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Suggest Treatment For Severe Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Question: I have severe RSD for 1 1/2 years now and it took 25 doctors to finally dx. the problem. The pain is excrutiating and can barely walk. How do i get rid of this? I am having bunches of problems sleeping as the pain is so awful. My body finally gives out after several days of NO sleep. I sleep every few days for a few hours. I have been to cleveland clinic with no avail and have gone through back punctures again no avail. I can not take this anymore. Please help me as NO DOCTOR here will. My number is XXXX
Brief Answer:
Additional input will provide invaluable info
Detailed Answer:
Hi Lady,
Thanks for your query. I fully understand the agony, frustration, misery and the sense of helplessness that you are passing through.
Unfortunately, there are very few options in the management of RSD. Perhaps, I will be able to enlighten you with the untried available options for killing pain, provided you inform me the names of drugs tried by you for pain. The drugs commonly used for nerve-induced pain are Pregabalin, carbamazepine, Amitriptyline or Vitamin B12.
Out of these, the most potent is Carbamazepine. You can try this drug- in maximum permissible dose- for pain, if not used or prescribed so far. Your treating doctor will prescribe it in appropriate dose and frequency.
Further, you have mentioned about back punctures. The doctors had probably given anesthetic injections to block the pain-causing-nerves. Sometimes a series of these blocks is tried. Apparently, this procedure has not shown any response.
Hence, I personally feel that the only option left is surgical excision the offending nerves or, implantation of a pump with pain medication into the spinal canal.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me and explore this option.
It would be a good proposition if you scan and upload the latest prescription/test reports for my perusal.
Hope I have addressed your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any.
Fond regards and have a nice day,
Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. Karanwal,
They have tries lyrica, gabapentin, quinine, neurotin, amatriptylin, and a few others to no avail. I am allergic to them. I will suggest the others. The PT does not work it actually makes it a bunch worse. I feel like I am losing it. The pain is so awful. I am so tired. I just want to sleep and be out of pain. I want my life back.
Brief Answer:
Try Carbamazepine for pain
Detailed Answer:
I have had a couple of cases, who have shown good response to Carbamazepine (an anti-epileptic drug).
You may kindly consult your doctor and ask him to prescribe this drug, which has- so far- not been tried on you.
Further, if Carbamazepine does not give you adequate response, I strongly feel that you should go in for excision of the nerve- a permanent cure for the pain.
Please do not lose hope. Believe in God.
You are always welcome to interact with me as and when you wish to. Do give a trial to Carbamazepine in maximum permissible dose. I am sure you will get tremendous relief.
Fond regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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