Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Support Group

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by severe pain following injury to bone and soft tissue. The most common symptom is burning pain. The patient may also experience muscle spasms, local swelling, increased sweating, softening of bones, joint tenderness or stiffness, restricted or...

137 Members
336 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Support Group

is this RSD?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I was just diagnosed with RSD. They say it happened because of all the procedures I have had on my left hip and back. I have swelling on my right hip with some warmth. I also have redness, warmth, and swelling of my left knee and foot. Tonight it is soo red and puffy. Activity makes it worse, and the pain increases with activity too.

I'm a little freaked out because the redness and warmth started on my right knee and foot today. It is usually only on the left. I read that RSD can go to other limbs, but I just don't get why. Sometimes my whole left side is in pain, and I can't imagine it being that bad on both sides. ARGHH!.

Is this the way RSD feel and works? Thanks for your comments.
deleted_user
deleted_user
That's what I was afraid of. I knew it was possible, but was in denial that it would happen to me. I only have one good leg, so the possibility of the other one being affected was not what I wanted to think about.
You said that your arm got cold. My swelling is red and hot. Can RSD present either way?

My GP says that there is no cure and that I can only try to control symptoms with meds. Really? That's hard for me to swallow.

Thanks for your help,
lisa
mountainmom
mountainmom
I also started out with RSD in my left arm. Then I had a reaction to neurontin and morphine that caused my feet to swell up and pitting edema in the skin. Well, RSD soon set in on the left side foot to hip, then after about 6 months, into the Right leg as well, so now 3 years into this I have it in left arm, both legs, and it's moving into lower back now. Dr thinks it moved due to trama from meds into my legs, so now I am terrified to even bump, bruise, or break skin anywhere for fear of spreading.
And yes RSD can be either hot or cold in appearance. It is weird and defies rational thought on how something should progress.
deleted_user
deleted_user
ibjustwrite,

I am so sorry but that sounds like RSD. The swelling and tenderness with it starting on one side and going to the other side is not good.

Stay here and in tune with this family. You can come here and share your experience and troubles. Learn something about RSD..

God bless,
deleted_user
deleted_user
Unfortunately, RSD does spread. I started out with a Left knee injury and it spread to both legs & feet. then I had a car accident where I got whiplash, now it's in my hands! It's because it's damage to the sympathetic nervous system and unfortunately that's on both sides. I'm sorry you're having to go through this, if you ever want to chat, ask questions or just get support, contact me! Take Care!
rachlynne
rachlynne
Hi would love to chat I have rsd
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • deleted_user

    Food Allergy?

    Posted by: deleted_user
    Last Reply: Iafaforallergy
    7
    My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...