Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelly0514
In many of the replies posted, people have referenced that I have not exhausted all of my options. While I'm sure I didn't try all of them, I have been trying since 2009 when the injury occurred. I have had 12+ nerve blocks that were unsuccessful and months of physical therapy - after going through this for 3 years, the SCS was presented as another option. If you feel that the SCS is a poor option, what others options do you suggest I try instead of the SCS? I continue to build a resistant to all of the pain meds I have been on and now are up to Oxycodone and Percocet, both as you know are highly addictive which I have already started seeing symptoms of. As this time, I haven't been presented with any other options other than the SCS so I after much reserach and conversations with people I know who have them, decided to try the trial. I was advised that the trial is not invasive and is a minor procedure and gives me the ability to see how I react to it before the major implantation. So, I am asking you, what options should I try instead of SCS? I would be more than willing to bring them to my doctor or change doctors if that's what it takes. But what I do know, is that I am only 30 years old and there is no way I can be pregnant while I am taking 6+ Rx's daily.
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Kelly, If you have not been presented with any other options after having CRPS only since 2009, particularly given your age that means one of two things, or both, ignorance of other treatments, or a reluctance to offer treatment that can't bring in the revenue that SCS can.
It is great that you are seeking other treatments, but not good that, for whatever reason, your doctor has nothing else to offer you.
Prior to my SCS failure I was still taking high doses of meds. The meds were decreased but still at levels to form physical dependence. After the SCS failure the meds returned to pre stim levels due to severe spreads caused by the SCS. I became addicted to narcotics and required inpatient hospitalization to withdraw and it was very rough, an experience I will never go through again. It was worse than any CRPS pain I have ever felt.
Regarding SCS trial there is absolutely no relationship between a "Successful" trial and a successful outcome if you have CRPS. If there were there would not be so many people like me.
It is very upsetting to me that your doctor could suggest that the trial is not invasive. He is not being truthful with you.
The good thing is that you don't have to make a decision about having the trial today, tomorrow, next week or next month. There is nothing wrong with asking for a postponement until you have time to give the procedure additional consideration.
If your doctor doesn't understand then that should tell you something additional about him.
Since your ultimate goal is a baby and remission than find a doctor who can offer treatments more likely to offer remission, (SCS don't offer remission) and get you off narcotics.
I will keep you in my prayers.