In March of 2014 I will have had RSD for 12 years, half of my life. When I start to think of all I’ve been through in those 12 years it truly amazes me that I’m still fighting as hard as I am if not even stronger.
In March of 2002 I was a normal pre-teen. I loved listening to music and hanging out with my friend’s. One night while hanging out with a good friend I fell in my home and sprained my wrist. I didn’t think much of it as I have broken many bones and had many sprained wrists before but this one was different. Within 24 hours my hand and arm were a purplish blue color. At the ER that night the doctor told me it was a sprain and that rest and immobilization would help it heal. That night I experienced the worst pain I ever have had in my life. It took five doctors and seven weeks for me to be diagnosed with RSD.
My family and I came to find out I was blessed that I was diagnosed so early. Several nerve blocks and medication helped send me into a remission and I returned to my life. Three years later I ended up spraining my right ankle. The RSD came back but since I was on the swim team at school I continued and got my pain under control. I became a lifeguard and resumed with school. Around two years later, my RSD came back with a vengeance. I slammed my pointer finger on my right hand in my car door. The RSD came back immediately. Nerve blockers didn’t help and a stay in a pediatric rehab hospital just made it worse. Finally a spinal cord stimulator was recommended. I got the trial in October of 2007. I couldn’t believe the relief I felt. I got the permanent one in December of that year. I still have my spinal cord stimulator and love it. It has helped me graduate with my associates degree, it helps me work as a nursing assistant, and it is letting me go back to school for my nursing degree. I have RSD but no matter what I will never let RSD rule my life.
Erikka
Ohio
Submitted 07/28/2013
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.