Is this what I have - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

tripod · 10-26-2001, 07:28 AM

3 months ago I had forefoot reconstructive surgery. I was casted and non weight bearing for 7 weeks. When the cast was removed there was still more swelling than ususal but the alignment was good and I went home with instructions for exercises to strenghten my ankle and foot. At my next appointment 3 weeks later there was still alot of swelling for which a diuretic was prescribed, the xrays showed that although I was healing the bone fractures had not formed the expected calous. I was given a release to work part time. I worked for 3 hours and felt like my foot was on fire. When I got home there was an urgent message from my drs office saying he reviewed the xrays and wanted to see me again right away. At this apt. he told me my ankle and foot was showing alot of osteoporosis and that that along with the prolonged swelling and stiffness in my foot and ankle and the fact that for 8 weeks I had not had much pain and all of a sudden have such a severe pain Indicates to him I am developing RSD. I was sent right away to physical therapy and was fitted with a TENS unit. I am doing water therapy and trying to weight bear as much as possible, but I am so stiff and miserable and have to be careful as my bones are still fragile. Since the day of surgery my foot felt cold and the swelling was painful and I felt like I was having prolonged hot flashes. I did not know these symptoms had any significence and so blew them off. My dr feels we have gotten this soon enough that it can be kept from becoming chronic. Should I feel encouraged? I would appreciate any helpful info or recomendations.

grannyrninspring · 11-10-2001, 01:56 PM

Tripod,
It is good that your doctor recognized the symptoms early. Has there been any mention of sympathetic nerve blocks? Has he started you on any of the typical RSD drugs? Such as Neurontin? Rsd can go into remission when treated early or it can also spread. It is a very unique disease process that is unpredictable at best! A team consisting of a doctor such as your orthopedist working with a pain management doctor and physical therapist and others is an excellent beginning to at least controlling the pain....Good luck!

tripod · 11-28-2001, 08:15 AM

I am sorry it has been so long since my first post. I am still doing physical therapy to help with the stiffness, have a special elastic stocking which helps the swelling and sensitivity to touch and the feeling of cold. I have returned my tens unit as the pain in localized in just my toes now, instead of from knee down. In short I think things are under control and am in a remission. My dr said we will be right on top of things and be prepared to treat this agressively when I have my other foot operated on next year. Aside from a diuretic the only other thing I take is trazadone to help me get to sleep. I am building up a tolerance to standing and have gotten up to 4 hours at a time. I feel myself very fortunate to have a dr who listened to and believed me and treated this agressively right away. He told me himself that 80% of the time it can be cured if treated early and agressively. Unfortunately, just recognizing it takes many people beyond the early stage where it can be stopped. I have a new respect and understanding for all of you who must deal with this on a daily continuing basis. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.