Hi Depoetic
Super welcome to our family here and am vey glad you did find us.
I have heard of RSD and we even have a brief page on it with some links for further information.
One of these is American RSD Hope
http://www.rsdhope.org/
Alsp:
Reflex Symptathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Assoc.
http://www.rsds.org/index2.html
The central diference in understanding swelling from lymphedema versus RSD are the symptoms that go along with the conditions.
I think one of the central issues involve pain. RSD is also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome because of the pain involved. The patient has a severe burning type pain, and the limb is going to be extremely sensitive to touch.
You have neither of these with lymphedema. Lymphedema (LE) especially in the later stages does cause incredible pain. But it is a terrible aching type hurt not like the burning pain of RSD. Nor are the effected limbs sensitive to the touch.
Other features of RSD which are not associated either with LE are actual pathological changes in bone and skin.
Here is an excellent brief bit of info on diagnosing RSD:
Criteria for Diagnosing
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (RSD)
The presence of an initiating noxious event, or a cause of immobilization
Continuing pain, allodynia, or hyperalgesia with which the pain is disproportionate to any inciting event
Evidence at some time of edema, changes in skin blood flow (skin color changes, skin temperature changes more than 1.1°C difference from the homologous body part), or abnormal sudomotor activity in the region of the pain
This diagnosis is excluded by the existence of conditions that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II (Causalgia)
The presence of continuing pain, allodynia, or hyperalgesia after a nerve injury, not necessarily limited to the distribution of the injured nerve
Evidence at some time of edema, changes in skin blood flow (skin color changes, skin temperature changes more than 1.1°C difference from the homologous body part), or abnormal sudomotor activity in the region of pain
This diagnosis is excluded by the existence of conditions that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction.
http://www.rsds.org/2/what_is_rsd_crps/index.html
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The treatment of protocol for lymphedema is called manual decongestive therapy. The involves a hands on type therapy for the LE limb. I doubt that a limb effected by RSD would be able to stand having the therapy done because of the sensitivity to being touched.
Also, lymphedema is a condition strictly of the lymphatic system while RSD is classified as a nerve conditon and is actually involved a malfunction of the nervous sytems. When these nerves misfire, the brain receives constant (often very intense) pain signals.
Does he remember when this swelling started? Is there anyone else that has had any type of unexplained swelling in his family?
I hope some of this will help. Please jot down any questions as you are reading the info and do write back. I look forward to hearing from you.
I am so sorry that your dad has had to go through this, no you all are not insane and there very much is a reaspn that his hand has been swelling and hrting like it has...it just a disgrace that the medical community has not been able to offer the help it should have.
Write back
Best to you both
Pat O