Hi everyone! It has been a little while since I have been on and things have changed. As y'all all know, getting straight answers from your doctor can be tricky to say the least.
Brief history: Had Ulnar reconstruction and a submuscular transposition on my left elbow 10/21/13. CRPS signs were seen within 3 weeks of surgery. So far the areas that are an issue are my left hand up to my elbow. Have only had large amounts of PT and several sticky creams that have not helped. I have also tried Neurotin, Lyrica, and Cymbalta. These have not really made a difference either. I am deathly scared of narcotics. I spent many years as a Police Office and have seen the effects of addiction.
I have lost most of the muscle in my hand and can see a difference progressing in the loss of muscle in my forearm. The discoloration, clammy skin, and temp changes are present but the swelling is usually mild to none.
Now to my questions
1. I have noticed a marked increase of headaches which usually start on the same side of the injury at the base of my skull. Do any of y'all have experience with this? Could it be related?
2. Along with the headaches I now have a lot of burning in my shoulder and neck as well. Is it spreading? Please say no lol. My doctor just says she doesn't know...yet.
3. The normal pain which we are all aware of (burning, stabbing, shocks) is now accompanied with what I can only explain as that of a bone bruise that extends from my wrist to my shoulder and now other joints as well. Another question of "Is it spreading?"
4. My new CRPS/Pain "specialist" has stated that she wants me to try a mix of Neurotin and a muscle relaxer (the name of which I can provide if Workers Comp EVER approves it

) but if these don't work she wants to look at a nerve block in my neck. Anyone had one and what were your results? I am not very keen on the idea of having needles in my neck

!
Thanks for the read and any help is always appreciated!!
Hope y'all have a great day!!
Irpuregenius