Have RSD - Having severe increased pain - loss of use of hands/arms

[Guest guest]

Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my

arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the

last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having

severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands

and arms, severe aching.

My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989,

following surgery for fusion of left ankle.

I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well

as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have

helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if

anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,

sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

I have RSD in my left hand and am getting Stelli Blocks in my neck

for my pain management. It is a horrible feeling to loose your

hands.. I have had several injuries as I was an athlete and had

other surgeries. My originating point techincally is my hand - but I

had surgery on both of my shins twice back in 95-97 and had all of

the symptoms- I remember them telling me that it was a " rare nerve

thing that should only be in one limb... " but I retrieved my records

and found it was not documented.. Now in Aug of 2003 I had a bone

fused in my hand and now my hand might as well not be there.

I have the same symptoms and therapy seems to make it worse.. I have

parafin and a tens unit that is water based so the sticky part

doesn't touch my hand at all- all in all when my hand is warmer it

feels a little bit of relief- which at least is something at all..

but it dies after I take my hand/arm out of water. I wish I had some

news or something to help!!

I have heard about these new Ketamine treatments- am doing research

will let everyone know what I find!

MLE

>

>

> Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in

my

> arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in

the

> last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having

> severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of

hands

> and arms, severe aching.

> My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March

1989,

> following surgery for fusion of left ankle.

> I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as

well

> as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have

> helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or

if

> anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,

> sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

HELLO I HAVENT WELCOMED YOU YET SORRY ABOUT THAT MY NAME IS PAM AND I HAVE HAD PAIN FOR OVER TEN YEARS IN RIGHT ARM HAND NECK FACE SCALP AND NOE MY LEGS.... MY DOCTOR JUST TOLD ME TO START USING MY LEFT HAND TO DO EVERY THING .. THAT REALLY SCARD ME AND IT IS HARD TO HANDLE..MY PAIN IS NOT UNDER CONTROL SO SHE JUST CHANGED MY MEDS TO SEE IF IT WILL HELP ...MY PAIN IS AT A 10 PLUS ALL THE TIME AND MY HAND GOES NUMB WITH PAIN...MY ARM IS GETTING HARDER TO USE ALL THE TIME ...ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT HEAT DOES HELP ME A LOT ... BUT LIVING IN NEW YORK IS VERY COLD ....WELL I HOPE YOU GET SOME RELEAF SOON I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THAT ...SOFT HUGS PAMsweethearthelper wrote:

Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands and arms, severe aching. My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989, following surgery for fusion of left ankle.I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Sweet..Welcome to the group.

The muscle pain mey be fibromyalgia...do not know if you have been dx with this yet or not but it does usually come as a second dx after having chronic pain for so long. I have RSD in both arms and can relate with how your arms and hands are feeling. Mine has also spread to my left leg and right foot. My right hand which is also my dominant hand has atrophy and loss of dexterity and strength..i use my left hand now more then my right hand. I did just start back up with OT and am hoping for better results this time around. I understand you fear about losing the use of your arms too...I too am fearful that if something does not drastically change and the regression continues in my right hand that I will not be able to function...I already have trouble writing out checks..doing dishes and other daily chores..and since i am a single mom of 2 all of the chores are my responsibility. I am only 35 yrs old and can not imagine how I will function in

the coming years if I lose all ability to use my right hand..and since the RSD is also in my left arm and hand now i worry about my left becoming useless also. The things I find helpful for the pain in my arms and hands are heating pads...parafin dips...and hot water. Heat seems to be one of the major things that help..I do use lidocaine patches at time and that seems to help with some of the shooting stabbing pain I get though my hand. I am also on pain killers and neurontin. I hope you find heat to help ease some of your pain...and welcome to the group...everyone here will try to help you out..whether it's regardng information..advice..or a shoulder to lean on...or someone to listen to you vent...Ginnysweethearthelper wrote:

Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands and arms, severe aching. My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989, following surgery for fusion of left ankle.I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Pam, I am worried that the dr told you to use your left hand and not use your right (dominant hand) at all. I know that the pain in your right hand is excruciating...but if you don't use it then you will lose muscle mass, dexterity and function of it completely. I know I have have lost alot of use in my right hand and I try to use it as much as possibly even with the pain. I just started going to OT for my hand and the therapist told me to carry my purse and anything that I possible can in my right hand...even if I have to hand it over my right wrist. She also wants me to do putty exercises to strengthen the fingers and hand muscles. I am also doing one lb weight exercises. I would really question the fact that he told you not to use it at all...I know it's painful..believe me I know my hand and arm have been at a 10 plus for a while now with shooting pain into the fingers constantly...but try to use your dominant hand as much as possible

regardless...you don't want to lose the ability to write..which I know I could never train my left hand to do. If anyone looked at how I did things they would swear I was a lefty because it does take over alot of what i can't do with my right hand...but hoping to work on this and get my right hand back to where I can do things with it. Hugs..GinnyPamela Fredette wrote:

