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personal stories and notes from our correspondents
Mary Ann - USA
"In 1998 I had surgery on my left
thumb for arthritis and, after about 6 weeks, they told me I had RSD.
Treatment consisted of medication and 6 nerve blocks and, after 5
months, I was told that I no longer had RSD. However I still have
a slight burning, which is tender when touched, and low grade pain.
I am unable to grip or lift. I had surgery on my right hand in December
2000 and in January 2001 I was again informed I had RSD. I am back
in severe burning pain and even air hurts me. It gets so bad that
I feel I'd rather have my hand cut off. Now I am scared I won't even
be able to turn a simple door knob. I have faith in taking medication
and exercising in the belief that it will get better. I am depressed
and angry. What should I do?"
Unfortunately, Mary didn't give us her email
address, so we hope she comes back to see this reply… We are not medics,
Mary, but we're told that people who get RSD from one injury are likely
to get it back with a subsequent injury. Surgery is a kind of injury,
so your experience is not surprising. I suggest you consult a physiotherapist
and work like made at whatever exercises they recommend.
Derrick
Rodney - Houston, Texas
Rod has been suffering RSD for a 7 years
but his problem started with a delayed diagnosis. It was 2 years before
he knew the cause of his pain. The only solution then seemed to be surgery
to his right shoulder and a course at a pain management clinic. Later
he was given a sympathectomy of the neck - a drastic way of relieving
the pain by cutting the nerves. In Rodney's words...
"I basically went from being a very healthy 29 year old 185 lbs. to
now 260 lb. in an electric wheelchair... And I have depression, emotional
problems, panic disorder, agoraphobia and lot's of pills. The unfortunate.
thing is I'm allergic to morphine, codeine etc"
It all sounds unfortunate to me, Rodney. Thanks
for sharing your story and I hope it encourages others to take care.
Derrick
Teri - Greensboro, North Carolina
"I am 35 as of yesterday!
And I was in a car accident in May 97. A few days after my accident
an orthopedic surgeon noted in my records that I had RSD symptoms (temperature
change, swelling etc)... Then I started seeing his partner. I had a
2nd degree separation of my shoulder and had 2 surgeries on my shoulder
and part of my collar bone removed. I also have cracked facet joints
in my neck which cause headaches. I have had left sided headaches, arm
pain, shoulder pain, and shoulder blade pain since 1997. I have seen
15 or so specialists, 2 pain clinics, and tried everything including
magnetic therapies. I am a single mother of a 10 year old son and I
own a mortgage business, which I keep going because I have no choice.
I am suing the power truck driver who hit me. I am currently going to
Duke University Hospital and have had 2 stellate ganglion blocks. The
second one has helped the burning and mobility so far and after one
week my pain level is down to a 7/10 most versus 9/10 before the block.
I will have my 3rd one at the end of January 2001."
Teri's latest news is that the treatment didn't
go well. We're thinking of her.