Iguanabill,

Sorry for my short reply earlier today but I had to leave to drive my daughter to the airport. (something I would have been unable to do prior to tDCS.)

May I ask what occurred that made things go south. I ask only because on several occasions I felt real miserable after treatment, but when I kept at it I reasoned that my symptoms were probably the result of a bad day, and not the tDCS. The reason I initially pushed on with treatments was because I found no reference in the literature that tDCS increases pain.

To answer your question about my treatment I continue to make slow but steady progress. Although the drive to the airport is not long, in the past the vibrations and bumps would have ignited a flare. Although I was very ready to get out of the vehicle upon arrival at the airport and upon arrival home, was very tired and my pain level was increased, I bounced back after a rest. I was able to wear a thin shirt for the duration of the trip which is pretty remarkable given the fact that this time last year I was spending most of the day in one room with a space heater.

I am happy to report that the dystonia is still absent from my hand and my hand is no longer turning purple, (although it is still cold and weak) I still have absolutely no full body joint pain.

It is too soon to tell with reasonable certainty, but the small area of sensitivity on my left shoulder has improved today. Time will tell if the new tDCS protocol is responsible but my hunch is that it is.

I am hoping the change in protocol will address the pain and extreme sensitivity in my neck and right pec area. (my plan is to use the current protocol for at least two weeks.)

I am not missing the side effects of the drugs I no longer take. My cat can now get into my lap. He has learned to slowly and gently walk onto my lap rather than jump.

My service dog no longer attempts to lick my left hand and arm. Prior to she was constantly trying to lick my limb. I have no swelling of my right limb.

Each day I wake up filled with gratitude that I have improved so much. I admit, however, to becoming greedy-I want remission. That is what I am working for now.

I hoped with all my heart that your wife would find relief with tDCS. Maybe you could resume after she has taken a break. I wonder what would happen If you resumed treatment during a flare. Perhaps keeping a log her symptoms each day might be helpful. Just a thought.

Gentle hugs for your wife from me!!!!

P.S. I recently hugged my service dog for the first time! She was as amazed an I was. She rewarded me with profuse tail wagging and doggy groans!