Re: What is RSD?

[Guest guest]

First, RSD is reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, also called Complex Regional

Pain Syndrome. Basically, the nerves to the afflicted part are damaged and

all impulses from the nerves are seen as pain. It's an extremely painful

and often debilitating condition.

And I never said that a spinal cord stimulator wouldn't help the RSD.that is

what I'm in the process of getting, at least at this point. What I said was

that my doctor said the PAIN PUMP doesn't work for RSD.

Marta

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

RSD is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, often referred to as Complex Regional Pain

Syndrome (CRPS). I have it in my left foot as a result of my second foot

surgery. The surgeries failed and now I have a very deformed foot that is very

painful on top of the RSD pain. RSD is a chronic pain syndrome that usually

causes constant, burning, pain. There are very long descriptions of the

condition but let me try to be concise and accurate with the help of a couple of

awesome websites, www.rsds.org and www.aboutrsd.com:

CRPS/RSD generallty involves a dysfunctional response of the nervous system and

can develop after a traumatic injury or a period of immobilization (surgery in

my case). It is described as deep, aching, cold, and/or burning and is

frequently associated with increased skin sensitivity (I can't stand the

increased pain when someone or something touches it or a fan blows on it or the

sun shines on it, etc. Well, you get the idea). Pain is generally rated moderate

to severe and is disproportionate to any inciting event.

Symptoms of CRPS/RSD can include abnormal swelling, abnormal hair or nail

growth, abnormal skin color (my foot is usually red/purple on my foot but turns

bright red when I stand still for more than 2 minutes) or temperature changes

(my foot is usually at least 6 degrees hotter than my non-RSD foot), abnormal

sweating, limited range of motion, and movement disorders.

Usually the prognosis with CRPS/RSD isn't great. The best chance for remission

is if it is diagnosed within the first 6 months and you begin aggressive

treatment. Unfortunately that doesn't always work. Even though I was diagnosed

very early after my second surgery and we tried PT, densensitization treatments

such as constrast baths, wiggling my toes and foot in uncooked rice, a TENS

unit, massage (very limited due to deformity), nerve blocks and other things the

CRPS/RSD has only gotten worse and has now spread to my heel, ankle and part of

my leg. The pain and symptoms increase over time. Spreading happens in lots of

CRPS/RSD patients.

For many CRPS/RSD patients a SCS (spinal cord stimulator) is used successfully.

There are different treatments out there such as ketamine infusion and HBOT

(hyperbaric oxygen treatment). Most patients work closely with a pain management

specialist (mine is awesome) and work together with your medical team (e.g.

podiatrist, PCP, neurologist). It is common for CRPS/RSD to be treated with

strong medications (I take oxycontin, oxycodone, neurontin and valium) to help

control the pain.

I've tried a lot of different medication combinations and this is the best I've

found so far to give me some quality of life back. I must keep my foot elevated

80% of the time. Depression is very common as it's difficult to come to grips

with this kind of pain and life changes.

Didn't mean to write a novel . I hope this information is helpful!

Hugs,

Carol in AZ

Becky wrote:

What is RSD and why would a neurostimulator not help it? Sorry but I'm trying to

learn as much as I can.