Hi Rory, I'm sorry you're in so much pain. I wanted to tell you that when I feel real bad, I try to stay calm and lie down with a heating pad on my painful areas. I make a cup of tea and have chocolate nearby. I also watch a comedy on tv and take my pain meds. I take extra pain meds (which my dr okay'd) when I have really bad rsd pain flares. I then try to remind myself that the flare won't last forever, and try to distract myself until it passes. I call this my rsd flare list/kit. I got this great idea from Brambledog. It has helped me alot. I hope your flares pass soon and that your neurologist can help you to feel better. Take care.