Just talked to my docs office...... - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

RSD_Angel · 09-08-2003, 09:19 AM

Well i called there this am and talked to his sectretary and things are going slow bc my doc chnaged his mind what he wants to do or rather wants to do more than just the injection.

From what she is telling me is that i will be admitted to the hosp over nite and he will do these injections into the ganglias and if they work, ie take pain away and make the circulation in my foot better , then he is going to do the radio frequency ablation.(which is i think a fancy way of sying a sympathectomy , right??)

I really dont want a sympathectomy.. i have heard of so many side effects , like leaving me infertile.. i am only 25and want kids ! ??? I really just want the pain pump and then do my foot surgery! I think its just the fact that i dont want another procedure to fail and then end up needing a pain pump in the end. I have a gut feeling that this will not work and that it has gotten to far to do this procdure.. ??

Well i have to go. i have to get my mind off it for awhile b4 i have to talk aobut it with my family... thnk you all and hope you are feeling better than me..

Bryn

dayton · 09-08-2003, 09:23 AM

Bryn, I wish I knew what to say to you. I guess just follow your instincts and if you feel something is not right go with it. I too have not heard much positive feedback about this procedure, but then again, I am not familiar with it. Others may be able to provide more information. I would be concerned also about a doctor that is changing his mind.

Just hang in there and please keep us posted.

sltanner · 09-08-2003, 09:59 AM

Speak with your dr and let him/her explain exactly the plan of action, the pros and cons. Take the info that was already told to you and do your own research. Meet with your dr with any q's you may have based on what you found out. Your fears may or may not be valid. You are the only one that has to live with your decision, make it an informed one! - Shelley

Arlin · 09-08-2003, 10:55 AM

Bryn,

I hope this helps you relax. Radio Frequency Ablation has nothing to do with a sympathectomy. It is a non-invasive treatment that has to do with shooting radio waves through you. It has been used for destroying various tumors and getting the heart rhythm back in sync. If someone has been using it for neuropathy, I'd be interested in understanding it's application. Please let us know. The sypathectomy, as you already know, is the removal of a section of nerve. Hope this helps.

stickgirl · 09-08-2003, 12:14 PM

Bryn Glad you were able to talk with them and find out what is going on. I don't believe they are talking about a sympectomy (spelling is bad as always). I think it might be this thing my doc mentioned to me but not positive. I will look it up but I think it is where they wrap the limp tightly and inject the ganglion. Then the radio frenguency is done. It has shown some relief in pain for RSD patients. I can't be positive, but let me check and I will get back to you. I have to call my docs secretary today and will ask her what it's called. Maybe you already know what it's called.

I hope your day is a bit better since you spoke to them. They should have called with this change but dr's don't always think about things like that do they.

Lynn