Aww... I was pleasantly suprised to see this thread, and see you guys missed me! How sweet and caring!!

A lot has been happening with me... and that is why I have kind of dissapeared.

I spent practically 2 weeks in a dark quiet room- the migraines from the facial RSD were killing me. I couldn't see straight, I was vomiting from the pain, had major nausea, dizziness and then I ended up fainting after trying to walk (between the migraine and the RSD pain)- which I am thankful I didn't injure myself from (hurt, and set the pain off worse though)- as I colapsed onto the wooden floor!!

To say the least it has been pretty nasty! The pain has been dreadful!

I saw my PM Dr. (and my PCP- but she couldn't do anything because she doesn't deal with my meds- my PM Dr. does that- and she didn't feel comfortable prescribing me something because I am on meds that 1) she doesn't work with, 2) are normally used in adults (though I am close enough to age/ weight I know I am the correct size) and she doesn't work with RSD at all- that is all my specialist's job), Froggsy, and she (my PM Dr.) decided to treat the migraine as a seperate issue/ as from the RSD. It has worked well, and the migraine med has cleared the migraine up about 80%! Yippee!

The facial RSD/ jaw thing has been HARD though- it hurts like heck to eat, talk, etc.. I only get relief from COLD drinks. Trying the touch it, move it, use it method. I am making myself chew gum, gently massage my face and use some heat as well. My jaw is opening about 1 1/2- 2 inches now, but it is still locked pretty good (or rather, pretty bad) on the right side.

My neck is giving me a hard time. And I have major complaints of the back pain that feels like it is radiating into my stomach and chest! Phew- I would think I was having a heart attack from the chest pain, but it is just the major spasms from my back. That pain stops me from moving at all and makes me scream and cry! I hate it!! My Dr. is hoping that the muscle relaxers will help, and she told me to take ibuprophen for the muscle pain I am having on top of the nerve pain. I am trying that.

Sleep- I am low on it, but the Dr. is increasing the meds to help with that.

Good news! I started aquatic therapy today!! It is going well! I LOVE the weightless feeling (really relieves the joints), and I put up with the sensation of the water real well (good thing it is *warm* water), the only thing that bothered me was the tile floor of the pool (with the allodynia in my feet! Eek!). The therapist was GREAT! He told me that today I could just start by standing/ walking against the wall of the pool, getting used to the temperature, and feeling. I couldn't believe how great it felt- and when I had to get out WHEW!-- I felt like I weighed a million pounds from the pressure on my feet! The therapist was helpful- he let me hang onto his arm for support, he let me take it at my own pace, and next time he'll consider adding small movements. He thinks that what I am unable to do (strength and motion wise) on land he can get me doing in the pool and then we can transfer it over- hopefully!

My home PT program is going well- I am resting more which is good for me!

My walking has been awful- when I walk I am SO shaky- my muscles jerk every which way! Argh. My Dr. says that when you're in pain, the muscles tighten in responce, and they are basically "guarding", in response to nerve pain. And then, of course- I have got muscle pain.

The swelling is improved a small amount. My Dr. is getting me compression stockings for the swelling- anyone use them? How did they help?

Thanks for asking about me- I love you all! I will try to be around more...