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Complex regional pain syndrome or reflex sympathetic dystrophy
After knee replacement, I developed RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). I have had severe pain in my legs for a year and half. Does anyone have suggestion as to how I may control this disease
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My first knee replacement was hard . Lots of pain and swelling so movement was really restricted I could barely bend my knee. Started walking in the pool and everything did much better. Did the other knee two months ago and had great range of motion from the start no swelling or that tight band around the knee pain I had so I think every knee just reacts differently.
@cheris, I have been doing pool exercises since long before the knee replacement and resumed them as soon as possible after it. I do them more frequently now and thanks to that my knee that is in need of replacing is doing better. My ortho says that the exercises I am doing are the best things for the knee and I am sure he is right. I don't think I'm limping these days -- if so not badly.
I'm so glad to hear your second knee went better than the first. Around here most of the better doctors will not do two at the same time but I have heard from people who have had them both done that one can be great and other not so much so you never know. I just want some strength back in the knee that needs doing.
JK
<br><br><br><br><br>you are smart. The first knee I did almost nothing to exercise and <br>get stronger. The second knee did lots of exercises to gain strength and I <br>totally know that was a huge help.<br> <br><br>
@rmeddings, I moved your post in to an existing discussion and combined it as well. Some other members have chimed in on your post. If you are replying by email I reccomend clicking on the blue VIEW & REPLY button and it will take you directly to the discussion I moved it to and you will be able to see everyones great and welcoming responses!
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1 Reaction@cheris, well all of that exercise and PT didn't help much. I even did 8 days in rehab after the replacement. My current surgeon does not recommend rehab because rehab centers tend to not be as careful about germs as hospital, and of course for me now that is even more important being on immunosuppresants.
Am taking those medications as well for neuropathy with limited success. Spinal blocks and topical creams not at all. There are two types of therapy that are not as readily available but you might want to look into them. One uses ketamine--can be administered as troches (lozenges) or delivered intravenously. The other is called scrambler (or Calmar) therapy. It is an electric pulse treatment much more focused than using a tens unit. It is being used in Italy and there is a doctor in Rhode Island who has brought it to the U.S. I know what a struggle it is when medications don't work--be strong. If the surgeon is the doctor that is trying to treat nerve pain and damage you need to go to a neurologist and/or a pain management specialist. Surgeons sometimes think that they have the answers. They don't.
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2 ReactionsWhen I had PT in pool, everyone there said pool pt is better than dry PT. I told Dr. that I like to walk strongly in low water in ocean, he did not think I was ready for it at that time.
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I massaged with vitamin E early on, quite often, my scars are minimal. I still massage often, simply because it temporarily helps the pain
I don't really think you should be concerned about the Conformis knee. I really believe my problem is, how my body reacted to the trauma of surgery to my nerves. I will admit, however that I have wondered about all different possibilities.Chronic pain does strange things to your mind,I believe. I do sometimes think of trying to get another surgeon to evaluate my situation at this point. I know it would be difficult to do, Most Dr's do not want to get involved.Would you be willing to give me the name of your surgeon, the one who was involved in the development of the Conformis knee ?