Just as in any profession, there is a huge variation of CRPS knowledge among doctors.

And YOUR treatment is only as good as THEIR experience.

I used my pain doctor (an anesthesiologist) for about a year while the pain was the greatest and while I was trying to figure this darn thing out. Now that I have gotten off narcotics (urged to do so by the pain doctor and my others), I don't use my pain doctor presently. But would go back to him in a New York minute if the pain gets out of control again. If one can handle CRPS without narcotics, all the better. But if you truly need them, you should take them.

And while one may get a great pain management doctor, the next person may not. It is trial and error. I tried 3 physical therapists. The first one I hated, the second one was just okay, and I struck gold on the third one. Great relationship with him, he understands CRPS up and down, and we get along famously.

I have CRPS in my foot. My podiatrist is my primary for CRPS, followed by my pain management doctor, then my GP for sleep issues, etc.

And you know the cool thing about these three guys? They actually talk to each other!!! Imagine it. They actually get on the phone and talk to each other about my specific condition! Wow, huh???

I had to urge the PM doctor to get into this round robin, but the value of communication between them has been significant and I have reaped the benefits of it.

You must get multiple opinions on the best meds and treatments to manage your CRPS. In most cases, it will be a multi-disciplinary approach that will give the most benefits. Meds, therapy, mental health if necessary. Seeing just one doctor for this is not a good strategy.

Don't just accept the opinions and recommendations of the first doctor or two that you see. CRPS is widely misunderstood, even among professionals. Our mission is to find the right "mix" of professionals that have the knowledge base and compassion to treat us properly.