I would've wondered about the stages comments too. It never hurts to get a second opinion. You might also consider a visit to U of M Ann Arbor for periodic consultation with their pain department then follow up by your current doctor if you aren't finding the caliber specialist you need.

I am so sorry to read that you are having to take so many meds and still not getting enough relief. That is just heartbreaking. LDN might be great but I too have concerns about the detox. Though I was told by an MS patient on it that she takes LDN and pain meds just twelve hours apart. I can't remember which was in the morning or evening...

I want to raise the spectre of workup and forgive me if I have forgotten what you had done. I know you had ankle fusion but I can't remember if you had NCS or EMG done to tell if there was obvious nerve damage or impingement. I think there was also question of whether you still had a non-union. Did that ever fuse properly? If you don't know for sure it may be time for follow up imaging.

I also want to raise the possibility of a peripheral nerve ultrasound. Nerves do not show well on most imaging but they are highly amenable to ultrasound with the properly trained practitioner. Usually Physical Medicine Rehabilitation. The benefit of having it done is to see scar adhesion or partial transection or entrapment. Sometimes they can do something about the issue, even without surgery (see nerve hydrodissection). MY PMR does this for various nerve entrapments by scar not just in the carpal tunnel as is most common.

The test is not that expensive, is non-invasive and if nothing else gives peace of mind, especially in post-surgical and trauma situations. I personally felt relieved having my nerves looked at and getting the thumbs up on them. I actually had one area show nerve swelling and that was one of my more painful areas. (We hit that with steroid injection and it's better). They do this test at U of M and there may be someone in Detroit who does it. I know another forum member in Detroit had it done and felt the same relief. It's nice just to know nothing is amiss and if it is...it's sure nice to find it!

I am sorry if I am harping and you already had absolutely everything looked at twice already. I just know it's hard to beat CRPS if something is left untreated and I and everyone else wants you healing and feeling better.

Sending extra hugs and healing love,