OT - WTH....

A week after I had my plastic surgery, my 6 year old son stepped on my foot by accident as we were walking beside each other.  Nothing more than just stepping on my foot by accident - but it really hurt.  The next week the pain in my foot was terrible and my foot began to swell.  I waited a few days to see a doctor about it because I was still recovering from PS and didn't want to have to get dressed and deal with going into public with all those drains hidden.  However, I finally got myself up to go.  They took x-rays and said everything was fine and to wrap my foot in an ace bandage and if it didn't get better in a week or two to come back.

Well the swelling continued and the pain started to go away.  I was concerned about the swelling so I went back.  Had more x-rays and nothing showed fractured again.  So they asked me if I wanted to have a ct scan or they could give me some meds (NSAIDS - which I'm not supposed to have) and see if the swelling would go down.  I said I've already reached my out of pocket levels on insurance and would like to have the CT scan.

So Monday morning - right before 8 am - I get a call from my doctor.  She says the scan showed that I had bone mass loss in my foot and that I may have Reflex Sympatheic Dystrophy.  She called and got me into a specialist the next day.  The specialist looked at my foot and said I can say without a doubt you are at Stage 1 RSD - you have 3 of the symptoms - your foot is swollen, it is red and it is hot.  However, I am very surprised at your CT scan showing bone loss after 3 weeks of trauma.  So I say we need to begin aggressive treatment immediately.  Treatment includes a patch on my foot for the swelling, a medication, and a series of injections in my spine.

I am like WTH....Now I wonder if any of this has to do with my gastric bypass or plastic surgery?  I'm sure it's not because I don't recall seeing any posts regarding this.  I just feel like you all are my friends and thought I would see if you all had any experience with this or know anyone who has it. 

I am really nervous about the injections in my spine.  They will be done at the hospital while I am under sedation.  The procedure makes me nervous by itself.  What makes me more terrified is that right now I am not in much pain - I don't even take tylenol.  However, every thing I read about this says it is the worst pain anyone can go through.  So I am terrified that once they start the injections and try to get the nervous system working the pain will start.

Thanks for any support and information you can give me about this.

I'm so sorry sweetie. I can only imagine how scary this must be for you. I used to work for an orthopedist and we would very occasionally have patients diagnosed with this. Sadly, that was over 15 years ago and I don't recall their outcomes because we'd refer them out. What kind of specialist made your diagnosis?

One thing I will say is that we had a pain specialist in our office who did spinal injections every week with multiple patients without anesthetic, so I'm sure you will be fine. I know that is unnerving.

And despite your situation, you still took time to respond to my post and say a special prayer for me. God has good things in store for you--I'm sure of it. I will most certainly say a prayer for you and I will post you right away if I learn anything about the condition.

With appreciation for your thoughtfulness and many positive thoughts to you,

Denise

Denise,

Thanks for the sweet post.  It actually brought a tear to my eye!  I've never met any of the people on this site, but some how I feel like a lot of you are good friends through reading your posts.

I think the radiologist suggest the diagnosis, my primary care physician agreed and the pain management physician actually declared I have it.  I think I am just nervous and hope that after tomorrow I will feel better about this whole thing. (I have my first spinal injection tomorrow)

Thanks for the prayers and positive thoughts!

I can honestly say I have never even heard of this. This may sound hollow, but at least they caught it.  Also being a mom with a six year old son, I know how important it is for us to be mobile! They will make sure that they injections in your spine are as tolerable as possible. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Thanks Kate!  Yes, this is a new one for me too.  I told my best friend they might as well told me I have cancer because that is what I feel like right now.  If I understand this right there is no cure.  They can treat it, but you always have to be cautious of injuries or surgeries.  Thank God I had my plastics done before finding out about this...lol

I am not a diabetic, yet I did have gestational diabetes with my pregnancies.  No they did not do any blood work.  The diagnosis was made through a visual exam noting the redness in my foot and the excessive swelling as well as noticing that my foot and leg was warmer than my other foot and leg.  A CT scan showed a loss of bone tissue/mass.

I'm sending hugs and prayers for the best possible outcome to you. I'm not a nurse or doctor and have never heard of this, but I can relate to the fear that I'm reading in your post.  Modern medicine is amazing and I know you will be well taken care of.

Thank you so much.  I am very nervous.  I think I am most nervous about the spinal injections.  I am just ready to get it over with.  I know I shouldn't complain - other people face worse things than this. 

I appreciate the uplifiting words!

Holly,

Just wanted to send you a big hug!  Maybe your son stepping on your foot turned out to be a blessing since they were able to catch this early.  I too have never heard of it...  sending youo good thoughts!

Patty