Re: Digest Number 2388

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/3/04 3:47:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time, RSD-CRPSofAmerica writes:

.. As I said, I was kind of hoping it was

broke so they could fix it. I'm so tired of everything being "uncurable".

Hi Lori,

sorry to hear about your foot, you did the right thing having it checked out. Did your doc refer you to a specialist? Sometimes a soft tissue injury can be extremely painful due to inflammation and irritation of tendons, ligaments, etc. It hasn't been too long since the injury right? Maybe just some rest and time will help it get better. I can understand your fear and frustration of yet another injury but try not to think of it as incurable.

It is always scary getting an injury with RSD due to the fact that it can spread. I hope and will pray that this is not the case with you. Please keep us posted about your progress, you are in my prayers, Jai

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/3/04 3:47:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time, RSD-CRPSofAmerica writes:

I have been having a terrible time sleeping for more than an hour at a time. Do any of you group members have this problem?

Hi Laurie,

I too was having trouble sleeping. I had no problem falling asleep but I would wake up every hour or so. My doc put me on Ambien 10mg and it works GREAT! I know the last thing your probably want is more meds (I was the same way) but I tried everything else with no luck. Anyway, just a thought! good luck to you, Jai

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/3/04 3:47:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time, RSD-CRPSofAmerica writes:

I don't have osteoporosis that I know of but I know my grandmother does and

I believe it can be genetic. Also seems to be connected to RSD, so I'm

wondering if I should get tested. Was yours diagnosed before or after the RSD?

Hi Lori,

you are right, osteoporosis can be genetic. There is also a predisposition to it if you have certain characteristics, some of which are northern European decent, thin build, Caucasian or Asian, certain chronic medical conditions (such as RSD), inactivity some anticonvulsant drugs, (which many of us are on like Neurontin, Topamax , etc.) and many more. This is called the "silent disease" because the bone loss is without any outside symptoms. If you can get tested it is a good ideaespecially if you have some of the characteristics of the disease. The test is quite expensive and I don't know about insurance coverage. Maybe if you talked to your doctor and expressed your concerns you could get tested.

Mine was diagnosed after the dx of RSD due to a series of fractures. There are some meds out there to help with the bone mass loss. Fosamax is one, I take one called Actonel. It is only one pill a week. Good luck to you, Jai

[Guest guest]

Jai,

Thank you, no he did not refer me to a specialist. I'm going to give it a bit of time and see, plus I think I go to my rheumatologist soon so maybe she can look at it. The reason I said it was uncurable is that my RSD has already spread through my whole body and is doing damage everywhere. I've been in physical therapy this last month for my hands and my shoulder. They hurt really bad all the time and my doctor said I have tendonitis in both and maybe a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. Now my doctor says it is the muscles and tendons in my ankle/foot, so I'm assuming it will be as my hands and shoulder are, just hurting all the time. But I'm trying to stay positive and just hang in until my treatment. How are you feeling? I hope you are doing well and I"ll talk to you soon. Thank you again for all of your support.

<hugs> Lori