HELLO I HAVENT WELCOMED YOU YET SORRY ABOUT THAT MY NAME IS PAM AND I HAVE HAD PAIN FOR OVER TEN YEARS IN RIGHT ARM HAND NECK FACE SCALP AND NOE MY LEGS.... MY DOCTOR JUST TOLD ME TO START USING MY LEFT HAND TO DO EVERY THING .. THAT REALLY SCARD ME AND IT IS HARD TO HANDLE..MY PAIN IS NOT UNDER CONTROL SO SHE JUST CHANGED MY MEDS TO SEE IF IT WILL HELP ...MY PAIN IS AT A 10 PLUS ALL THE TIME AND MY HAND GOES NUMB WITH PAIN...MY ARM IS GETTING HARDER TO USE ALL THE TIME ...ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT HEAT DOES HELP ME A LOT ... BUT LIVING IN NEW YORK IS VERY COLD ....WELL I HOPE YOU GET SOME RELEAF SOON I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THAT ...SOFT HUGS PAMsweethearthelper wrote: Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands and arms, severe aching. My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989, following surgery for fusion of left ankle.I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam!

Thanks for the caring thoughts and prayers. I am sorry too, about your pain and what you are also going through. I wish for everyone with RSD that more research would be done and more physicians would really care about what people go through with this. I have been through so much and like many, have not had the best experiences with doctors.

Like I said, I have had this since 1989, but since summer my pain has really been increasing and nothing seems to be helping very much. I am in almost constant pain, with very little relief, despite meds, trying to use relaxation techniques, and doing whatever I can. I see my regular pain physician on Monday, and need to really get some answers. What have others done when they get into this same position that I am in? Thanks again, sweethearthelperPamela Fredette wrote:

HELLO I HAVENT WELCOMED YOU YET SORRY ABOUT THAT MY NAME IS PAM AND I HAVE HAD PAIN FOR OVER TEN YEARS IN RIGHT ARM HAND NECK FACE SCALP AND NOE MY LEGS.... MY DOCTOR JUST TOLD ME TO START USING MY LEFT HAND TO DO EVERY THING .. THAT REALLY SCARD ME AND IT IS HARD TO HANDLE..MY PAIN IS NOT UNDER CONTROL SO SHE JUST CHANGED MY MEDS TO SEE IF IT WILL HELP ...MY PAIN IS AT A 10 PLUS ALL THE TIME AND MY HAND GOES NUMB WITH PAIN...MY ARM IS GETTING HARDER TO USE ALL THE TIME ...ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT HEAT DOES HELP ME A LOT ... BUT LIVING IN NEW YORK IS VERY COLD ....WELL I HOPE YOU GET SOME RELEAF SOON I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THAT ...SOFT HUGS PAMsweethearthelper wrote: Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands and arms, severe aching. My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989, following surgery for fusion of left ankle.I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Ginny!

Thanks for the support. Yes, I have had RSD for 16 years now, have had the diagnosis of fibromyalgia for the last 2-3 years. I probably have a combination of things wrong with my hands and arms, but the pain has become so much worse - and acts just like the RSD did when I first got it in my left foot.

The hardest thing for me to deal with lately is the unrelenting pain, hardly ever letting up, and not sleeping much either. My pain meds don't seem to be helping much, although I don't really want more or something else, I just don't think much helps at a certain point.

I usually can get the pain off of my mind, if I keep busy to the point that I can handle, but have not been able to even do that since Christmas. I have used more Lidocaine patches this week, than I have in the last 3-4 months. I have also had so much increased pain in my joints, had a high ANA titer 2x now, seen a rheumatologist, and was told I did not have anything else wrong. I don't want to add anything else to my list of diagnoses, but I would like to get some answers in regard to having such drastic changes in regard to my health. Something sure is changing - or I'll eat my hat!!!!!!!!!!

My RSD pain is off the charts, fibro has been extremely bad, muscles are so painful, joints are swollen and totally on fire, and no matter what I am doing to try and help the pain, nothing is really working to any degree.

Wishing you and everyone else in the group, a very happy new year and less pain and discomfort. Thanks everyone for welcoming into the group! sweethearthelper@...

ConnieGinny Barrientos wrote:

Sweet..Welcome to the group.

