hi Mishelly,

Sorry you had to find your way here but it is a soft landing place with support and solace for the weary. It sounds like you are on the way to getting some much needed help and I am glad to hear it. Just curious, did you have much work up before the CRPS diagnosis? I always harp that it is imperative people have had sufficient rule out in case of nerve entrapment, disc or vascular issues etc. These can cause similar issues and can be tricky to run down. Just hate for anyone to suffer needlessly for something that got missed....all I'm saying. You are your own best advocate.

On helpful remedies, you'll find plenty on the "sticky thread" for lifesavers. I myself take Omegas, vit E, Vit D, N Acetyl cysteine which has good data for CRPS and something called PeaPure, a fatty acid that regulates mast cells. There are Lots of different non-narcotic med options out there. RSDS.org has an informative talk on their website from Dr. Pradeep Chopra which gives a lot of pointers on diet, meds, therapy, etc. He seems conservative and wholistic. For inexpensive starters you may want to consider steroids which can be helpful early on and maybe more so with your autoimmune involvement. Frank Blaes, a German researcher has recently indicated autoimmune involvement in CRPS. Also checking B and D levels can be life changing. Low D is important for moderating chronic pain and for nerve health. It is low in a LOT of people. Even Texans like myself.

On the finances, be sure to tell office staff, billing companies and facilities about your situation. Sometimes doctors and institutions can write off a portion of your bill. Local churches may have some limited funds to assist with medical bills.

Most importantly, never give up and keeping looking for answers and solutions. Keep yourself moving as much as possible, sometimes this means a lot of time in the pool or doing "mini exercises" that would not impress most people but they do make a difference. Come see us on the CRPS forum and take care.
Sending Healing Love
Littlepaw