Is my RSD spreading?? Please answer

[LeslieRN]

Hi everyone,

I was daignosed with RSD several years ago in my left shoulder. It has already spread down the arm to the fingers.

The burning is always there but the "shocks" are terrible- I use lidoderm patches but it seems like the "shocks/jolts" just hit at another place in my arm.

Well, recently due to bone on bone and horrible pain I had to have total knee replacement in both knees. No major problems with the first one until I fell twice and It has hurt ever since- per my ortho doc : I can't hurt the metal.

Now to the left knee- it has never stopped hurting. I knew that it was ortho pain at first but it did not stop- but my ortho doc tells me the smaller incision goes high above the knee into the place where the ligaments and muscles attach. now why would they even think about even doing that!!!!!!!!!!

Problem is that since then the pain has changed. I get this feeling of terrible heaviness and pain in my calf, and burning pain in my foot, the skin on my leg is shiny and I have edema all the time from the knee down. I am also getting the jolts in the knee and lower.

When I sit or lay down for awhile - when I get up I can hardly walk my left leg hurts so bad.

I tried PT but I got so sore after every day and after they had me on the recumbant bike - I could hardly walk for 3 days and the jolts got so much worse.

Thanks in advance

So is this the RSD spreading? Just y'all's gut feeling. I see the ortho tomorrow to see what he come up with.

Leslie

[GalenaFaolan]

IMO, I'd say it sounds a lot like spread. You have rsd symptoms there in your leg too. I absolutely hate the jolts!! I'd live fine with RSD if it came without those! It's the most aggravating aspect of the whole thing in my mind. If the ortho doesn't seem to see reason I suggest you find a pain management doc if you can. Don't know if you've had any blocks or not but it's something that might work for you to help your leg. Surgery is often risky when you have rsd even if it's not in the limb being operated on. You have it in your body so surgery anywhere could make it spread.

I'll be thinking of you. What did the doc say?

Hugs,
Karen

[mbrfz]

HI it sounds very familar. especially the burning and looss of use. the bike is a horrible idea. I wouldnt get on it again. The bike is what finally led to my diagnosis in a round about way. Good luck to you but yes it does sound like rsd spreading. LIsle Hope this helps

[alphacentauri855]

Hi..I have had RSD since October of 1998. I began seeing a pain doctor for it. it was in my right arm..within a couple of years it jumped sides (flow thru) and a couple years more it flowed down my left leg and then my right leg. I believe haste in getting this taken care is the key..unfortunately for me, my treatments were going via workmans compensation and anyone dealing with them knows nothing is done in haste. Each time a new condition came up it took anywhere from 3-6 months before it was added as a diagnosis and then was able to be addressed (treated)..If you are dealing with private insurance or medicare please don't wait, stay in front of it or at least on top of the situation..I know pains of walking,moving..any form of movement causes extremely severe burning in my muscles. I will be putting in for a scooter soon and hopefully by spring it will be approved..hope things turn out better for you.

[rainbow422@aol.com]

Yes, sounds like a spread to me. Mine started in Right wrist, hand and arm and has spread to the left side with all of the above. It took about 3-4 months.

I have read that it can spread down from top to bottom or side to side. I would talk to your Doctor that is treating the RSD so that they can document it in your Doctor reports (for insurance reasons). They also should know for treatment purposes.

I am not a doctor and do not claim to be but as mine spread, yours sounds the same to me...

Good luck and gentle hugs

Rain