RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) (Williamstown, Woodbury: allergy, living in, to move)

[jmking]

My wife broke her wrist back in 2002 and is now totally disabled with RSD. A common thread that links every RSD patient is the ignorant doctors. I've learned however that the type of health insurance one possesses also plays into this ignorance on purpose. My wife tried to get the best treatment for 4 years with no luck until 2 years ago. The disease by then spread into her legs, arms and back. She's had several ketamine shots and infusions including lidocaine. She gets treatement 2 times a week at George Washington Hospital in Washington DC. A very fine hospital. Our goal is to get her to this place <Institute_Announcement>

[bigsav32]

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Originally Posted by loislane711

Yes I do agree that NJ is a large state, however I'm willing to travel a fair distance for a good doctor, especially if he/she can help me with the pain.As for the neurologist I went to..His name is Dr S.C Fan, his office is out of Red Bank..DO NOT go to him, terrible bedside manner, we had a language barrier & I could barely understand him, not that that's a major issue but in some ways it is when you are trying to explain symptoms & he isn't understanding.He even tried telling me that it wasn't due to a broken toe that the RSD occurred, but that my right foot was painful as well??? I told him I knew my body & my right foot was fine & moving..He said I had no idea?? I was appalled to say the least & never went back. He doesn't like being asked questions & didn't like the fact I had a lot of questions & had done research. He was quite rude.He didn't diagnose me, instead he did an EMG which apparently isn't meant to be done on RSD patients..he caused me more pain & I believe he hit the nerve incorrectly when inserting the needles, so I was left with more excruciating pain & the EMG was done in September. The day after the EMG, I started getting shooting pains on my upper left foot where the needle had been inserted, I had even told him or should I say yelled during the EMG that when he inserted the needle in that area, that it was unbearable & the pain scale 1-10 went out the window. When I asked him what his final determination was..he said "Your condition is unexplainable", he then told me to pump myself with enough Vicodin & try Physical Therapy again even after I told him it made my condition worse.He basically had no advice/referrals..anything to offer in my eyes, he isn't a very good doctor.There are 2 types of Dr's in my eyes, the ones that truly care & love what they do & try to help even when they are faced with a situation that doesn't give them textbook answers, then there are the Dr's that once it's not textbook, they give up as I believe they really dont like what they do-Dr Fan is the latter. I did go to Dr Metzger (Pain Management Specialist) in Shrewsbury, nice man, he suggested a Sympathetic Lumbar Block which I disagreed to so on my next appointment I want to discuss Physical Therapists that specialize in RSD or other alternatives -I just found out recently that there are P.T's that specialize in RSD. I had gone to a regular P.T who didn't understand the disease. Thankyou both for giving me the names of those doctors, I will be looking them up. I appreciate it. B75-as for getting a diagnosis, it may take a few doctors visits before you get a diagnosis as they try to rule out everything else via EMG, blood tests etc..I wouldnt recommend the EMG as after doing research I found every site to say that needle insertion wasn't recommended for RSD patients..Dr Metzger does specialize in RSD & he has a few offices, i know of the ones in Shrewsbury & Manalapin. I will keep you informed on the progress, as to whether I get any referrals for other treatments or if I find someone that is knowledgeable in this area.. Thank you both..

I was a patient of that practice,they couldn't do any thing 4 me, literaly through me 2 wayside,next month he's on top doctors mag,n NJ

[bigsav32]

I was a patient of that practice,they couldn't do anything for me,literaly through me to the wayside, next month i look an dr. staats is on front cover of nj top doc,magzine.....bull

[DebsPSU]

Try Dr. Schwartzman in Philadelphia. He is helping my friend who is going through RSD. She went in the coma twice in Germany.

[bigsav32]

thankyou, for your post with DR.SWARTZMAN, heard he's the best an i now have an appt.

[Roselvr]

Do you have a link?
So far I'm not exactly sure where he's located

[bigsav32]

DR. swartzman located hannemin hosp, downtown philadelphia

[bigsav32]

although i have an appt,with DR SWARTZMAN, currently treating with NJ spine group,DR alan, ng, i had bad burning for 4 years,which 2 visits solved with DR ng, no more burning in legs or feet,now only dealing with pain.Anyone who has RSD knows burning is a big part,heard swartzman is good,but if u cannot get him,than DR ng knows his stuff as well,came from cleveland clinic an is very good with great personality u can talk 2 him, he understands,but he also backs up his talk with his work. located in eatontown nj,07724 (732)747-7110

[nutleynut]

Holy cow! Loislane I looked it up right after I messaged and sonofagun if it doesn't fit my symptoms almost exactly! My hands are always freezing cold, I can't stand even water running over the one most of the time, the bones in my wrist are super painful and have been since May08! WoW how has this syndrome gone so long w/o me hearing of it? Thanks for posting this.

[loislane711]

Originally Posted by bigsav32

I was a patient of that practice,they couldn't do anything for me,literaly through me to the wayside, next month i look an dr. staats is on front cover of nj top doc,magzine.....bull

yeah i have been to see Metzger a few times & he just gives me pain meds. Every time i mention alternative healing he changes the topic. i went recently as it flared up and all they did was prescribe yet another pain killer ugh. problem is that the pharmaceutical companies run the medical field..the more they prescribe the richer they get eh? why would they want to make a drug that would 'cure' us as then they'd have no money making prospects right? kinda sad.i refuse to be on a vicious drug cocktail & will keep looking tili find another alternative.i am now looking at flying down to Tampa or anywhere out of the state to look for alternative treatment.also still attempting t find a PT that specializes in RSD. Thanks for the info on Schwartzman, i will try him as soon as i can get an appointment...