Hi Summertime,
I have been suffering from RSD for 8 years. I have been doctoring on and off until about 2 years ago. I was tired of hearing there is nothing I can do for you. I am very sensitive to medications therefore the specialists didn't want to bother with me. I was recently in an auto accident where a young kid hit my family and I head on. I was driving and don't know what I did with my hand with RSD, but the pain had gotten worse, which I didn't know was possible, then before. Finally, a new pain specialist came into my area and my family physician referred me to him. To my surprise, he worked with a well reknowned hand specialist from Philadelphia that I was doctoring with years ago. Anyway, he was talking to be about the ketamine coma and other options for me, but when I went back for my follow-up, he wanted to try the clonidine patch first. I am happy to say that my pain has subsided. This is the first time I have this much relief. I am not saying the pain is gone, but the worst of it is. The only problem I had was keeping the patch on. I need to put in on my thumb and my wrist. It does not stay on. I now have benzoin to put on before I use this derma-bandage to hold it on. The patch is not the best thing for me, esp working with kindergarten kids. They are kind of scared of the bandage, but it is working. I still have the burning and the sensation that someone is squeezing the gutts out of my hand, but the worst of the pain is better. I hope this helps you.