RSD In the News : FWD RSD World News-SCS Implant a patient's view and related articles

I have Just received the email BELOW from a fellow RSD sufferer re Spinal cord stimulation in adolescents. (the subject of one of my posts). Although he freely admits that he is no specialist on the subject, (and neither am I) What he has to say is something that I too believe in strongly and there has been a lot of documented stories that tend to back up what we think. However as this site is to document all articles on RSD, that was the reason that the article was posted by me. It is then up to to the reader to make their decision in conjunction with their Specialist.
I am glad that he emailed me on the subject and I am only to greatful for the opportunity to let you all see the other side of the argument.

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Tony,

I am writing this in hopes of informing your readers about both sides of the equation in reference to using a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) for treatment of RSD pain. Perhaps they have not heard about the dangers inherent in the use of an SCS. I am one of the unfortunate ones who had it done. Prior to having it done, I was in a great deal of pain, but still walking with a cane. I had no idea at the time that I had RSD nor had I even heard of this scourging disease.

I was in an automobile accident and had severe nerve injuries from it. Like many with this disease, I was not properly diagnosed until some years after the accident, even though the symptoms were there. It is a long story but I won't bore you with the details as they are not much different than many others who are misdiagnosed. My point is that I had a Spinal Cord Stimulation procedure done and that after the SCS was inserted, it got better for a very short period of time and then took a drastic turn for the worse. The net result was that after the SCS was removed, I ended up in a wheelchair because the pain increased dramatically as a direct result of this procedure, and I could no longer tolerate any pressure on my feet. In addition, for a period of about a year or so, I could not even lie down nor even sit in a relaxing chair. I had to sleep sitting up in a wheelchair because the pain would escalate to an intolerable level when I tried to lie down or

recline. This caused more complications as you can probably imagine.

While trying to make sense out of what had just happened, I searched the internet for more information about it. I found some very discouraging facts about Spinal Cord Stimulation on the website of one of the experts in this field, a Dr H. Hooshmand from Vero Beach, Florida. There is a wealth of information on his site about RSD. He cautions against having this procedure done as the usual result is a worsening of the overall condition. I am aware that many physicians use this as a common treatment for RSD, and I can only comment as a layman with the experience of drastic consequences. When I read this article and saw that it is being used for children, I was quite disturbed. I suggest that you and your readers take a look at Dr. Hooshmand's site and give this a long thorough investigation before proceeding with it. Here is a link to one of his "RSD Puzzles" where he comments on his experience with SCS. http://www.rsdrx.<WBR>com/rsdpuz4.<WBR>0/puz_74.<WBR>htm . There are additional links to other "Puzzles" where he has written about it in more depth. http://www.rsdrx.<WBR>com/rsdpuz4.<WBR>0/puz_23.<WBR>htm and http://www.rsdrx.<WBR>com/rsdpuz4.<WBR>0/puz_106.<WBR>htm .

It is my hope that you will pass this on to your readers, and that by reading about my debilitating and horrific experience with Spinal Cord Stimulation, and the articles on Dr Hooshmand's site, they will avoid this dangerous and invasive procedure. It is my personal opinion that it should be banned for use in the treatment of RSD.



P.S. I prefer to remain anonymous to your readers. I will be happy to give you more information about myself if you desire to document this further prior to distributing this to your readers if you decide to do so..

I appreciate the work you are doing. It is so important to educate the world about RSD as there is so little research done in this area where I believe many more people suffer than is commonly believed. I also pass on some of the information you send to my doctor for his edification. I know that he also appreciates your work. Keep it up! J

Regards,