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@mel143 I have experienced RSD/CRPS twice now-maybe three times. (Being evaluated currently). Both/all three were a result of trauma. Broken thumb, broken wrist (just call me accident prone) and TKR. DOCTORS have told me that once you develop RSD you are likely to experience another😟. However, the first incidence was resolved by PT using desensitization treatments. This was introducing different objects to the hand. That INCLUDED DRIED CORN IN A TUMBLING MACHINE, FEATHERS, TOUCH, MASSAGE and other material I cannot remember. Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it. But after twice a week for 4 weeks my hand accepted stimulus without pain or discomfort in any way!
Back to normal— only to return to opposite hand after 10 years (from the broken wrist. I am scheduled to have the battery replaced in my Spinal Cord Stimulator next Tuesday, Sept. 1. The stimulator is in place due to pain of back issues. The hope is that the impulses from the SCS can be directed to my hand also. I am a true believer in SCS as it has controlled my pack pain successfully.
I have just had two in a series of three nerve blocks in hopes that is a solution.
You know, as I write this I realize just how much of my adult life has been spent trying to resolve pain issues. I am 84 years old-hoping my last years will be pain free.
Don’t stop trying to find a solution for your pain- - I have not. 😊
Replies to "@mel143 I have experienced RSD/CRPS twice now-maybe three times. (Being evaluated currently). Both/all three were a..."
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@harrie123: I'm so sorry to hear you and others are suffering from this somewhat rare but unfortunately very painful condition. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - formerly referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystropy (RDS) - is generally divided into two categories. Type I is caused by injury, illness or surgery; Type II is associated when a specific nerve injury has been identified. Both present with similar symptoms including buring pain, sensitivity to touch, mottled skin, temperature or skin color/nail growth changes in the region. Both can present challenges in treatment. As either can take some time after the triggering event has occurred, it does usually fall to specialists such as pain management providers who rely on a multidisciplinary team that may include physiatrists - Physical Medicine and Rehab (PM&R) providers who focus on restoring physical function and pain relief - anesthesiologists who can provide interventional pain treatments, physical therapists, and behavioral health therapists. An implantable spinal cord stimulator (SCS) may be one approach to treat this syndrome although others may respond to less invasive measures.
Many people don't understand the complexity of this condition so explaining it to others can be met with confusion, sometimes even doubt that this is a valid medical problem which can contribute to the frustration of a person facing the multiple issues associated with it. This is an excellent guide to CRPS and may assist with not only understanding it yourself but in explaining it to others: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crps-complex-regional-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20371151
I myself will be having a surgical procedure later in the week but if you can, please let me know how you respond to the to the battery replacement on Tuesday as I'm anxious to hear your results.