Hi. I am new here. My name is Lily and I am 25 years old, and I have been diagnosed with CRPS in my right foot and lower leg, up to my knee, for close to three years. I had underlying bone issues in my feet, and directly after my last foot surgery, I developed cellulitis in my foot. My doctors have theorized that this is how my CRPS began. I haven't been able to walk since before that surgery, and I have not had a single pain-free moment since then either.

This afternoon, my pain management specialist - the third one I have seen in total - told me that I have exhausted my treatment options with them. (While the news was devastating, at least he was honest, unlike the last two who wanted to keep me on ineffective meds indefinitely and never see me again.)

I have tried all of the major neuropathy meds (Cymbalta, Lyrica, Neurontin, and Topomax). None of them have helped. I've tried topical meds - lidocaine creams and patches, compounded creams and so on. I've had lumbar sympathetic blocks - nothing. Spinal cord stimulator - the stimulation effect was there, but no pain relief at all. The most recent procedure was a Qutenza patch, which also provided no pain relief. The only things which even provide slight relief are high doses of narcotics (I've tried Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Exalgo and Dilaudid, the last two of which I am currently taking). All they do is barely take the edge off and help me sleep.

After reading some of the posts here I know this is probably not news to many of you, but all I want in the world is to make my pain stop - or at least lessen to a bearable amount - and live something like the life I used to have before this all began. I feel like ketamine infusions are my last hope at this point. However, the doctor I was referred to by my podiatrist, Dr. Schwartzman at Hahnemann in Philadephia, won't see me until sometime in 2014. Yikes. I know I have it better than some, but... my CRPS has already spread from just my foot all the way to my knee (and I am starting to feel like it's moving beyond that now). I can only imagine how bad it's going to be by then if I do nothing but wait around.

So, my whole point is that I am searching for more doctors who perform ketamine infusions for those with CRPS, and someone who will possibly see me sooner than Schwartzman. The NJ/PA/NY areas would be best if possible, but I am willing to travel if necessary - I have wonderful parents who I know will help me in any way they possibly can (I have no idea where I would be today without them!). I would absolutely love to hear names and recommendations! Other than spending hours on Google I don't even know where else to start. If anyone has other ideas for treatment options I haven't tried, that would be totally welcome too.

Long story short, it's nice to find this place, and I look forward to meeting some of you and hearing your recommendations. :-)