I have RSD on my Right ankle for 4 years .?

Question

So far I have failed all kinds of treatments including block injections and the Spinal Cord Stimulator. Dr. Tells me that my only option is to have the morphine pump. I do not want to have any kind of things implanted in my body especially the morphine pump. My body tends to reject evrything that is fornrer including the Spinal Cord. Does anyone else heard of any other options. I defenilty do not want to be on morphine.

Answer 1

Try this site. And don't get discouraged. There is help out there. Don't be afraid to seek another opinion, if you haven't discussed this with more than one doctor.

http://www.rsdhope.org/

Answer 2

What kinds of medications have you tried? There are tons, and there's new stuff being tried all of the time. There are lots of treatments out there for RSD that are often overlooked.

If you can't tolerate an implanted device and blocks haven't worked (at all, or did they just work temporarily? There's a huge difference), you can play with meds and look into less common treatments like infusions and such.

Infusions are things like lidocaine infusions. They aren't commonly used, but I've heard of some people who got really good results. Also, there's the famous ketamine infusion. In the US, they do an awake technique (the coma version isn't approved here), which I've also heard has helped many people.

In terms of meds, there are a lot of things coming out. I'm not really up on all of my research, but there's lots to try. I had some success with blood pressure medications, which I've noticed a lot of people don't take. It's worth a try.

As for being on morphine, if for some reason you were able to tolerate the pump, it doesn't necessarily have to be filled with morphine. A lot of people have different combinations. The latest option is a medication called Prialt, which has helped some people. Unfortunately, it's only in intrathecal (spinal) form, so it's only an option if you can tolerate the pump.

My suggestion is to tell your doctor if you don't want to try the pump. See if he or she will help you come up with some other things to try. Search online for treatment options. There are all sorts of unexpected things that have helped people, and some of them may be worth trying for you!

Good luck with your search, and I hope you find something that works for you.

Answer 3

I know how you feel about not wanting a morphine pump installed. My parents felt the same way about that when they suggested that for me. Intensive physical therapy, nerve medications, Keteamine infusions, and other types of infusions that can be done. Hypberbaric oxygen therapy is another treatment that is being tried. I know there are many other options being tried out there, and you should try going to a different doctor if they are saying you only have one option. Here are some websites about some more information about treatment of RSD/CRPS http://www.rsds.org/3/treatment/index.html
http://www.neurologychannel.com/rsd/treatment.shtml
http://arthritis.about.com/od/rsd/a/rsd.htm
Good luck!

Answer 4

I have RSD in both feet and both ankles and i have found no way to relieve the pain other than pain meds. I all to well understand your frustration but, sometimes we just have to do what we have to do. There will come a time when they can do nothing for our pain at all so, for now i'm just thankful for any means of pain relief they have to offer.

Good luck and may God bless you.

Answer 5

iVillage.com has an active RSD (Reflex Sympatheric Dystrophy) community that I'm sure you'd find helpful. There's information at this link:

http://health.ivillage.com/pain/0,,845vddtg,00.html

I know it's hard to find information and support on this condition : )