Living with RSD

I broke my fibula. After the doctor on call didn’t come to the ER after the ER doctor called him, with his instructions, they applied a splint. One week later, after calling for an appt., I had lots of swelling. I asked the doctor and his exact words were, “the ER doesn’t know how to apply splints, it is sorry to say but it is true.” I thought that was strange because he is the one that gave them instructions to do it. They re-applied a different splint for one week.

When I returned I still had lots, if not more, swelling. I asked about it and he told me it was the way I positioned in the splint. Upon breaking my leg close to the ankle, my foot wanted to turn inward. I had to hold it in place while going to the ER. I told them about this.

When they removed the splint my foot kept wanting to turn in. He seemed very unconcerned. With the second splint, that they applied, I ended up cutting it close to my toes because the big toe and the one next to it felt like it was completely asleep and the pain was excruciating.

Upon returning the next week they put me in a boot to wear. I week late I called concerned because I could not been my toes and my leg was hyper-sensitive. I also had the felling of a funny nerve sensation in my toes when I touched the top of my foot. My two toes were still asleep. They only see patients 2 days a week.

I called and talked to the p.a. and he asked if I had ever had back problems, which I do. He said more than likely that was the problem. I felt like I was getting no where. The next day my husband called and told them he thought they needed to see me. So we went in that morning and you could tell the doctor was a little irritated. My leg was extremely swollen and a funny color, bluish, and really swollen.

I was concerned that I might have torn tendons, since I was in the medical profession for close to 30 years scrubbing in surgery, so I kind of knew what was up. He said I might have some kind of nerve injury and would probably have to live with it and my toe bending might not ever come back. The following week I returned and he seemed unconcerned. I didn’t make a big deal and left. I also asked him about my x-rays because from day one at his office I noticed a funny look. It looked like my bone around the break was almost hollow.

I have been checking around to probably change doctors at least for a second opinion. This past friday I went and saw my pain management doctor, who I trust with my life, and he is very concerned with all my symptoms and wants to do an epidural. He thinks this may help plus he knows it will help with my low back pain and my usual pain on the same leg. I really believe some doctors do not care and may not really understand the whole RSD problem.

I just wanted to let everyone know that there are other doctors and do not hesitate to at least get a second opinion if you have doubts about any of your treatment. I am praying and hoping the epidural nips things in the bud. Thanks for you time. If you would like to correspond to me I would welcome anything you have to offer.