Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

[dmediati]

I have a rash on my neck...its not going away..and I have some discoloration on my leg..and it is freezing to the touch like my foot..does anyone think this may be RSD spreading? I am afraid....

[reruho]

Deanne,
Take a deep breathe and try to relax. Call your PM in the morning and tell him you have developed a rash. If possible take a photo of it or have someone do that for you. Write down all the details you can think of. When did you notice it? Did it burn, itch or cause any other symptoms? Is it spreading or stationary? Has anything happened lately, such as extra stressful situations.

If your PM isn't interested or says something like you need to go to a dermatologist, then call your Primary of family doctor to see them and get it documented in your health records. My PM told me to go to a Dermo when my forehead peeled. MY brother-in-law died in March, my forehead (from the hairline about 2-3 inches down) peeled about a week later. I wish I had taken photos of it to document this disease.

I did some research and here are a few websites that talk about RSD rashes and I even found some photos.
Reta

This is from the RSDHope website:
"The INFLAMMATION is not always present. It can take various forms, the skin may appear mottled, become easily bruised, bleeding in the skin, small red dots, have a shiny, dry, red, and tight look to it. An increase in sweating usually occurs as well as swelling in and around the joints (shoulders, knees, wrists).
The SPASMS result in a feeling of coldness in the affected extremity as well as body fatigue, skin rashes, low-grade fever, swelling (edema), sores, dystonia, and tremors. The spasms can be confined to one area or be rolling in nature; moving up and down the leg, arm, or back. "
http://www.rsdhope.org/Showpage.asp?PAGE_ID=4&PGCT_ID=547

The RSD Foundation website has photos of rashes.
http://www.rsdfoundation.org/clinical_practice_guidelines_pf.html

The A Word website mentions rashes:
"•Skin rashes (including neurodermatitis) and nodules"
http://www.theaword.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=247&itemid=41

This is from USA RSD website:
"Skin Changes - Skin may change color. May be mottled. Can become shiny, dry and tight. Rashes and sores can occur (neurodermatitis). The skin can become thin and fragile or may become quite thick, developing elephantiasis."
http://usarsd.org/page_symptoms.php

[dmediati]

ty...yes i was under a lot of stress my car broke down on my way back from the neurologist on monday.I am under a lot of stress daily because I am a single mom...I dont have any support other than a friend who trys...and you guys.I am a single grandma too...yes stress is my middle name..not funny....and I noticed this rash on monday after we got home from our breakdown of my car..and I took a shower and washed the area a few times, took an allergy pill thinking it is allergic reaction but It is a rash and it is on my neck and it is not going away...I also have these skin things..on my chin..they look like pimples....but they are really red..i dont get pimples anymore...this stuff is just strange..and i feel like I am all alone..but I appreciate u..ty

[reruho]

Deanne,
Some of friends on another forum called their rashes, pain rashes. The RSD Foundation website has some pictures of rashes. They are not good photos to look at (painful), but they do show a variety of rashes.

Stress is a bad thing but how do we get rid of it? I think going to live in a cave is the only way we could avoid it, but that isn't realistic or practical. And, I don't think it would be any fun in the norther climates. I am a southerner now, I am getting really wimpy about cool/cold weather.

Your RSD may not be spreading. That is a good question for your PM/Neurologist. Please share his answer with us. I don't have a lot experience with rashes, but I will ask around and try to find an answer for you about whether rashes are limited to your RSD areas or if they can strike anywhere else.

Reta

[dmediati]

thank you Reta...this rash is just blotchy red...and has some darker spots..it came on monday after my car broke down..lots of stress this week.yeah go live in a cave and be a hermit..i do that now..I live in my bedroom...my daughter said I am a hermit and I need to get out of the house more..I get depressed because of my ex bf, i really love him..and I am sad he is not with me...and this RSD has got me down..my toes feel detached from my body...and my leg has a red blotchy rash also..but it is ice cold like my foot..my kids say i should just try to be more positive about this stuff..I feel like I am all alone a lot..becus they dont understand or they think I am exaggerating about the pain..or rashes or anything..about RSD..I know things will get better with time..time is what i need mostly..and a good doc..one that specialized in RSD...thanks for writing..

[reruho]

Deanne,
I am sending you some positive thoughts to try help perk up our day. This disease does suck!!!! Why don't we all find a mountain with some hot springs. That way we will hot pools to soak in and warm caves to live in. We all can be the the hermits of the hill

My PM clinic called me yesterday and told I need a new referral, my old one expired and they just discovered it. I have an appointment on Monday. My doctor's nurse just called me a little awhile ago to try and figure out what I wanted. I called the insurance company and they should be able to call them on Monday morning. I don't want to reschedule, I have too many questions for the PM. I am going to put a note in my calendar to remind me to renew the referral next year.

I am in major gallbladder pain right now. I saw a surgeon on Tuesday about removing it and he triggered a major flare with his physical exam. Besides the back pain and cramping, I am having problems wearing my bra. It feels like it is a size too small.

Is there a full moon? Crazy stuff always happens at the full moon.

Reta

[dmediati]

thanks..got the positive thoughts..It may be a full moon..tomorrow is Halloween...lol..ur funny..I pray u have a great day...

[reruho]

Halloween is always special to me. This Halloween will mark the 2nd anniversary of the carr accident that started it all. MY son and I had gone out for the last of his costume and some candy. On the way home, a young woman picking up her kids from a church school pulled out of the parking lot and turned right into us. 3:19 pm to be exact.
Reta

[dmediati]

wow..im sorry to hear that..what an anniversary...RSD does suck.

[reruho]

What really sucks is that she was an uninsured motorist and she got away scotfree.