Dear Catra,

First, I am so sorry about your beloved dog. My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow. It is painful losing a member of your family no matter how many feet they have or whether they have lived a full life. We lost our little cairn terrier this Spring at age 15. I felt really rotten and very tender for some time. Be easy with yourself and take the triggers in stride as things remind you of your pet in the days to come. We still get worked up at my house and it's been 6 months.

Second, I am attaching a summary of research by Dr. Louise Oaklander a nerve and pain specialist at U Mass who found that a percentage of patients with CRPS have SFN. The damage is found in several types of neuropathic pain syndromes.
Study Confirms Nerve Damage in CRPS TYPE I - American RSDHope

On the DRG stimulator - I have never tried SCS and due to my crazy tendency to create massive loads of scar tissue I have avoided even doing blocks. However, I agree the research is much more promising as far as success rate and coverage. If I was going to consider this type of option DRG stimulation would be my first choice. It seems much more specific. I would be a little more leary of the upper back personally, things get rather complicated in that area and without the clinical experience with it nationwide I would want more info or international studies on this use of it.

Does your doctor have any thoughts on correlations he may have noticed over time about what types of patients respond well to it? There are predictive qualities that correlate with SCS response.

Ultimately I believe you have listen to your own wisdom on what is best for YOU. Having made some of my own difficult treatment decisions I know a leap of faith is sometimes required. Be still, pay attention to your cues and whatever affirmation God or the Universe may send and follow through on what feels right. You have our support no matter what you decide.

Sending Hugs and Healing Love