I believe (from what I have read) with aggressive PT & OT, (maybe shots will work for you, it is different for everyone) this disease can be slowed down and possibly reversed. Learn all you can about RSD and what they want to do. The best info I have rec'd is from this forum and www.rsdrx.com and Dr. Hooshman's findings in particular on a link that is called "rsd puzzles" link on the rsdrx.com website. Check that out and hopefully you will feel more confident about what to do next.

Good luck & I will keep you in my prayers,
Terri

[lora j]

Thanks Terri,
the neurologist that did my nerve conduction test was pretty sure i have rsd it showed i have tarsal tunnel syndrome and one other nerve entrapment i will check out that web site thanks
lora

[reruho]

lora j,
I have been told that I have a mild to moderate case of RSD. I believe this classification is based on how much this disease impacts your life and ablity to function. I used a RSD Score Sheet that I found online ( http://www.medhelp.org/www/piic/rsdscoreweb.htm ). I found it to be very useful tool.

I believe I have a mild to moderate case because the RSD hasn't incapcitated me. I can work, I just have to be careful not to do repetative work. The RSD is till aggrevated by the weather, temperatures, stress, insomnia and most of the other triggers that others are bothered by. And, as long as I take my meds on a regular basis, I can keep my pain under control.

I have had 2 sets of 3 nerve blocks last year. I have had good sucess with the blocks. I had periods of painfree days, I think 10 days was the longest period. And, when the pain returned it was at a lower level than before.

Cortisone shots are a common treatment for many orthopedic conditions where inflammation is a common source of pain. I can not tell you yes or no about the shot. I would be extremely careful about doing anything in the RSD area.

Are you being seen by a Pain Management clinic, a Neurologist or by an Orthopedic surgeon?

Reta

[lora j]

Reta , thanks i will check out the web site, no i am not seeing a pain doctor but am going to see my pc physician.How long have you had rsd I am just so confused on this monster of a disease. i am glad I found this site to talk to nice people and share info.

thanks lora j

[reruho]

I was in a car accident at 3:20 pm on Halloween 2007. My son and I were coming home from shopping for the last pieces of his costume. Four days later, I was casted and my symptoms started about 2 weeks later. I had a surgeon name this monster on January 10, 2008 (about 10 weeks). I got the offical diagnosis on February 28, 2008 from the PM.

I would go to a PM clinic for treatment. I have had good success and gotten to a good level of pain control. Please ask lots of questions. I don't know how if you are a Workman's Comp case or private insurance. If your are private insurance, get a list of PMs form your insurance company (mine had a list online). Then start calling and ask if they have treated any RSD patients. If they have not, don't be their first one. When you find one, trust your gut feelings. I had my insurance company pick my first PM. He didn't like to talk and I ask lots of questions. My gut feeling told me this was not the right one for me but I stayed with him.We finally had a big blowup when I had a reaction to a drug he prescribed. I called his office and never got any reply. During the appointment his only comment was don't take it again. He actually said I might be happier with someone else. I took his advice and asked my lawyer for a recommendation. I was able to get into a new PM a week later and I have been so much happier. I actually see this PM less and he was the first one to offer me any medication. My only complaint is that his offices are too cold for me. I hurt for a day or two after a visit.

This website has a good list of questions to ask. I would definitely would write all your questions down so you make sure you remember to ask them. It is helpful to have someone that can go with you to record the answers for you. One of the problems associated with RSD is brain fog and fuzzy thinking. Somedays, I struggle for the right word during conversations.

Be aware that there are many other health issues involved. You may have already been hit by the depression and possibly insomnia. Watch your blood pressure, it tends to get elavated. Watch your diet because many meds cause weight gain. And then there are the side effects of the meds, there are amultide of them. If your meds cause dry mouth, be aware it is also drying out your eyes and you might need to start using eyedrops. Realize that each drug regiment his tailored to the individual, what works for me may not work for you. One size does not fit all here.

Start a notebook noting your symptoms, that will change during the day and over time. Keep records of your pain, note where your pain is and what type of pain it is. Your pain will move and evolve during the day. Evenings and nighttime is my worst times. Note everything because it may be important, even if you don't think so. I thought all my symptoms were unrelated at first and that is what I found so confusing. Note what triggers pain and what helps. Stay away from ice, ice is your enemy and will do you harm. Dr Hooshmann's website has an excellent explanation of this.

Please keep coming here. Please know you can come and vent or share your bad day. It is allowed because we all have them and we understand. We can offer you comfort. I had never felt so alone as I have since this monster entered into my life. I have doubted my sanity ore than once. I have found that only others with RSD can understand some of these problems. And, one of the saddest thing I have learned is the ones closest to you can be the most difficult and the least understanding.

I wish you a good night's sleep and a low pain day tomorrow.

Reta

[meglaser]

Ido agree with with the first post. I have mild rsd for ten years and now have it maybe three limbs and am thinking it is worse than that, however, if you have a team of doctors that know what they are doing you should be okay. For instance get yourself a nuerogist immeiatly and if your pain gets really bad pain mgt is the a good bet. My pain mgt who is for my back also knows how to treat rsd and when i get really bad flare ups in my foot where i cannot walk and the discoloration and swelling, ice cold feel - u do know what im talking about (sorry i get sloppy with typing as my rsd in my right hand is the newst and the worst and my left shoulder) i just get a little bit sloppy,

Be a little careful on who is doing your shots - have u had any water therapy? that was the best for me. let us all know what you decide, and i hope u'r pain gets in check!!

God bless and u will be in my prayers!
meg

[lora j]

meg,
no i have not tried water therapy what is it? I had pt for a month if helped with the range of motion in the ankle but not the toes i keep trying but they don't seem to be any better .

lora

[lora j]

meg,
i went to the doctor and i have been telling him how bad the swelling and discoloration and at times very cold my pain is sporadic it is still sensitive to touch at times .I had and emg done the neurologist that did it brought me three papers that were all about rsd. So I took a picture with my phone to show him that my other foot swells so bad its twice the size so them he was thinking it was not tarsal tunnel syndrome that maybe it was indeed rsd so he ordered an another mri and it didnt show anything so he was very instant about doing the cortisone shot so right below my toes he put three shots.Oh my god did they hurt it did take the swelling down but i know this sounds strange by its almost more painful now it was like the swelling was creating a cushion for he pain. I dont know what to do i start third round of physical therapy I am so confused.


lora j