I have been diagnosed with CRPS after I had carpal tunnel surgery this last August. CRaPS onset was immediate after the surgery, I came home from the surgery believing this was 'normal' recovery, but was unable to sit in an unmoving position without sobbing, this went on for nearly 6 weeks straight. Even with that, I was released to go back to work. After 3 of the most miserable days of my life, in the office, I walked out and went immediately to the dr where I received the CRaPS diagnosis.

This is all under workers comp, so on one side I am still on temp disability and able to pay the bills. I am the primary breadwinner, so that is a HUGE concern to me. On the other hand, I am beholden to the insurance company idiots (that is the VERY nice term I will use for them) who get to make the decisions on my medical care even though my dr's are begging for treatment on my behalf.

November 25, 2011, I had a stellate gangllion block. Aside from the mental fog, migraine and nausea, the pain subsided to a more manageable level. Not gone, just lessened. Because I was still in the 1-3 month window of CRaPS onset, this was great news. It is now 4 months later and though my dr's have been lobbying for me to receive at least 2 more blocks, the insurer (Liberty Mutual, may their souls reap what they sow) has denied any further blocks.

I have a lawyer, I am working on getting new dr's that can work around these blocks. I am exhausted. As a mom of 2 kids, I try to not let them see how much this hurts. I get up and take them to school. I try to keep things going. I am an emotional basket case and feel like I am going to break at the slightest event.

I am currently on Gabapentin, (which I hate, it makes me feel like a zombie and apathetic) nortriptyline (antidepressant for the pain, but methinks I am still depressed, but the cymbalta made me loonier then a june-bug, so this is better than nothing), a ketamine lotion (this has been a god send), a topical lidocaine and volcaren (a topical cream anti-inflammatory).

So, I am sorry to know that I am not the only one in this scenario, but it's nice to know there are others who 'get it'. I hope this day finds you well.