Dear Joselita & tayla4me--

The value of not re-inventing the wheel appears quite obvious to me. Although we know that those suffering with RSD react in a very varied manner to medications, there does seem to be some consensus on some treatment protocols--at least generally.

Opioid use, anti-seizure, anti-depressants, pt, ot, no ice, and a myriad of other suggested treatment modes are common topics for most who are interested in RSD.

I am trying to get the overall feel for the jigsaw puzzle that is RSD. In other words, what have others done in a similar situation to my wife's case?

I have been married to Marilyn for 32 years and have watched a steady deterioration in her overall functioning since the event which precipitated her RSD. She is fairly prototypical of the RSD patient. To know Marilyn is now considering an SCS means she is terribly weary of the constant pain and the fight needed to combat chronic pain.

So, what should she do I ask myself. In order to come up with some intelligent options, I have gone back to the boards (forums) to do more people research as in: Well--how would you treat this lady?

Of course we all know to be careful about dispensing medical advice. None of us are doctors. We have no license to practice medicine. We can, however, pass along information that is helpful. And, I believe this forum to be a wonderful source of "People Information".

Marilyn and I will separate the wheat from the chaff as it MAY apply to her individual predicament(s). For instance, I have once again reinforced the idea that anti-oxidants may prevent the spread, or at least mitigate the disease, in some positive manner. GSE, for example as Vicc has written, seems to be the anti-oxidant of choice for many RSD folks.

I have encouraged Marilyn, to once again, begin the GSE regimen. I explained even though you may not feel any good effects, your body will thank you for scavenging more free radicals out of your body. Many meds have no fully conscious awareness that can be measured by a "How do I feel today" investigation. The medicinal activity is far more subtle.

On the other hand, an SCS device most certainly is a shotgun device. Push the button and the user is going to know if the pain was relieved, mitigated, stopped, or none of the above. The SCS user knows immediately wether relief is garnered or not.

There seems to be some issue with the idea of immediate (instantaneous) efficacy treatments and perhaps longer term treatment modalities. One problem centers on the relentless chronic pain that all sufferers simply want banished to the underworld.

Oh, but could we all click our heels three times and come back from Oz like dear Dorothy!

Once again, I am soliciting input on ideas that may help Marilyn feel better. She is on the way to multiple site RSD now and the pain is steadily increasing. This community knows the deal, so please be forthcoming with your experiences, ideas, suggestions, and care. Thanks.

johnthepainter