Parkland, Florida

My story could be your story. Six years ago I was in a car accident. The airbag crushed against my left hand and lower right jaw. My life was forever changed from that moment in time. But I was fortunate because, the orthopedic surgeon that was treating me soon realized that the physical therapy I was receiving in his office was not specialized enough for my condition. He encouraged me to see a hand surgeon and start therapy with a certified hand therapist and continue with a physical therapist as well. At the time he tried to explain what RSD was and what type of treatments I might need to pursue. I am thankful for the early diagnosis. The hand surgeon recommended acupuncture, magnets and grape seed extract for my immune system. Acupuncture did help reduce the swelling and increase the circulation. But the magnets trained my energy field.

I was then sent to a physiatrist for another opinion. In between I was sent for bone scanning and others tests. Finally I found an anesthesiologist that was the director of Pain Management services. After being sent for an MRI, it was time for my first inter-scaline nerve block, numbing the entire left extremity including my shoulder. This took place six months after the accident and I continued to have these for the next year or so.

During that time I started to see on a regular basis a physiatrist, who would help me decipher the different treatments and medicines. This doctor would become the catalyst that would help lead me onto the path of wellness. There were numerous trigger point injections over the next few years that would help ease some of the complications from spasms. And I was constantly looking and trying alternative therapies along the way. Some of them would lead to success while others would fizzle out over time. RSD is like a long winding, roller coaster and we should never stop looking!!!

To help cope with the pain and depression I worked with a hypno-therapist that was trained to understand medical conditions and their side effects. Relaxation and stress reduction therapies became a part of the continued treatment plan as well.

Be assertive and do your research before you try different therapies or medicines. Educating yourself is the best way to face RSD head on! It is imperative to continue with a variety of therapies to treat the different changes that occur during this illness. I will share my experiences in the hope that others will gain from where I have been and where I am going.

Wishing you wellness.