Karen,

I too did not do well at all on both Neurontin and Cymbalta. I did try Lyrica (50mg) dose about a year ago but I was also on another med and one of them gave me hives, so I should probably try the Lyrica again to see if that will work for me. I have an Epi Pen on hand in case it was the Lyrica.

In January of 2008 I saw a female Internist who said she had experience treating RSD in Oregon when she practiced there. She is adamant about the protocol of taking daily medication to calm the nervous system; her preference for me is Lyrica. I have the 25mg. caps already so it would be easy to try it again. I have not gone back to her since February because I did not want to hear RSD is not curable. She said right off that it never burns out and that I should think of RSD like I would diabetes, and to treat it continuously just like a diabetic would treat their disease. I am now beginning to feel she is correct.

And about another surgery. I couldn't agree more. I do not want to ever have another surgery, let alone one on an upper extremity. But I am not going to be that lucky. Unfortunately, I have a huge enchondroma (bone tumor) in my right ring finger that has eaten away almost all the bone. I just had another set of x-rays last week and it is still growing, so the three doctors I have seen want it removed and then filled with bone from my hip...can you imagine how bad that would be? That is just new sights of RSD just waiting to happen. Anyway, I have seen a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic who said they can do the surgery without spreading RSD but the nerves have to be "cyto" protected. Meaning I need to be on Lyrica, Kepra, Cymbalta, or whatever else to alter the brain chemicals along with a SGB to the right side. This of course is no guarantee, but if I do proceed with surgery, Cleveland will be my first choice.

RSD really does change how I live and function. It is so scary sometimes. I can tell I am in a bad flare and that is when I can't sleep, I get so anxious with the pain so high and I do sweat like crazy. At least I know I am not the only one. It sure seems that way when I see doctors around here. Most have not seen RSD before so it is a guessing game regarding the best treatment plan.