Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
Winter is here, along with crazy weather. My RSD began to flare last week but I tried to convince myself it was something else. Now I woke at 6am, spent the day trying to get comfortable, and am back in bed. It's only a little after 3pm and I'm in bed! WTH?
I know the 1st Winter Flare always gets me worse than the others b/c I forget how bad it is, but damn, this one really scares me. In addition to the regular RSD mess of increased pain and gross, sweaty embarrassing foot, I'm having terrible pain in my knees. Not just the RSD leg, both knees. The RSD one started, and it IS worse, but both hurt.
The muscle spasms are horrific. I took my muscle relaxant already. I couldn't take it anymore- I was trying to massage my calf but that wasn't working. I can't get deep enough. A hot bath would help but I can't get my foot hot so a warm bath had to do. I'd give anything to be able to soak my calf in hot water but keep my foot out!
I HATE complaining! Maybe b/c my RSD has been under control for so long. Maybe b/c I hate complaining! And maybe it's b/c so few people in my life know I have RSD and of those people maybe 2 know what it is.
I leave for a work meeting Tuesday night in Las Vegas, and am hoping that the warmer weather makes a difference. But then again they are having cooler weather, so we'll see if I luck out. I'm dreaming of my 1 day off where I can go get a massage. Maybe a masseuse will try to get my calf muscles better? I normally don't allow them to touch my RSD leg but as long as they're careful, it's possible that they could help the knee and calf.
The RSD is officially in my foot and leg but the RSD symptoms are mostly in the foot up to the ankle. The muscle spasms are from atrophy in the foot and from my limp; at least I hope that's all it is. At this point I have NO idea if my knee is now RSD afflicted or not. I'm guessing no b/c both hurt.
I don't know why I'm here complaining! Maybe b/c it saves me whining to my hubby or few family/friends who know. But damn, I am miserable. And I know it's gonna be a long night b/c my head is starting to feel like it is being squeezed, while at same time my sinuses are adding a throbbing to the headache music. This is partially b/c of the weather change, and it used to happen before I had RSD. But it didn't ever hurt as much.
And THAT is why I'm in bed at 3pm. In about 20 minutes I'll be head deep in my pillow with one under my knee, praying for the pain to go away. I guess I'm lucky b/c I only have to deal with this bad pain in the winter. I had a good summer, now it's time to pay the RSD demon.
Has anyone heard of a cure for this? Does anyone care to LOOK for a cure? Here comes the burning. Thank God it is time for a pain pill. What would I do w/o them? What a waste of a Saturday.
Sorry to rant. I guess I just feel safe here.
I know the 1st Winter Flare always gets me worse than the others b/c I forget how bad it is, but damn, this one really scares me. In addition to the regular RSD mess of increased pain and gross, sweaty embarrassing foot, I'm having terrible pain in my knees. Not just the RSD leg, both knees. The RSD one started, and it IS worse, but both hurt.
The muscle spasms are horrific. I took my muscle relaxant already. I couldn't take it anymore- I was trying to massage my calf but that wasn't working. I can't get deep enough. A hot bath would help but I can't get my foot hot so a warm bath had to do. I'd give anything to be able to soak my calf in hot water but keep my foot out!
I HATE complaining! Maybe b/c my RSD has been under control for so long. Maybe b/c I hate complaining! And maybe it's b/c so few people in my life know I have RSD and of those people maybe 2 know what it is.
I leave for a work meeting Tuesday night in Las Vegas, and am hoping that the warmer weather makes a difference. But then again they are having cooler weather, so we'll see if I luck out. I'm dreaming of my 1 day off where I can go get a massage. Maybe a masseuse will try to get my calf muscles better? I normally don't allow them to touch my RSD leg but as long as they're careful, it's possible that they could help the knee and calf.
The RSD is officially in my foot and leg but the RSD symptoms are mostly in the foot up to the ankle. The muscle spasms are from atrophy in the foot and from my limp; at least I hope that's all it is. At this point I have NO idea if my knee is now RSD afflicted or not. I'm guessing no b/c both hurt.
I don't know why I'm here complaining! Maybe b/c it saves me whining to my hubby or few family/friends who know. But damn, I am miserable. And I know it's gonna be a long night b/c my head is starting to feel like it is being squeezed, while at same time my sinuses are adding a throbbing to the headache music. This is partially b/c of the weather change, and it used to happen before I had RSD. But it didn't ever hurt as much.
