New here, and to RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

Kali · 10-29-2003, 09:03 AM

Earlier this year I broke my ankle, which hurt, but with time it got better. Soon after I started therapy and was able to begin bearing weight again I began getting shooting/burning pains up the back of my leg. My doctor has told me that RSD comes on as a result to trauma in the area - the broken ankle. It got to the point one night where I had to go to the emergency room. Since I was wearing an aircast for my ankle they automaticaly assumed it was a blood clot. So I spent the night in the hospital having blood work and ultrasounds, and turns out it wasn't a clot at all. They didn't know what it was, so they chalked it up to RSD.

Since then I have had the odd flare up, mostly shooting pains, which result in me not being able to move my toes, ankle, foot or knee. It hurts to the touch, but doesn't necessarily burn like most cases I have read about.

I just wanted the input of people who suffer from it, and perhaps send me in the right direction as to diagnosing this problem once and for all. Should I be pressing my doctors further, or does this sound like RSD?

Help,

Erin

[This message has been edited by BluButt (edited 10-29-2003).]

stitchlady · 10-29-2003, 09:20 AM

Erin,

First of all I would like to welcome you to the board you will find this to be a place of comfort and support. My RSD started in wrist and hand after a broken arm with surgery. It now is also in my shoulder which is very common with upper limbs. It is my understanding every case of RSD is different, but some common factors. I did not have much of the burning pain either. I did have the severe pain, swelling shiny shin purple color and stiffness. The pain and range of motion problems are what I am left with
oh I also had sweating of my hands that only happens once in awhile now. I do still have nail growth more rapid on my RSD side than the other and ridges in the nails. As you read the board you will see things you have and thing you do not. I have only had RSD since June 03 many others here are far more versed than I.
But I wish, and pray the best for you.

Lori

[This message has been edited by stitchlady (edited 10-29-2003).]

dayton · 10-29-2003, 09:42 AM

Like Lori, I'm a relatively newcomer and different to boot!! I hit my foot in February. So far I've just had some discoloration, no swelling, but occasionally burning pain (never at the levels some others have had, I'm maybe at highest a 4, most often like now a 1-2).

I get muscle spasms, headaches, etc. but then I've also been diagnosed with fibro and it's hard to distinguish between the two.

I hope it's not rsd for your sake.

Kali · 10-29-2003, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dayton:
I hope it's not rsd for your sake.

Me either!!..lol

From what I understand it is neurological and your brain misfires certain synopses (don't mind my so-called spelling) along the nerves causing pain signals that might not necessarily be there. Am I close? I have read a little on it, not much, but they can't really diagnose it, only do an MRI or CTS to determine the state of the surrounding nerves?

Am I close? Please correct me if I am wrong, I want to understand it more.

Erin

cattys · 10-29-2003, 10:53 AM

Hi Erin

Welcome to our RSD family.

You are pretty correct. The symapathetic nerve misfires with RSd and like you said sends all these pain signals.

My burny pain was never to bad either. My most worst symptoms are the deep doen bone pain and the coldness and color changes.

Each person is different when it comes to RSD. Some have different symptoms some react differently to treatments the one thing we all do have though is pain.

Do as much searching as you can on this disorder. There really is no test that can diagnose RSD alot of dr's go by clinical symptoms.

I look forward to you sticking around the forum and fell free to jump inn whenever.

((((Gentle Hugs))))
cattys