Post number one:Can ant bities cause RSD ? - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

virgofish · 07-27-2005, 08:02 AM

This is my first post.
I had three nasty ant bities two weeks ago that caused pain and swelling. The pain and swelling seemed to go away. But yesterday I felt a large surge of burning, stabbing pain in that foot.
I am afraid to ask, because I do not want to know in a way, but can an very bad insect sting/bite reaction bring on RDS?

Thanks, Virgofis

Jewel2 · 07-28-2005, 11:35 AM

Hi,
It's probably a little premature to worry about RSD, but I'd keep an eye on it. Perhaps you had a severe allergic reaction that is lingering on...?

RSD can happen as a result of even a small thing such as a needle stick for blood work, so it wouldn't surprise me if a bug bite could bring it on, too. I hope you don't have this thing!!

Take care,
Julie

Skooze · 07-28-2005, 08:23 PM

Aloha Virgofish--a interesting screen name. I'm just curious if the ants were fire ants. In some climates they exist, and the burn like fire-hence the name. You can swell up afterwards, but if you itch them they get bigger. In Hawaii we have lots, and the worse thing is to step on their anthill!

But the burning pain will last for a couple of days, and longer iof you itch them.
But I agree with Julie too, that something like a needle or sliver and cause RSD. Best to show a Doctor it, so at least it is documented. Hopefully it's not RSD.
Take Care Aloha Skooze

tiger52 · 07-30-2005, 09:32 PM

Hi Virgofish,

I have experienced RSD for the past 27 years and have been lucky enough during this time to experience remission. The unfortunate thing is that it keeps on coming back.

In relation to insect bites, I have been unfortunate to have been bitten by a number of insects; green ant, scorpian, spitfire caterpillars and a whitetail spider. These bites appeared to have dropped my body's immune system to such an extent that I had an episode of RSD come on. Mind you, this is what my husband and I believe, so far we have not had a doctor disagree with us yet.

From my experience, RSD can be brought on by a very minor injury. Anyway, I am thinking of you and sending you all my positive thoughts to you.

Oh by the way, just in case you are wondering, I have RSD in both shoulders, hands, fingers, wrists, right forearm, right elbow, right lower leg, right ankle, right foot and toes. This particular episode has been going onI always look at it this way, it could always be worse!

Catch ya later,

Tiger52

virgofish · 08-04-2005, 09:48 AM

It has been almost another two weeks and the pain has slightly increased

I am going back to my doc in 2 weeks, fortunately, he saw the orignal ant bites or stings.
I do not relish the idea of RSD. I already an dealing with a nasty neurological condition , but what can you do