The muscle pain mey be fibromyalgia...do not know if you have been dx with this yet or not but it does usually come as a second dx after having chronic pain for so long. I have RSD in both arms and can relate with how your arms and hands are feeling. Mine has also spread to my left leg and right foot. My right hand which is also my dominant hand has atrophy and loss of dexterity and strength..i use my left hand now more then my right hand. I did just start back up with OT and am hoping for better results this time around. I understand you fear about losing the use of your arms too...I too am fearful that if something does not drastically change and the regression continues in my right hand that I will not be able to function...I already have trouble writing out checks..doing dishes and other daily chores..and since i am a single mom of 2 all of the chores are my responsibility. I am only 35 yrs old and can not imagine how I will function in

the coming years if I lose all ability to use my right hand..and since the RSD is also in my left arm and hand now i worry about my left becoming useless also. The things I find helpful for the pain in my arms and hands are heating pads...parafin dips...and hot water. Heat seems to be one of the major things that help..I do use lidocaine patches at time and that seems to help with some of the shooting stabbing pain I get though my hand. I am also on pain killers and neurontin. I hope you find heat to help ease some of your pain...and welcome to the group...everyone here will try to help you out..whether it's regardng information..advice..or a shoulder to lean on...or someone to listen to you vent...Ginnysweethearthelper wrote:

Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands and arms, severe aching. My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989, following surgery for fusion of left ankle.I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Connie, You said your ANA titer came back high twice..Has your Rheumatologist mentioned Lupus to you? I saw you lived in Wisc..I lived there for 2 yrs in Sheboygan...so I know how cold the winters are there. I moved back to MA..where the winters are better then Wisc...but still bad..lol. GinnyConnie Field wrote:

Hi Ginny!

Thanks for the support. Yes, I have had RSD for 16 years now, have had the diagnosis of fibromyalgia for the last 2-3 years. I probably have a combination of things wrong with my hands and arms, but the pain has become so much worse - and acts just like the RSD did when I first got it in my left foot.

The hardest thing for me to deal with lately is the unrelenting pain, hardly ever letting up, and not sleeping much either. My pain meds don't seem to be helping much, although I don't really want more or something else, I just don't think much helps at a certain point.

I usually can get the pain off of my mind, if I keep busy to the point that I can handle, but have not been able to even do that since Christmas. I have used more Lidocaine patches this week, than I have in the last 3-4 months. I have also had so much increased pain in my joints, had a high ANA titer 2x now, seen a rheumatologist, and was told I did not have anything else wrong. I don't want to add anything else to my list of diagnoses, but I would like to get some answers in regard to having such drastic changes in regard to my health. Something sure is changing - or I'll eat my hat!!!!!!!!!!

My RSD pain is off the charts, fibro has been extremely bad, muscles are so painful, joints are swollen and totally on fire, and no matter what I am doing to try and help the pain, nothing is really working to any degree.

Wishing you and everyone else in the group, a very happy new year and less pain and discomfort. Thanks everyone for welcoming into the group! sweethearthelper@...

ConnieGinny Barrientos wrote:

Sweet..Welcome to the group.

The muscle pain mey be fibromyalgia...do not know if you have been dx with this yet or not but it does usually come as a second dx after having chronic pain for so long. I have RSD in both arms and can relate with how your arms and hands are feeling. Mine has also spread to my left leg and right foot. My right hand which is also my dominant hand has atrophy and loss of dexterity and strength..i use my left hand now more then my right hand. I did just start back up with OT and am hoping for better results this time around. I understand you fear about losing the use of your arms too...I too am fearful that if something does not drastically change and the regression continues in my right hand that I will not be able to function...I already have trouble writing out checks..doing dishes and other daily chores..and since i am a single mom of 2 all of the chores are my responsibility. I am only 35 yrs old and can not imagine how I will function in

the coming years if I lose all ability to use my right hand..and since the RSD is also in my left arm and hand now i worry about my left becoming useless also. The things I find helpful for the pain in my arms and hands are heating pads...parafin dips...and hot water. Heat seems to be one of the major things that help..I do use lidocaine patches at time and that seems to help with some of the shooting stabbing pain I get though my hand. I am also on pain killers and neurontin. I hope you find heat to help ease some of your pain...and welcome to the group...everyone here will try to help you out..whether it's regardng information..advice..or a shoulder to lean on...or someone to listen to you vent...Ginnysweethearthelper wrote:

Hi! I have had RSD for 15 years- have had severe increased pain in my arms and hands for the last few days - some of which started in the last 2 years. Muscles are also very painful, as well as having severe burning, severe crushing type pain, terrible weakness of hands and arms, severe aching. My original point of RSD beginning was the left foot in March 1989, following surgery for fusion of left ankle.I am so scared that I am losing the use of my hands and arms, as well as not being able to control the pain, even with meds that have helped in the past. Please respond if anyone else has had this or if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank You,sweethearthelper@ yahoo.com