RSD Caregivers and Supporters Group

Hi,

I'm relatively new to the group and I have RSD in my right hand/wrist after falling and breaking both arms last October.Right now, I am on my 2nd round of nerve blocks, taking 2 Aleve a day for pain and hand therapy/desensitization/range of motion exercises,etc. It is extremely easy for me to overuse my hands by cooking,driving, doing light chores and it sets me back for 3 days or more until I get the next nerve block.

I want to ask my dr. about lidocaine creams or patches or maybe even Clonidine patches so I can drive longer than 20 minutes.

Does anyone have any experience with creams or patches ? I read a book called " Positive Options for RSD " by Elena Juris and one story suggested Ketocaine with PLO 20 , but I can't find anything using Google

Hi lmrogers,

Welcome to the group!! Sorry you have this monster RSD,but glad you are here with us.Until the right combination of meds is found it will be tough,but it can be managed enough to gain back some quality of life.There is a fine line between doing enough and doing too much, you will find yours. I am not familiar with the patches,maybe another member will help you out.I am on Lyrica and it has been a very effective treatment without bad side effects for me so far.I can now at least walk a bit and get around to do basic everyday things if I do things in small steps.Before the Lyrica I was in so much pain one step brought me to tears. My Rsd is in my right knee and has spread to include the whole leg. Is it maybe Ketamine in the cream?? I have not heard about this book or treatment, will have to do some research.I hope you get someone to respond to this post who has experience with these creams and patches.

Take care,

scorpioj

Welcome to the group. I found using the muscle creams helped at times. epson salt and long soaks can really help also. I found that the walmart brand muscle cream worked best for me. Hope this helps.

I was looking at the drugstore this week and the Epsom salts with lavender really help at night. I noticed the icy hot patches and salonpas and wondered if they work

I use Lidoderm patches - I love them. they are not narcotic basically it is what the dentist gives you to numb your gums. My crps started in my right ankle and if I do not puta patch on that day, my ankle like to complain all about it each day.

I have insurance but the doctor had to write a prior author (PA) for them so some month's it can be a hassle getting them. I do not like the creams. I would be that person that would put it on and then rub my eyes -- not fun.

I cut tht patches in 1/2 so basicaly 1 box could last me 2 months not just that 1. But once in a while my other foot will be hurting and then I use one then..

Like RSD1v says even though it works for me it may not for you so you just have to try and see. I am still trying to work so I do not want to deal with the creams so I hve requested the patches. The cream is probably going to be cheaper but if there is a chance you might forget to wash your hands ask for the patches.

I hope this helps.

I used the patches for a while and then the insurance started putting up a big stink about it, so i had to use the cream with a tegaderm patch over it. After useing that for a while i went into remission for 3 or 4 months untill my rsd came back with avengence! Then it made the first time seam like a walk in the park!

That sounds encouraging - I need something to use on my hands so I can write more than a check without cramping up . I really need to be able to drive for more than 45 minutes , so I was wanting to try something topical

Clonidine patches have not helped me. I read an article (http://rsdhealthcare.org/medication-clonidine.html) that described how a doctor could determine if clonidine would be effective for someone by using .1mg patch (they come four to a box), one each for 3 days - if no relief, step up to .2mg applied in the same manner - if no relief, then step up to .3mg in the same manner.

If after the 36 days (12 days on each dose of the patch), there is no relief, then this patient is not going to get relief from clonidine. One of the side effects of clonidine at the higher doses is a drop in blood pressure that can result in orthostatic hypotension - you can pass out if you stand up too fast. Abruptly stopping clonidine can cause a spike in your blood pressure, so you have to titrate down through the doses, not just rip the last patch off.

I've tried some topical creams and gels - arnica gel was recommended to me by a friend with fibromyalgia - it was very uncomfortable for me to use on my hand and wrist because as the gel dried, it made the skin tighter. Aspercreme and lanacane had no effect.

I am still messing around with a little bottle of Overtime Pain Relief Lotion. Can't tell if it really helps or if I am completely distracted by the overwhelming smell and feel of the menthol. So for me, the jury's still out on that one.

Post edited by: MGJ, at: 02/02/2013 07:08 AM

Kamara32, my first reaction would be the remission part is great, the rest of it not so good. yikes, sorry to hear that...bummer...

MGJ, hearing about that cream sounds great, especially for deep pain. What peaked my interest is when I read it had ketamine. Sounds like a great combination of ingrediants. Does it work well? I think I will try to request something like that to my doc.

Thank you to both of you.