I would say that it's very possible that it will take longer for you to see the progress. As happy as I am about my improvement...I think it's important to remember that the greatest improvement in the pain was in areas that I had RSD for less than a year and it's only in the sensitivity. I still have the burning constant pain...but that just seems so much more bearable without the extreme sensitivity. Not that I want to minimize the success because I am so thrilled with it...but if you both have had RSD in the same area for a very long time then it may just take a while to see those sorts of results. The sleep is a big thing for me...but that took a couple of months before I saw any improvements. Fewer flares that last less time is another big thing but again...that took a while before I saw it.

I also think that for me it was easier to see some of the improvements with the pain because I am not taking any pills/meds to help with the pain other than the Lidoderm patches. I think if you are on lots of meds that have been keeping that pain level lower then maybe it would be harder to notice slight improvements. I don't know if this makes a difference or not but it could be another factor that impacts noticeable relief. I would say that my pain level now is normally around a 5-8 except when I get flares and then it's back up to that 9-10 level. If you already have something that is helping to relieve the pain then it might be harder to notice some of the changes because they might not seem as large.

As far as placements...I can't really address the questions there. I've been doing this all on my own so I couldn't even tell you if I am technically doing it right. I don't measure each and every time I place the electrodes...I just feel like I know the right spot from doing it for so long. Not very scientific of me but I figure if it's working then it's gotta be alright.

I would caution you and everyone else who is trying this to not stress out too much about the small details. Seriously...the more you stress and worry the more you're going to aggravate your RSD and possibly offset any improvements you might be having. We all know what stress can do to our RSD. I approached the whole thing as, "If it works, great. If not, then I'm no worse off than before." I was hopeful and optimistic but I never got myself too worried about whether I was placing the electrodes perfectly or whether I should use saline or something else or whether this protocol was the right one or if I should already be trying the next. I knew there were other protocols and IF it didn't work then I could switch (which I did) but I didn't stress about it.

And remember...even though I am back at work and all that...I am not 100% better. I still need to use the walker, I still have to suit up with lidoderm patches and all that before I go to work, I still have pain and balance problems. I still think of tDCS as a miracle and I continue to see improvements...but they're not always the ones that I might wish for. I would love more pain relief...but instead I am mostly seeing more sleep (which is awesome and I'm not complaining) and less flares (also awesome). James is seeing far more improvement in many areas than I am but he's also got a few months of treatment on me, as does ballerina of course.

So seriously...try not to stress out about all the small details and seeing improvements in the areas that you are looking for improvement. Give this new protocol a good shot and continue to be focused on your health. I was very involved in all my other treatments (physical therapy, hot baths in epsom salts, TENS, ultrasound, etc) all while I was doing the tDCS treatments. By pushing myself with those I was also able to see improvement. My pain wasn't really noticeably different sitting still on the couch. It was noticeable when I was pushing myself to DO stuff. If you can find other treatments or exercises to focus on instead of obessing over the tDCS details then maybe that will help. Take each day as it comes, track your progress, and hopefully you will start to see improvements in the coming months. And it might very well be months before you see noticeable changes so don't get discouraged if you don't see them right away.

Just my thoughts on everything...for what it's worth. I hope that you both see improvements soon but with tDCS it's the long term results that are most important.

Okay...time to get ready for work. I didn't get home last night until 2am from work and I'm afraid that it looks like tonight will be much the same. It's gonna be a long one...