Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

[livingwith]

Its been 2 years since I was diagnosed with RSD and the only thing that has changed is the size of my leg. I broke my ankle and within weeks the leg swelled to twice its size, the coloring changed and it burned like someone set me on fire. I have a hard time wearing shoes, walking distances and steps. The winters are the worst. Once the leg and foot get cold, there is little relief. The temp of the bad leg is very much different from the good leg. I went through two spinal blocks and neithe...Read the full article

[anita060605]

Lori, I have also had RSD for about 2 and a half years now. I mostly have it in my left foot and ankle but it has spread to "mildly" (in comparison) effect my right foot and ankle, both legs up to my knees, left leg up to my hip, both upper arms, and my left wrist. The spreading came immediatly following my first and only sympathetic nerve block. I had 3 injections. I am 35 and go back and forth between using my boyfriend's arm for support (or my 16 year old son's), sometimes a cane, and when it's really bad I have to rely on the crutches. I truly sympathize with you over your husband. You need all the support you can get right now, and throughout this whole ordeal...physically it's unlikely to get better, but emotionally it should with the right people whether that be in an online support group or a supportive friend or family member. The website that I have found to be most helpful to me as far as 'family' type support is www.rsdhope.org they are wonderful people there, if you don't already know I recommend you give them a try along with this website! Good luck!

[mshianmighty66]

Thank you so much for the site RSDhope. What a wonderful site with lots of information. Everyone with RSD should be aware of this site. I also ordered 4 awareness pins and made a donation to the site...hopefully it will continue on line for a long time to come.

[kacee]

I also have been living with this for 2 years. but after my first year i had a tes unit plced on my nerves it takes away about 50% of my pain. I still have symptoms, they are just bearable. You should look into it.

let me know.
kacee1251@aol.com

[mshianmighty66]

Thx, but I have no idea what a tes unit is, could you please explain?

[anita060605]

I'm so glad you went and checked out RSDHope! Lynne and Karen have been angels to me! They helped me start a Support group here in Kansas City, I'm a mentor now, they have just taken me off the bottom and stood me up! They have been such a blessing! If you need anything, they will be there for you!

[kacee]

A tens unit. My dr attached this device directly to my nerves, it sends little stimuants/vibrations to where my pain is. It plays as a distraction to my brain which concentrates on the vibrations & not the pain. It sounds weird but it works with the rsd pain.