So sorry to hear that youre going through this! CRPS is a terrible thing for anyone to have to endure.

I cant speak for anyone else, but I can tell you a bit about what my CRPS feels like - mine is in my left foot, and I pray that it stays there!

First was the lightening stikes. Honestly, it felt as though my foot was being electrocuted! It was sudden and crippling. It would start around the arch of my foot and shot through the front end of my foot and out of my toes.

Then there was the burning. It still baffles me that I can look at my foot and not see flames. It was an all encompassing burn like nothing I've experienced in my life.

Next was the vice grip pain. I really dont know how else to describe it - it honestly felt as though my foot was clamped in a vice and it was being squeezed as tightly as it could possibly go. Just like the with the flames, it made no sense that I could look down and see a mostly normal looking foot instead of a crushed mess where my foot once was.

There is also the feeling along my skin that even the slightest shift in the air around me causes me extreme pain as if my foot is being skinned, and even the very softest touches of anything sets me off howling in pain.

They are my top 4 pains I've experienced with CRPS - but certainly not the only ones. There are the odd crawling feelings under my skin - the rolling muscle contractions - the terrible swealing - and even the freezing to the point of pain one that comes from time to time. My foot is also a lovely shade of red/purple/blue, my toes are curled and I have little control of them, and my toe nails and hair on my foot is growing out of control! But everyone experiences CRPS a little differently, or so it seems, so Im sure that others could share even more on the pains they've felt.

I am so VERY lucky to have had my CRPS diagnosed within weeks of the onset! Im being treated with PT (I have a realy love/hate relationship with it!), neurotin, amitriptyline, and sympathetic nerve blocks.

The PT is sometimes horribly painful, but so many people have told me that I have to push through and try my best to endure - and I'll recommend the same to you! It is slow going at times, but each new thing I can tolerate/do is like a huge deal in my book. Please be sure that your PT is experienced in treating CRPS - that is something that is very important.

The meds do seem to take the edge off of my pain, but I'm thinking of looking into going onto more or something different! The neurotin has destroyed my short term memory - a lot of people have gone into a room and forgotten why, I get into my car and drive and forget where Im even going! Its a bit frustrating! I even showed up to the wrong office for a Dr appointment today! - and I've taken to taking notes on my skin in pen, because if I write a note and put it in my pocket, I'll forget its in there!

And I've been very lucky to have success with the nerve blocks. But theyre not for everyone - and based on what your Dr thinks, they may do you more harm than good! There are several links/threads on this site to help you find other treatments, such as ketamine - which I havent tried, but I know people that have had huge success with!

As far as how long youre pain with last, or how long anyone with CRPS pain will last, its anyones guess. Some people go into full remission and others are not so lucky.

I think the most important thing to do is to fight back! Dont let this horrible beast take over and take your quality of life away! (I know, easier said than done!) Be proactive, research, and make sure that your Dr is really listening and doing things in your best interest! Keep moving, keep positive, and for the best piece of advice I've been given: NO ICE!

Again, Im so sorry to hear what youre going through! Im very very new to CRPS and Im still very much in the beginning stages, so my advice may not be the best, but its what I try to do every day!

I wish you the best! {{very gentle hugs}}

~ T