Joe,

I think I would be in better shape today if I had used a knee walker, because by not using one I put considerable stress on my entire right side. I ache from my right foot straight up to my right shoulder. The PM doctor told me that what I am experiencing is not uncommon in CRPS.

Pool walking in warm water and taking low dose naltrexone was the best combination for me. I think mirror work helped me, too. Had I been able to continue on this regimen I think I would be much better today. Unfortunately, I could not handle everything involved in going to a public, indoor pool during the cold weather. I literally needed an attendant to help me.

For me the LDN was miraculous, but I still have not been able to find a local doctor to prescribe it for me, which causes me anguish. WC would not pay for me to see Dr. Chopra (750 for the first visit), but I doubt I could have done the drive anyway.

Despite several setbacks I am back walking with a cane, but I have lost significant strength and stamina. I still cannot climb up and downstairs normally. My butt aches all the time, too, not sure what is causing this.

It is good to have the "you can do it spirit," but beware this can lead to "the you can over do it" major setback. I have learned that CRPS does not get better by toughening it out or overdoing it. Been there, done that. OMG.

Regarding swelling:what worked for me was the Bowen Technique. I found a YouTube video of a man wrapping his knee in a cloth filled with a specific kind of washing crystal to wick off excess fluid. I ordered crystals similar to the ones he used from Amazon and was surprised that this technique worked so well. My bandana was saturated the first time and less and less so as I continued. I believe that drawing off the excess fluid allows the lymph system to start back working the way it should. I tried pressure boots and elevation-my opinion is that there is a point when the fluid retention is so significant that the boots can only damage the lymph drainage channels and elevation only helps minimally, because the channels are so bloated/clogged. This is just my opinion, based on my experience, not medical knowledge.

My sister loaned me her large jade disc, infared heating mat. I think everyone should have one of these in their home for deep pain. I have even used this mat as a portable sauna-I put it on my bed, cranked it up to high and covered myself with lots of blankets-there is nothing like the bliss of being warm when you cannot keep from shivering. After several sessions I felt significant relief of my hip pain. My h has used it successfully for back and neck pain.

Investigate the Wim Hof Breathing Method. I wish I had tried this method before my CRPS turned cold. It regulates the immune system. My goal is to do this next summer. Join the FB site to follow the success stories of others.

Also, I found taking magnesium and malic acid helped me a bit with pain. I found this combo on a fibro site.

Best of luck, please keep us updated.