spinal cord stimulators - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

tootles73 · 09-09-2003, 09:18 PM

Hi,
I'm new at this, so please forgive mistakes. I was diagnosed with RSD in July by an Orthopedic doctor I was seeing as a second opinion for a possible torn rotator cuff stemming from hand/carpal tunnel surgery in January. i have had 2 non-successful ganglion blocks and now the doctor is talking about a spinal cord stimulator which scares me to death. i have a mild case of RSD, the pain isn't as intense as my loss of range of motion in my left arm. When I try to move certain ways, then it sends me through the roof. So if anyone has any info on the SCS i would appreciate it. Also I keep hearing how important it is to treat this dreadful disease right away yet every time I get a referral there is a 1-2 month wait.

cattys · 09-09-2003, 09:38 PM

Hi Tootles and welcome to the RSD forum.

You say you were diagnosed in july and had 2 blocks and now the dr. wants to do a spinal cord stimulator.How do you feel about having this done? I would say it is kind of early in this for such a invasive procedure, this is just my opinion.

I have a spinal cord stimulator. I got it 2 years after diagnoses and many many blocks and treatments failed. My RSD started in my wrist from a fracture.

If I were you I would really look into this. please do what you feel is right and don't let anybody push you into things that you do not want to do.
Remember this is your body. But if you feel this is what you want then I hope it helps you.

We are here for you if you ever need to talk or if you have any questions.

Take care
cattys

RSD_Angel · 09-10-2003, 01:15 PM

Hello,

I have RSD in my foot nad leg and lower back and have had it for a year now and ihave a SCS and it was implanted on March 5th, which was 6 mos after my diagnosis and after 6 unsucssful blocks nad a week long epidural block.

yes you are right that it needs to be caught early so it will be put in remission, but like cattys said, only 2 mos out with the diagnosis is kinda early for a big procedure.. They usually do a series of 3-6 blocks to see if that kicks it out, and then they can do the epiduaral blcok to see if that helps, then if all the other procedures are exhaushted then its time for the SCS?? thats just my opinion!!

Hope you are doing well ..

Bryn

dayton · 09-10-2003, 01:25 PM

I agree. I've only had it 8 months and my doc is still saying blocks. I think I'd be a little nervous about going along with this. Seems a bit drastic at this point to me.

stickgirl · 09-10-2003, 02:15 PM

I agree with Bryn and Cattys, it is to early to even consider a spinal cord stem. That is a huge step, first you need to try the blocks. The first yr you can get rsd into remission and you even have a posibility the second yr for remission. The scs is only after everything else has failed, please do research before you decide to try this surgery.

I wish you the best

Stick