Point of view from someone with RSD

[kbunch]

Do I have RSD?

I have been suffering in pain for 5 years. I am also 17 years old. So to me, being in pain is normal and its something I have dealt with for a good part of my childhood/teenage years. I have been to 5 different orthopedic surgeons, I happen to think they are nothing but a joke and I could tell my mom what they were going to say before they said anything. I have also been to a pain specialist, who wanted to put me on Ultram. I laughed at him and told me it has the same effects as a glass of water and I walked out.

When I was 12 years old, I was in a bicycle accident, landing on my side. I was fine, I got up and kept going. Later that night I was watching tv, I tried to get up, and I let out a scream in pain. My mom rushed me to the ER, I have had over 100 x-rays since then and nothing shows. The pain has went from the right side of my pelvic to my left, then to my back, and eventually spread to my whole body. Sometimes I feel like dying instead of getting out of bed. I feel weak on a daily basis. The pain causes me to be very irritable and stressed. It is such a burning and tight feeling. I get headaches all the time. I am constantly dizzy (I take Meclizine for that) and it doesn't help. I am on no pain medication because I can't find a doctor that help me.

My aunt has RSD and she is more than positive that I have it. I can answer any questions if you would like to know anymore.

[cattys]

Hello, WElcome to this forum.

You are so young to have this awfull disorder. I really hope that you you can find a dr. that will believe in you and start you on treatment right away.

Don't ever give up, you have your whole life ahead of you and hopefully you can find a dr to treat you so you can try and relieve some of that pain.

Some dr.s don't have a clue about rsd and there patients suffer needlessly. you just have to keep looking for a dr. that is educated in rsd.

It is very painfull and can make life a living h---. I am glad you have your aunt who you can talk to since she knows about rsd.

You take care and there is always someone here on this forum who will try and answer any question you might have. We are all here for each other on good days and bad days. we all know what each other goes through day in and day out.

cattys

[This message has been edited by cattys (edited 04-29-2003).]

[destinyevans]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. It's a shame that you may have this monster. You're so young. But this disorder certainly does not pick and choice.

I am wondering a few things here.

Have you had a Three phase bone scan?
Not that they are a positive test for CRPS/RSD but may be helpful.

Have you had blood work done lately?
Again, this is good to have done to rule out anything else going on.

Has you pain specialist mentioned sympathetic block?
If not I do suggest you have this done to see if the pain you are experiencing is sympathetic.

Has anyone checked you for Fibromyalgia?
It is not uncommon by any means to develop this along with CRPS/RSD or to develop it after a trauma.

Do you have pain in your shoulders, inside and outside elbows, knees, and hips?

I feel for anyone who has this painful disorder.

But, there is hope.

After I developed CRPS/RSD it took my months and months to be able to walk again without crutches or a can. Today I walk everyday and exercise.

Getting your pain under control is so important and so is gentle exercising.

A big hug to you. ((((((((((((.))))))))))))))
Destiny

[Soxy]

Hi Kbunch! Welcome to the board. Sorry you are in such pain and so frustrated. Is it possible for you to see your Aunt's doctor?? If not maybe her doctor could refer you to one in your area that is familiar with RSD. Take care and hang in there.
Soxy

[kbunch]

Destiny,
I have never had a three phase bone scan. I did give blood about two months ago and nothing showed up. I don't know if that counts for having blood work done, but they do test it. I have no been checked for fibromyalgia. My pain started in my hips actually.