Re: The Debster

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

So just how do you take control? That is a question I have been

wrestling with lately and losing. I know my pain is going to decrease

after surgery and I will deal with what I have to then. This level of

pain I am having now (10+ most days) is not here to stay! I am banishing

it forever! I wish I was s and could twitch my nose

erasing it from our lives forever! LOL

I do realize the pain is never going to go completely away, I accepted

that in 1994 after the second surgery. At first, my ortho told me I

would be able to run again, but after the first surgery he conceded I had

RSD and would never be able to withstand the pounding of running. I can

live the pain as it was before the reinjury. I cannot live with it as it

is now. It will get better than this.

I was managing my pain with trigger point injections 3 - 4 times per

year, occasional narcotic analgesics, TENS, antiflammatories, muscle

relaxers, antidepressants and whatever else was necessary but not that

much, medication wise. I trained in biofeedback and used it very

successfully. I also got a series of lumbar sympathetic blocks, 6 in a

series, every other day in January or February of each year. Pacing was

very important in controlling the pain. If we were out, I would take a 5

minute break to just take off my shoe and brace and rotate my ankle in

every direction to flush it out. I would also pace everything, even

cooking dinner, so as not to have to stand for more than 5 minutes at a

time. Have to keep moving. I also wear a rocket sock (neoprene brace)

every day.

The other important component in fighting RSD is exercise. In the warm

months I bike ride at least 3 times a week for 1/2 hour each time, bare

minimum, pain or no pain. In the winter months I walk in the Malls or

ride a stationary bike. I do not like public pools as they are too cool

for me and set off my pain. I do like the beach but don't go out much

because of the risk of reinjury of aggravation (jellyfish are plentiful

here).

This is how I managed my pain, was a successful single parent, dated and

worked 50 - 60 hours per week. I was doing OK until the reinjury. None

of the above methods worked in relieving my pain for any length of time.

I think the peroneal nerve pain is impingement and is different than the

RSD pain. Once the impingement is taken care of, my pain should decrease

again and I can get on with life. I could be wrong but my docs also all

agree I have an impingement of the peroneal nerve.

Incidentally, my left leg is 3/4 inch shorter that my right leg also! I

used to wear a lift in my left shoe to help with the lower back pain.

Let them do their tests Deb just to be on the safe side. If I had not

gone to my GYN, I could have ended up in serious trouble. Maybe you have

fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. The above methods work for these also.

I also love long, hot showers! Nothing makes me feel better than a good

long hot shower or hot tub except sharing it with someone special! LOL

I don't know if you have tried these Deb or if you found them to be

insufficient to manage your pain. These things worked for me once I

tailored the program to fit my needs. Listen to your body carefully and

see what it needs to allow you to do what you need to do. You have to

cooperate with the pain or it will take over! I hope this helps Deb! If

you have any questions about anything, please ask. I will gladly share

everything if it will help you in dealing with your pain. Take care,

Debbie/DJ

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