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personal stories and notes from our correspondents
More FEEDBACK
"I was diagnosed with RSD almost 3 years ago in
June (2000).I had an industrial accident and injured my left shoulder
and clavical area. I have had external pumps, spinal column stimulator
and an intracatheral pump implant in the abdomen but all has failed.
I now take oxycontin, lamictal, naprosyn, rocecodone, doxepin, clonzapam
and feel like a walking drug store. I have severe pain and burning with
color changes at all times along with depression and sleep deprivation.
I am unable to do the things I once took for granted and hate my life
as we speak.I feel at the stage I'm in my doctor has deemed me MMI which
pretty much states I'm as good as I'm ever going to get. I think
the best medicine anyone with RSD could ever ask for is a listening
pair of ears."
We agree, and we're happy to listen to you and
share your story.
Marcia - Pennsylvania, USA
Marcia is a registered nurse but can't work anymore. She has had RSD for over 4 years and recently had a second tunnel epidural catheter put in. Her story may help those who are offered such treatment…
"The Epidural Catheter I had is similar to what a woman would have while she is in labor. Only this is tunneled in place by using fluoroscopy to get the catheter to the specific area in my legs. It did help some and I am hoping the effects will last awhile. My pain level went from a 9-10 down to a 2-3 after the medicine was started. You are connected to a portable pump that has a pain medicine plus anaesthesia. It was a long 3 weeks, during which a home health nurse came in about 3 times. Then I was on my own to change the bag and the tubing. I was a little lost at first, but I got the hang of it. The machine would drip automatically at 7cc/hour and then if I needed more I could give myself an extra 3cc every 15 minutes. The normal temperature of my feet is around 68 degrees. About 1 hour after the medication started I had almost no pain and warm legs and feet. Funny how the simple things in life make me happy. Like warm feet."
Another USA correspondent writes -
"I have had RSDS since January 2000, when I fell and broke my foot and ankle. Not knowing it I walked around on it for two months and didn't realize it was broken. When I went to an orthopedic doctor he put it a cast until it healed but the pain never went away it kept swelling even though the bones were healed. I went back to him 3 times but he did not know what the problem was. Then I saw a foot doctor who knew right away what I had and sent me to a pain clinic. I had 3 epidurals in my spine but it didn't work and I went to physical therapy for 2 months but that didn't help either. I am now on a clonidine patch for blood flow because my foot gets so cold it freezes."
Sandra - Texas, USA
"I am 46 years and have had RSD for almost 4 years. The pain to my left lower leg foot, ankle and toes is unbearable. It's difficult to wear socks and shoes even pants rubbing on my leg is terrible. I've seen many doctors and tried so many pills, I pray that the Lord will give me strength to continue fighting this pain."