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RSDS
9/26 9:48:02

Question
Leslie, I wrote to you a couple of months ago concerning my single-car
accident in which they had to fuse c4 to c5 and c6 to c7.  Since my accident I
have learned that I may be showing signs of RSDS.  My doctor told me
(yesterday, as a matter of fact) that the burning feeling I am experiencing in
my lower legs and feet could be the result of reflex sympathetic dystrophy
syndrome.   He also told me that it was treatable by injecting a type of
anesthetic into my spinal cord (which sounds painful, I must admit) which
would "dull" my spinal cord into believing everything is okay.  I start physical
therapy today, 12/12/08, and am a little concerned.  My doctor also told me I
have a "herniated" disc, he thinks it's c-6 (one os the fused ones), and I also
have two "foreign objects" to the immediate right of my spine at my neck.  He
told me he believes these objects are the result of my herniated disc (bone
fragments).  Can you give me a more understandable definition of this and
it's symptoms?   Do you think they will have to go back in my neck to remove
these fragments?  Also, I am on Medicaid and do not believe that they will pay
for something that is so experimental.  Can you please offer some advice?  
My appointment is at 9 this morning, and obviously, I am not sleeping well.  
Any information you could give me would be so appreciated,

Thanks,

Cat

Answer
hi cat-

yikes, i know very little about rsds but i wanted to leave it available to other people rather than not answer it.

try this link for more info on the rsds, treatment, etc:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathet...

as for the fragments, as long as they aren't irritating anything further i wouldn't think they'd need to go back in and get them. that'd be better answered by someone with more knowledge of your specifics though. concerning medicaid, i have had fairly good luck with them where treatment is concerned- less luck on getting them to buy equipment. it would be worth asking them about (or having your doc ask).

i hope your appointment helped answer some of your questions
good luck
leslie

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