Anybody with atrophy in non RSD limbs?

[Cutiepie]

Hi,
About a month ago I was so happy to write in a post that I was doing really well with the RSD. I'm now having a flare with burning, aching, swelling, and increased weakness. I read my daily journals from years past and I discovered that I always have a moderate flare this time of year, so I'm not panicking. Hopefully it will burn out soon.

The atrophy and weakness in my left hand (my RSD hand) continue to get worse, even though I don't baby my hand (until using it causes pain and then I back off). I am dropping things all of the time now - I can't seem to grip very well.

But what I've noticed recently is that I seem to have some atrophy in my left foot. I know that people often have different size feet, but this is new and I now have between a half and full size difference between the two. I don't have any other symptoms of RSD in my foot. Has anybody else had this?

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Julie

[kathy d]

Dear Julie,
I know from my research and from talking to the doctors that once you have RSD it can lie dormant in your body forever. One small bump or bang on any part of your body can cause it to rear its ugly head again. I originally had my injury in my right foot/leg. Two months later mirrored itself in my left foot/leg, two months after that I could not walk and my entire body hurt badly. By the end of August 2005 it traveled through my entire body and my kidneys began to shut down. I spent time in the hospital but of course they couldn't figure it out and sent me home after loading me up with tons of different pain meds. In June 2006, I saw Dr. Robert Schwartzman and he told me I had a severe case of RSD that has left atrophy in my entire body...from my head to my toes! My right foot/leg are really bad and I am trying to get them stronger but it is so hard to do with the pain I constantly have each day. I try to push myself but that doesn't usually work and makes me worse. You should check with your doctor because my research has shown me we have this RSD for life until the researchers can come up with a cure. I will keep you in my prayers as well as everyone else on this site. Hang in there.
Kathy d.

[Cutiepie]

Thanks for the reply, Kathy. What you wrote about is exactly why I haven't had my torn rotator cuff repaired and why I'm procrastinating on having my wrist fused. I'm very afraid to wake the sleeping dog.

I'm sorry you live with so much daily pain. You are right not to push your pain levels even though you are trying to strengthen your legs. I have found the same thing - don't push it or I'll pay for it. I suppose that's why the atrophy gets so bad. My whole left arm is noticeably smaller than my right and it keeps getting worse. I also noticed that my ability to do small manipulative tasks is getting worse. I've been working on a jig-saw puzzle and I can't even grip the pieces. My hand is so clumsy.

I don't have any pain in my left leg/foot whatsoever, but it is shrinking. I'll never understand this unpredictable monster.

I hope your week is off to a good start.

Take care,
Julie