Hi
I have had crps for 24 years, but only in the last year has it really got bad spreading across my whole right side. Well done for your determination to cope med free. I do all so but out of the fact I have a very low tolerance to medication and always have side effects, I have had all medication avalible to me apart for ketamin infusions. In the past I have had some succses with meds but then the side effects arrive, the main problem I would have would be weight gain, vomiting, headaches and dizzyness. Since diciding to no longer take medication I have been very diligante in making sure I eat healthly and try and excersise, not always possible. One thing I have found to help is to take caffine, dairy and gluten out of my diet. If I can give you any advice it would be to not be afraid of living without medication and if you can do it well done, but if you do need to go back to medication there is no shame in that. The one thing that has been a problem for me is, I would see my specialist every month after telling them I no longer want medication I am now only seeing them every 6 months. My specialist even said to me that I obviously did not want to get better if I refused medication and what did I expect him to do to help. So please be prepared you may get some less than positive feedback for medical proffesionals, in saying that me general practisioner is very supportive of my choise. I am sure you will find that too.I am looking for a new specialist now. Also look into alternative treatments but please do the research some of if is quite conflicting i.e accupuncture has both good and bad reviews. But well done I know it is hard but you are being very couragous. I hope you do seek medical advice to help come off the meds. Good luck