And THAT is why I'm in bed at 3pm. In about 20 minutes I'll be head deep in my pillow with one under my knee, praying for the pain to go away. I guess I'm lucky b/c I only have to deal with this bad pain in the winter. I had a good summer, now it's time to pay the RSD demon.
Has anyone heard of a cure for this? Does anyone care to LOOK for a cure? Here comes the burning. Thank God it is time for a pain pill. What would I do w/o them? What a waste of a Saturday.
Sorry to rant. I guess I just feel safe here.
I hope you find a solution and that it eases up soon.
Hugs,
Ama
I am in the middle of a lupus flare at the moment. I have sores on my legs since September that have not healed. I have an infection raging in my body, and thus can't get one of my teeth fixed (i hate the dentist anyway, but this NEEDS to get done).
I so understand and can sympathize with what you're going through. hope you had a nice thanksgiving with your family.
rsd is a bitch of a disease and it sucks that there is no known cure. I guess try trial and error (i know you probably already have) with things eg osteopathy, acupuncture etc , you never know some may help whilst its colder? have you seen your doc at all? maybe theyll have options? you work so hard along with your pain which is amazing...so if you have to have a few days in bed-dont worry! your allowed! hehe i know it sucks cause you wana keep going but maybe its best just to rest up and get yourself feeling better.
I like you, have to give in to the pain. If its too much I just stop everything Im doing and have to wait it out. Mine has also been worse with the colder weather and the only thing that helps me (for my legs) is to keep they gently moving. Ive also discovered kinda hovering or shuffling when walking is a BIG no no, i either have to walk or sit down, no in between..maybe something simple like that will change your muscle spasms? What muslce relaxants do you have? Maybe try some others?
I hope your feeling better soon...I really wish I could offer more advice...but were all here is you need to rant. Take care xx
To answer a few questions, yes, I've tried just about everything. My last doc told me that I should consider warmer weather, but my hubby has the main job so we live where he has work. I actually LOVE cold weather and always have so it's a bit of a pain in the rump that it causes RSD to be worse. And I'm phobic of needles and medical procedures so no accupuncture, though I did try accupressure.
After almost 15 years there's little to be done and I've forgotten more than I recall about what all I've tried. But the consensus has been that since I've had it so long and the meds do work most of the time, we should leave well enough alone.
I am TERRIFIED of anything invasive and lost the will for that years ago. I vomit if I know I'm getting an IV, and that's just talking about it. I'm so needle phobic that I couldn't watch scenes from the movie I went to today (Breaking Dawn) and felt faint b/c I KNEW what was going on. But at least I got up and went out, and even went to the store to grab some last minute stuff for my trip Tuesday am. I leave for airport hotel tomorrow so I am just hoping all goes well with packing, etc.
My big question/problem is whether or not to take my cane. Sometimes it just makes my arm hurt, and I have my carry-on to lean on if need be. I don't need to worry about space since I was lucky enough to be upgraded for all 4 flights, 2 there, 2 back. After flying an average of 100K miles a year, the privilege of upgrades into 1st Class are greatly appreciated. I'm also getting quite spoiled though, and worry about my airline's merger which will mean less upgrades next year. When you spend as much time on planes as I do, the difference between economy and 1st Class is huge! I couldn't afford to PAY for 1st, but I won't turn my nose at the upgrade as it gives me extra space and the ability (in some aircraft) to lay all the way down.
At least THAT came through, and so more worries about cramped quarters. I see my doctor next week, though at this point I'm not sure which doctor is mine. My doc hired a new doctor to take over half the practice, and a PA. I never know who I'm seeing and am not sure if I should even bring up the flare up. If I'm right it is one of many and I should just get used to it. I've made it this far- right? But then if the doc/PA looks at my foot and it is still sweating and bluish, they'll figure it out.
Right now I just want to continue resting, though the movie break was awesome! I've seen like 5 movies since my son was born 2.5 years ago! I don't even know what got into me- maybe cabin fever? But I went on my own and while I was a BIT uncomfortable, I sure enjoyed it. I don't ever want to lose the things I love b/c of this damned disease.
So now on to Vegas where it isn't warm but isn't cold, either. I'm hoping that all works out well with this trip, both work-wise and personal. I just want to have some fun! After this past week, I sure could enjoy THAT!
Thanks again all!!!
Jen :)