This is the 3rd time I have tried to post this reply. Hopefully, I has not posted 3 times.

I had full body nerve pain (head to toe), shiny skin on my hand and changes in color on my left foot, sweating more predominently on the left side, more hair growth on one left side, temperature difference. I discussed it with my neurosurgeon who thought it might be CRPS. That is when I decided it was time to see Dr. K who confirmed the diagnosis (you don't have to have all the signs - but the nerve pain in the key factor).

Dr. K has the new criteria on his website as to how it is diagnosed (most websites have old information - you know the 3 stages? - old information). He also has videos of patients and their rehabilitation. Very informative! Everyone presents differently. This is particularly helpful for doctors who do not know what this is.

I am sorry about your situation. Where is your pain?

My neurosurgeon said the pain was referred pain - like when someone is having a heart attack but they feel pain in their left arm. They have studies on this. I think one recently about women who had C-sections and would have pain in their feet or teeth - other places other than the abdomen.

They think that the brain may be remapping because of the pain but the good news is they have seen it can be reversed. Oxford Journals had an interesting article on it. They can see the change using a functional MRI of the brain.

Just curious as to why you think the metal is an issue? You know your body the best. Will removing the metal help? I don't know.

I know it is hard to make a decision.

For me, I had cut my finger and I got full body pain, I had surgery on that same nerve and the pain went up then down (9 months later), PT massaged the nerve on the finger due to the scar and the pain went up, had a second surgery on that same nerve and the pain went up again. To me, this is a clear indicator that this nerve plays a role in this problem but it is not the only piece of the puzzle.

It may have been better had I had the surgeries under constant ketamine infusion.

Keep us informed as to what you decide. There is always hope!

By the way, thank you for asking, I am still doing better than I was before the infusions.

I pray you will be feeling better soon.

IT