Reluctant...I initially was sent to pt by my ortho doc who is the one who diagnosed me in the first place. He told me that if that did not significantly reduce the symptoms or rather, the severity of the symptoms, then I was to immediately go see the pain doc. Pt did absolutely zilch so off to pain management. The dr put me on gabapentin to start with, and started me on the road with my idiotic insurance co for a sympathetic nerve block.

Insurance denied the block stating that I had not met all the requirements for "medical necessity". So, I paid out of pocket for that one. Started imipramine, then after I'd been on that for the required four weeks (per insurance), I had another block done. Switched to Cymbalta, had a third block.

These blocks would help for a couple of days, if that, and then pain was back full force. We decided to try a femoral nerve block. The first one was accidentally pulled out of place after a few hours, so we did another a week later. That's when I fell (christmas Eve) and injured the muscle in my thigh and things have been going downhill ever since.

I've been taking ambien for several years, so that has helped with the sleep problem, but I also take Percocet for pain. It didn't seem as though that was helping all that much until I was running low and had to ration myself. My Rx said one 7.5/325 every six hours. Well, I had to take every four. Not good, so I was running out before I could get another Rx. So, I found out that the Percocet was doing at least something to help.

So, that's what we've done. What do you think?

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

I don't really know anything about a femoral block. I did have an epidural block after my lumbar sympathetic blocks failed and that gave me pain relief for the time it was in but quickly wore off. However, I was able to regain some range of motion in my foot.

My PM doctor doesn't believe in narcotics. I may not be remembering this completely but something like narcotics don't work on "our" type of pain so well. I've been on Cymbalta, losartin for my high blood pressure that's developed since crps, Ketamine (with other ingredients in it) cream, just started on lyrica for the nerve pain (love it), tizanidine for muscle cramps at bedtime (makes me sleepy), ketamine nasal spray also at bedtime because it also makes me sleepy, and tramadol as needed for breakthrough pain.

I had my first Ketamine 3 day infusion back in Sept. Initially, I didn't think it helped but after a few days, I felt a lot better. However, I believe I overdid it and my pain returned to the levels I had before the infusion. I'd like to have another series but I have to save up the $$$$ for that.

I also try to keep up with exercise in the pool. I've been able to voluteer full-time.

I think my early treatments by my specialist has helped.

I hope you can find some relief.