How do people get through RSD?

Question

I have been dealing with RSD for over 6 years. Mentally, it has affected my lifestyle. The pain is very bad. I don't want to go through anymore surgeries. What can I do?

Answer 1

I'm so sorry that you've got this horrible disease. I've had RSD/CRPS since I was 14. I now have a spinal cord stimulator, am on baclofen and tramadol and do physio when I can stand it. I still can't walk because of all the secondary effects (particularly very severe muscle contracture) but all of that does help to take the edge off.

Have you got a good pain management specialist? Good family support? Please feel free to email me if you want to talk to someone who knows what you're going though.

Take care

Answer 2

I have RSD was diagnosed with this 22 years ago. I know exactly how you feel because it does affect my entire life. I won't go through any surgeries anymore as well. I just cope with it as best I can using the following methods. What I find helps me the most is deep tissue massage, Jacuzzi , analgesic balm, and anti inflammatory medication. I use a Multi vitamin everyday because your body really needs this to help give your body the correct nutrition it needs. I follow a very good eating program. Avoiding junk food and eating foods that help replenish the body especially fresh fish.

if you would like any further information just let me know.
Billie77

Answer 3

I wish I could tell you something that I know for sure will work. I'm tired of surgeries too, I don't want a spinal cord stimulator. Lidocaine shots give only temporary relief, and even morphine doesn't help.

I'll list a few things that have been suggested to me that you may want to give a try.

Acupuncture.
Botulism shots. This is a new area of pain relief and I believe you need to see a neurologist for it. My doctor only just last week suggested this for me so I can't tell you if it works or not.
Chiropractic: I saw one before without relief.
Steroid injections: They didn't help me.

Biofeedback.

Craniosacral massage. This actually helped for a while, you may want to give it a try.

I'm tired of the pain too, and I'm really tired of hearing about the neurotransmitters in my brain. Here are some meds that you may or may not have tried for nerve pain.

Neurontin
Baclafen
Xanaflex
Cymbalta (this was really good for a while)
Lyrica (very expensive and didn't work for me)
Dilantin
Tegretol
Wellbutrin

Good luck to you. I hope one of these suggestions helps you.

Answer 4

Have you ever seen a psychologist or psychiatrist? Consulting with a mental health professional especially when you are dealing with chronic pain is an important step in being able to go on with your life. Also...have you ever been to physical therapy?