Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic, painful, and progressive neurological condition that affects the skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome usually develops in an injured limb, such as a broken leg, or following surgery. However, many cases of RSD involve only a minor injury, such as a sprain. And in some cases, no precipitating event can be identified.

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from RSD/CRPS. This chronic pain syndrome affects both men and women, and also occurs in children. It can occur at any age, but usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 years

2 years ago my husband injured himself and tore the lateral ligament in his right ankle. The ligament healed, but the symptoms never went away. We had never even heard anyone say "RSD" before a very good neurologist diagnosed him with having this. Hes been on several different types of medications. Seen numerous doctors seeking relief from this. We are at the point and gearing up for him to have a TENS unit.

TENS Unit
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit may be used to treat the affected area in patients who have RSD/CRPS. In some cases, a spinal cord stimulator is permanently implanted. This device supplies low-intensity impulses to a location in the spinal cord to interrupt the pain signals that are being transmitted to the brain.

We have the appointments set for his pre exams and once he has the appointments he will be approved for the implant. The first implant he will have will be temporary one. The wires will be implanted into his back along the spine, they will come out his back and be taped down really good. The wires will go to a box he will be wearing on a belt for 4 days. During this time he can play around with the controls, see if it helps him any and how much when it does. He then has it removed and all the imformation he reports back is what determines if he has the permanent implant. We believe he will be getting the permanent one, as does his doctors. The TENS unit, if it works, should eliminate 25-75% of his pain. Our big hope, is that he will be able to put on a shoe without pain. It will be even better if it enabled him to start walking again, even if it was with the use of a cane. That would be so great!

So now you know a little bit about RSD. You can get more imformation RSD at Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Association of America