You guys are awesome and have helped me a lot this week. (You may not realize how much, and just how important it was for me to hear that others had been where I was and survived...) I have also reached out to the parents of a child who has RSD, the only other people I have met so far in RI that have first hand experience with the syndrome. They are really, really great to me (and we haven't even met yet, although the child's father and I work for the same employer, just in different locations). I also get a lot of support from my PT. He sees me twice a week. He was the first health care provider I saw that really believed in my pain, and he has supported me for many months now. He doesn't know it, but I don't know what I would do without him.

I think the side effects of meds need to be watched by all of us very carefully. I take Topamax. It increases the risk of depressive episodes. Just wanted to give the rest of you the heads up.

My head pain almost never goes away now. The SG blocks seem to work for a little while, and the Topamax prevents the disabling migraines, but the shimmering pain in my neck and head is just becoming a nightmare. Walking a lot takes my mind off of it (I did 6 miles yesterday), and not using my arms for anything too strenuous seems to help. But I think the constant pain is the biggest reason I am so depressed.

I finally got an appt with a new PM doc from RI (one that has dealt with RSD patients and was recommended by my PT) for next week. I am hoping that he will be able to prescribe something that I can take that will help with the head pain, but allow me to still work (I'm a CPA and need to be able to think all day). Percocet doesn't work well enough anymore.

I also called a Pain Pysch for an appt. Was not able to book anything until they verified insurance, etc. but hopefully they will call me back soon. (it's always all about $$...)

Robert, I PM'd you. I am thinking of you.

Thanks again for the replies and the words of wisdom. Sandy