i think this could help

member Joined: 19 Apr 2009 Posts: 45 Location: illinois

i think this could be great for new people that may just be starting this fight or for people going to a new dr

member Joined: 19 Apr 2009 Posts: 45 Location: illinois

i know we need to ask questions when we start seeing a dr but for us newbies that are just starting to see alot of drs may not know what to ask any help would be helpful Very Happy

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:30 pm Post subject:

hey all~
ok so i'll start it off Razz

(the questions that is lol)

1. ask the doctor if THEY know about RSD? (and if they don't find out if they are willing to learn with you...thats what my dr has done)

2. ask about making a treatment plan....for the LONG term (remember in most cases you have this beast FOR LIFE [some people have had success in ketamine treatments, or w/'alternitive' treatments, but not a lot])

for my long term treatment plan....my dr and i layed out medications (which ones to start with and transition to once my body grew tolorent to the first med....and so on) we also have PT (physical therapy) on the list (i get a script for it AS NEEDED....withh RSD's ups and downs, when it gets bad....i go in so as to hopefully stave off atrophy)

3. if your prone to bouts of being down (depression) ESPECIALLY if your prone to it....(but even maybe if your not) discuss a pain psychologist....to help talk you thru the depression that usually creeps in now and again w/ any chronic condition.

ok so theres 3 to start it off...as i think of more (its been a looonnnggg day i feel like i got hit by a freight train *i did NOT get hit by a freight train....i promise i wasn't llike playin chicken w/a train lol*) ill post em....so someone else....c'mon we can help the newly dx patients
~j
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live life less seriously/make it count ~j~

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:16 pm Post subject:

Before you see any doctor take the time to write out a timeline of injuries, major illness, medications, treatments you've tried, etc. They'll want to know all this stuff. I learned that after my first appointment. As you go through varying treatments, keep a record.

The first time you see a doctor ask them what types of treatments they offer. This can be important because if all they are willign to do is medicate you (just an example), you may not want to see them.
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Kelli
http://kellirsd.blogspot.com/

member Joined: 19 Apr 2009 Posts: 45 Location: illinois

thanks for the great advice i am sure it will help alot of people including myself.

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:47 pm Post subject:

hey all~
good pointer(s) kelli....and like you said, be specific in asking the dr what THEY are willing to try....

another good idea, a pain journal....and sleep journal. or chart (i did a chart)
i logged my pain at varrious points throughout the day....on a scale of 1-10, as well as noting if i what i had been doing (trying to work, relaxing, running errands etc) and what meds i took (and if they helped) i'd suggest doing it for at elsat 3 weeks.....so that you can identifie any pattern...

and sleep, well i combined it...i also noted how much sleep i got (or think i got) if i was really tired/exhausted and what quality of sleep it felt like
~j
_________________
live life less seriously/make it count ~j~