By the way, I have read many threads with postings from people who improved and others begged to know what they did to get to that point. I want to be one of those who contributes because I know how it feels to be desperate for hope.

As soon as my husband (Randy) was diagnosed, they sent him to a pain manangement guy who was straight out of residency. He prescribed gabapentin, starting out at 300 mg, 3x daily. Randy couldn't tell he was even taking anything. They upped it to 600 mg and eventually 1200 mg 3x daily, still with no affect. By New Years, he was tired of taking all those pills so he weaned himself off. They tried a steroid taper but that also did nothing. As I said above, we went through three nerve blocks that didn't seem to do anything although it's possible that they are part of the reason he's doing so well now.

During that time, he went to PT three times a week.

At home we did (and still do) passive and active movement exercises. We tried hot/cold treatments twice but the cold was just too painful, even just tap water, so we quit those. I've since learned that cold is bad, bad, bad. The doctor also did a steroid injection at the point of his pain which I've also learned is bad, bad, bad. No injections at the site of scar tissue! At that time, his hand was so swollen that most of the stuff just leaked out, so that was pretty much a waste. It was also the limit of what this doctor knew to try so we didn't make any more appointments.

Not being one to just do nothing, I went online to look for more information. I found a guy who had achieved complete remission by following the advice of a doctor in Holland (I think). This website suggests there are two kinds of CRPS -- hot and cold. It recommended 600 mg. of NAC 3 x daily for "cold" CRPS and 50% DMSO cream 5 x daily for "hot" CRPS. Other websites suggested epsom salt baths to reduce swelling.

Randy started on the NAC and a daily 20 minute epsom salt bath (hand and wrist only). We also found some DMSO cream on the internet and ordered that. He only did that once in the evenings though. He also took an ibuprophen 3 x daily and a multivitamin.

He has dropped the epsom salt bath and will stop the NAC when the current bottle is empty. The website says any benefits after 16 weeks are minimal. I believe that within the next few weeks, Randy will not be taking any kind of medicine except the multivitamin.

The website did say that these treatments are for those who are within about six months of the onset of CRPS. This unfortunately leaves out a lot of really wonderful people, but I think I would not hesitate to try these things anyway. None of them requires a prescription - we get the NAC at a health food store. If you decide to do the DMSO, I strongly suggest a 50% mix. I hear the full strength stuff will tear your skin up. The website also recommends a non-addictive anti-depressant but we did not do that.

I hope this helps.

My intent was to include a link to the website but I got an error when trying to post. My email causes the same error, so if anyone wants the Dutch website, email me at MJL1261atYAHOO.COM. I'll be happy to pass it on.