Is this normal for RSD-this frightened me-has never happened before

[LeslieRN]

Hi everyone,

I need some help. I started with RSD in my left shoulder from constant pain from a torn rotator cuff and then the surgery to repair it -more than 3 years ago. I had the burning pain and the "electric shocks" Lidoderm patches help a little. Lyrica also helps.

Today something different happened and I am not sure what is going on.

About 5 hours ago, the burning pain came almost unbearable and it was felt from the left temple , left side of my face and all the way to my fingers- then there were the shocks. In addition, about 2 hours after the pain started the pain in my arm decreased and the pain in my temple and left side of my face stopped and my face had a numb feeling.

This is a first and I would appreciate if y'all would comment, offer suggestion etc. I will call my PM doc to schedule a stellate ganglion block ASAP but I don't undestand the numb feeling.

Thanks for responding

Leslie

[kathy d]

LeslieRN,
I think what you are describing is normal [at least for me and a few others I know] and is from the RSD. Around my mouth get swollen and has pins and needles each morning. Also, I get numbness and pain in my scalp and face too. Even though the injury started in my right foot. It has traveled around and around my body and sometimes it feels bad and other times it is not as painful. I get really swollen and my joints are locked up in the morning. It takes me about 2 hours or so just to wake my body up. My chiropractor suggested taking 4 ounces of water every hour and I have noticed when I wake up in the morning my face is not as numb or swollen and my joints are less stiff. I think it may help you too. Try it and the price is right. She told me that what is happening in my case is that all throughout the night when I am "trying" to sleep my body was to rid it of toxins caused by the medicine so, by drinking water you are cleansing your body to get rid of the toxins. Toxins left in your body will cause more pain, numbing, and stiffness because the toxins are stuck there.
The electric shocks you are talking about my chiropractor said is caused by the nerves firing and then not getting a response from the next nerve. Then, we get the twitching and pain.
One other idea I just thought of was where are you putting the Lidoderm patches...maybe they are causing the numbness?? I don't know. You should check with your doctor. I have been using a Ketamine cream compound with Clonidine and Gabapentin in it and I have progressedly gotten worse with dizziness, fatigue, etc. and had to stop using it. I rub a tiny spot on my foot and it caused me to have all those reactions. Amazing. Well, take care and I hope you are feeling better soon. Any other questions I can help with just post them here and we will answer them.
Thanks,
Kathy d.

[LeslieRN]

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for your response. Drinking the wwater sounds like a good idea but right now it could cause a problem. I realize that is is not a large amount of water- but when you are waiting to have bladder surgery to put it back where it should be:o - extra fluids could make my days interesting. (:eek: get out of my way to the bathroom and hope I make it on time)

I also have a problem with what's called pitting edema (swelling) in both my legs from knee to ankle. It is called pitting redema since you can push on the leg with your finger and it will cause a pit that stays there for awhile.:(

The dosage on the lidoderm patch are 3 patches 12 hours on and 12 hrs off. Since the RSD is not my only problem 2 of the patches go on my lower back and the other one goes on m y left upper arm where most of the RSD pain is-until yesterday - today my shoulder down to my elbow is hurting and it is hurting more than usual in spite of the patch. let me change that in the last 45 minutes the pain is now down to just below the elbow. I should take the lyrica now since it is ordered 2x a day but that is a whole other story and problem.

I am just hoping that yesterdy doesn't become the norm. With 2 new knees that are still giving me problems, a sprained ankle that is still causing my ankle and foot to be bruised and sometime it just started aching. If i turn a certain way the pain is terrible. I just had a series of epidural steroid injections for pain going down my left leg. The injections worked Yea!! But the facet injection that were supposed to take care of the back pain didn't work as well.

Thanks again

Leslie

[kathy d]

Leslie,
Gosh, you sure do have alot going on. I am so sorry to hear about all the problems you are having on top of the RSD, which believe me is enough by itself. You definately want to check with your doctor before the water idea I had for you. It sounds like you don't need any extra water weight with your health concerns. I laughed at your description of "outta my way." I am like that now when I drink the 4 ozs. of water. I pray you will do well in your surgery and that your body starts to calm itself down.
Take care,
Kathy d.

[rainbow422@aol.com]

I know the spread to the facial area is scary, but for the electric shocks in general, I get them and they are not due to dehydration for me specifically (my DH says he worries because he thinks I drink too much).

I have found that the following helps increase of vitamin c into your system little amounts throughout the day. I drink OJ myself. Epsom salt soaks when\where possible. Lite self Massage in area's shocking (I know it hurts, but it will help ease it faster)

Just my 2 cents

Hug Rain :p

[joyhal]

Hi Leslie, My name is Joyce and I too have Rsd, starting with frozen left shoulder, 10 years ago. It is now in right shoulder and both feet, basically full body. After being on 3200 mg. of Neurotin, I'm so happy to have good response to Lyrica. less burning and more confortable. I too have bad pain in my left temple. My Dr. says it is trigeminal nerve problem, the bottom third travels down the left part of your face to half the lips. Mine is now numb, very painful in the temple area. I used to have the electrick shocks and spasms, but much better now thru all the different meds I'm on. Have you done any research on trigeminal nerve or ask your Dr. It really is painful, I'm sorry. Hope todays is a better day for you.

Sincerely,

Joyhal

[Norway]

The med.Tegretol helps for both electrick shocks and trigeminal nerve pain. Could not live with out it!

[EJK]

Keppra work well for me with these problems. I've been on it for over two years with no major side-effects.

:cool: EJ

[Sandel]

I get alot of shocks in my hands and fingers, makes my hands bounce on the keyboard when I pause them for a bit, I also get what feels like lightning strikes then drilling into my temple and above left ear nasty attacks that don't last to long but are intense enouph to drain me afterwards.

lately both hands get numb.. I think it is swelling in the carpal tunnel area due to RSD, it makes my fingers are tingly zapy and bouncing all over.

My RSD started in my right foot two years ago and I now have full body symptoms with organ involvement, the hands I guess are a package deal.