Dawn,

Being sleep deprived never helps anything. This is one of many reasons to do what is needed to get your pain as under control as possible. Lack of sleep makes pain worse and vice versa. It is really important to identify your triggers and avoid those - over-aggressive PT being one. I can't drink any alcohol or eat spicy foods (God I love salsa!) both will cause vasodilation which puts me in a world of hurt. Overheating in general and a dependent limb position for too long without moving it cause pain. I am worse depending on my hormone cycle and adjust activity accordingly. Even if you have a hard time finding things that help you will be able to identify triggers to avoid. Try different meds if you are not getting relief. Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyiline and desipramine work well for some in addition or instead of the gaba/pregabalin meds.

Go to bat against doctors when needed and follow your instinct. My first surgeon, ortho, inadvertantly tore part of a nerve branch in my ankle, probably with the retractor. The injury was identified by a plastic surgeon peripheral nerve specialist and repaired through a complicated procedure. The orthopedist insisted my first procedure was a success, despite my intractable pain. I had to fight for referrals and did get them but only because I was stubborn about my care. Not everyone gets a nerve injury or scar entrapment during surgery but they can happen and need attention when they do. My original post-op hellish pain decreased by 80% with the repair. I did not get CRPS until another un-related procedure.Go see neuro, see plastics, see physical medicine, get NCS/EMG, get vascular consults, etc. CRPS can have an underlying reason or contributor which might be treatable. Don't give up on yourself and your own wisdom. Ask for help and go to therapy if needed. I worked with a wonderful woman who really helped me deal with panic and depression. I hope you find relief soon. Waking up is worth it. Sometimes I couldn't see ahead more than five minutes, but I have made progress and I am glad I haven't given in. I can walk a mile now more days than not after 9 months on crutches. Sometimes I felt I wasn't getting anywhere, but persistence did pay off for me and will for you too.

Littlepaw