RSD

[WhtWolf263]

RSD
by WhtWolf263, Jul 16, 2011 08:31AM
Tags: years, help, please help, Doctor
I was diognosed with RSD 18 years ago and then it was just in my right arm. Through about 6 years it spread into my right leg. Throughout all this time i was in pain management. I have had several steloc ganglien  nerve blocks and also epederal nerve blocks, which none had any effect on the condition and relief in any form. I guess it went into remission from 2005 until this past winter. I went to bed one night this past winter, awoke the next morning completely doubled over and unable to straighten up. I was like this for 3 months. My pain managment Doctor at that time confirmed the RSD had went into my left side, arm and leg. Im on at least 10 plus medications, ranging from schedual 2's to schedual 3's. I have done research on possible help and any form of relief of this and came across the AMA and it saying that medical marijuana was very helpful with patients suffering from RSD. Please help or tell me if this is correct and also any other form of help that might work. Also, i would like to add, even  my pharimist says , who has known me 3 years, says that with his knowledge of RSD and my medical state and the medications im on that medical marijuana would be my best option and would take me off at least 3/4 of my medications. I would also like to add, im being treated by gastroentestinal Doctor and Urinoligist as well and both of them say the problems im having internally is due to my medications. So Please Help with your suggestions....im even willing to talk on the phone if nesssasary. my name is Tony Lewis and my phone number is ... ******   and thank you for your time. I aslo forgot to add, that i was told i have degenitive disk disease in my L-vertebra from the 4 through the 7th and also my C disk 3-6. Also something was mentioned about my S-vertabre

[mellie4]

I'm so sorry that you haven't had much relief.  It's been a struggle for me as well, though I am fortunate mine hasn't spread too much.  Mine was caught fairly early, which I think is important.  From what I understand, there isn't a lot known to successfully treat it.  My meds don't totally work and really just take the edge off but I keep hoping and trying.  It is very difficult when you see no relief in sight.  I hope the medical marijuana can bring you some relief.  I haven't seen much on that.

[WhtWolf263]

Ive been through all the steloc gaglian block, and also epederal nerve blocks with no help in any way. My condition went unknown for 2 years before it was caught. I have been through at least 5 pain managments, and also a rehabilitation hospital, and all they said was to take it as easy as possible and no to over exsert the effected area....but that didnt work because the condition continued to spread. I have been told that im down to my last option for help and possibly slowing the condition down and thats medical marijuana. I was told this bt my pharmisist, and 2 other doctors. Im looking at the option of doing what they have said, and all i can say is, i wish you 2 the best of luck that yours dont spread like mine has and i will prey for the both of you.Also Mellie, i have tried every combination of medications that can be thought of and right now its to the point they just take the edge off. Thank you both for your input and suggestions, and i will bring them up with my pain management....Thank you both again...Tony

[Reruho]

Tony,
I too have RSD. I have been lucky had only had a small spread from my wrist to my upper arm. MY PM has been able to get me to a stable point where I can use Celebrex to mangae most of my pain.

Medical marijuana is legal in 16 states. You can find out the states, Laws, Fees, and Possession Limits at ProCon.org (http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881).
Reta

[mellie4]

So sorry to hear all you're going through.  I've been diagnosed with RSD for the past several years.  Fortunately, mine has not spread too much.  It is a difficult disorder to treat and I know a lot of the medications don't really help too much.  I've also had five stellate ganglion blocks, some with a little success, others with none, but none that have lasted.  I don't know anything personally about medical marijuana.  I don't think it would be for me but I know it is helpful for some things.  If that's available in your area, you should talk to your doctors/pain team.

One thing they have tried for my RSD (along with severe arthritis and fibromyalgia) is lidocaine infusions.  I just had my third yesterday.  One only helped as it was being infused and the second lasted a couple of weeks.  Not sure where this one will lead but it brought immediate relief  Yesterday morning I was out of my mind in pain and by the time the first vial was infused, I could feel it.  It's a less invasive procedure than the stellate ganglion block and it only takes about 20 minutes.  Some people say it sort of makes you feel drunk during the infusion.  It's not a comfortable feeling for me but they will slow down the infusion if it bothers you.

You have had a lot of pain for many years.  Have you ever had a second opinion from another pain team?  Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can help.

Hope you can get some relief.  Also, not sure what medications you've tried but I've been tried on Cymbalta, Neurontin, Lyrica and Clonidine, in addition to some of the narcotics.  Neurontin did help some, though it did have some side effects that I wasn't crazy about.  They do subside after awhile.

I recently heard that aggressive stellate ganglion blocks (like 2 a week) can help RSD.  It's something I'm going to talk with my pain team about at my next appointment.