Living With RSD
by: Guest
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Word Count: 563
I have to talk about my worst nightmare.
First of all, when I went to my Primary Care Physician to let him know
that I was in agonizing pain, he looked at me like- I don’t see
anything wrong with her- I sensed that he didn’t believe me and was
reluctant to give me a leave of absence from work. All said and done,
he sent me to all kinds of specialists at my insistence, none of which
could provide diagnostic test results to
show that my pain had a source. One Specialist told me I had Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome, dismissed me with instructions for a few weeks of
therapy and then told me to return to work.
I did as I was instructed. The Physical Therapy only made the pain
worse. I went back to work and found myself unable to focus, unable to
recall simple information. I was trying to work even though I was in
severe pain.Mental anxiety took over as I could not understand why I
was not performing like I should. I set high standards for myself and
was never satisfied with mediocrity. I ended up seeing a Psychiatrist
when my Sister told me that I was not coping, my personal life was
suffering as well.
Eventually, I was referred to Dr Anthony Kirkpatrick a RSD specialist.
He confirmed that I have RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy….UH?…never
heard of that before!!!
Dr Kirkpatrick recommended a series of nerve blocks. This can be done
with or without being anaesthetized. Of course, I chose to get my nerve
block under anaesthetic.There is no way I would lie still on that table
if I saw that really big needle coming towards my neck.
These nerve blocks have helped me somewhat. I find that for me, the
pain becomes tolerable for a few weeks after the blocks, then it’s all
downhill again.The blocks subdue the nagging pain, but the fingers
still lock up, I still get severe cramps that wake me at nights and the
pain worsens when I use my arm to do just about anything.
My Husband who has been there with me for the majority of my nerve
blocks, told me that I rant and rave and disclose all my secrets when I
am recovering. While the anaesthetic is wearing off, I feel like I am
riding on a wild roller coaster and I can’t seem to find my way out, it
also seems that all kinds of information is coming at me. It’s scary
and maybe this explains my wild behavior. I am scared to death of
roller coasters.
There is a horrible side effect from having nerve blocks. My Right
eyelid droops and makes me look Hideous. Thankfully this is temporary,
or no more blocks for me. I keep out of sight after my nerve blocks.
Dr Kirkpatrick has recommended Sympathectomy, where the nerve is
permanently severed. I have rejected this procedure as I fear that I
would have a permanent drooping eyelid (possible side effect, not
happened in many cases, but I won’t chance it). Sympathectomy would
have the same effects as the nerve block. I would be rid of the nagging
pain but could still possibly have the cramps and the severe pain that
comes with using my arm. But I will go for the Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
just for whatever relief it offers me.
About the Author
I am a stay at home Mother having been disabled due to RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.I want to share my experience with RSD as this disease is not easily diagnosed but can be debilitating and does exist.
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