Hi swe3tkisa! Welcome to NT. So sorry that you are now having to deal with this monster. You have come to the right place for info and support. You should check out the SCS and Pain Pump Forum on here too, you will find a lot of info there. There are many with RSD that have had success with SCS's and/or pain pumps. I have had RSD for 23 1/2 years and had two SCS's implanted in June 2011 (thoracic and cervical) and then had them removed in Jan 2014. They helped me tremendously for the first 1 1/2 years, they actually gave me the use of my hands back and made me able to work another 1 1/2 years. They also helped with the range of motion in my arm and cut down the sensitivity everywhere. I had some issues develop with my SCS's and the effectiveness wore off, so I had them removed. My dr recommeded a pain pump also, but I am allergic to pretty much everything so we didn't know what they could safely put in it. I would just recommend seeing a very knowledgeable dr and do your research, you have to be comfortable with whatever you decide.

As far as your mother-in-law goes, try giving her some information to read. Sometimes that helps. Check out this letter to loved ones from rsdhope.org http://www.rsdhope.org/letter-to-fam...-patients.html and also the McGill Pain Index http://tuum-est.com/MEDICALJUSTICE/McGill.html. My husband thinks this pain index is a real eye opener. Some people will never get it no matter how hard you try, at least this is something short that she will hopefully look at and help. These two items have helped me the most with getting family/friends to understand a little better. I am happy that your husband is so supportive, that is rare and wonderful...I have one of them too

There is a lot of great info on rsdhope.org and rsds.org. And Lottie gave you some great advice too!

I wish you the best!
Nanc