RSD sufferers find solace in support groups

July 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) for going on 30 years. Maybe if it had been diagnosed at the onset of my symptoms, I would not have full-body RSD today, but years ago not many doctors knew about this condition. Back then my orthopedic doctor suggested I go to a hospital where I was finally diagnosed.

The doctors there tried blocks and various other treatments, including an electrical stimulation unit, but nothing worked so I used conventional medications to help my pain. The best therapy was water therapy, which I still do.

Twelve years ago I was asked if I wanted to try a Medtronic pump, which has morphine in it (some have several different meds in them). [Read more...]

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Think twice about Ketamine treatment

June 4, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was compelled to respond to the letter from a 39-year-old mother with RSD who was contemplating Ketamine infusion. I, too, have suffered with RSD for almost 25 years. I was involved in an accident in 1986 where someone ran a stop sign and turned head-on into my car. The accident did not appear major, but the effects were. I went through several series of spinal injections and many other treatments with a variety of doctors.

I would like to share what I discovered helps me. RSD usually responds to temperature. For me, heat has greatly improved my life. My husband and I moved from New Jersey to southwest Florida fewer than two years ago for the sake of my health, and it made a significant difference. I found that aqua-aerobics are also important in improving my health, so having a salt pool in my backyard is a godsend.
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RSD causes chronic pain

April 8, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m having RSD with lots of pain. Do you know any doctors who work with this problem?

DEAR READER: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), today more commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, is thought to be a chronic pain dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. No single cause is known; rather, multiple causes appear to produce similar symptoms. Triggers can include infection, injury, heart disease, degenerative arthritis of the neck, stroke, thyroid disorders, shingles, specific medications and more. There is no specific blood or diagnostic test for confirmation. Treatment consists of physical therapy, exercise, medication, spinal-cord stimulation and more. Trials of Botox are even being considered for pain control.

I suggest you join a local support group or contact the RSDSA at P.O. Box 502, Milford, CT 06460; (877) 662-7727; info@RSDS.org.

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