Santa Maria, California

My husband was recently diagnosed with RSD in November 2005 after having a arthroscopy of the knee and a partial repair and removal of the meniscus.

We met in or about June 2003 while he was working as a mover for a local company. He was always in pain—never really knowing where the pain came from. He knew he had or would have knee problems (being 6’7 and is also genetic.) He lived with the pain until about August 2003 when he had his knee surgery. The knee surgery was and wasn’t a success. The doctor fixed his tear, but he still had chronic pain.

We have seen numerous doctors for opinions on what is going on, but nobody knew. They all said he’s fine and its just in his head, but he was in pain. His left knee was always either real hot or real cold compared to his other body parts.  We finally were able to get into a pain management specialist in town who knew exactly what his problem was… RSD!

He has told him and I it was most likely from a nerve that was damaged during his knee surgery and possibly from the knee injury he had gotten when he was a child. Adam has been through spinal blocks, many, many medications, and medicinal marijuana. He thankfully has not experienced any paralysis. He is in the first stages of RSD. We are lucky he was diagnosed early on—otherwise he probably wouldn’t have been able to be a part of his new baby girl’s life.

I am thankful for everything the doctors have done for Adam, so he can be a part of his li’l girl’s life. He is going through physical therapy and also going to be having a nerve burned in his back. Also, continuing with the spinal blocks.