Hi all,

I am not sure if I have CRPS. 7 months ago I developed knee pain after walking in a pair of heels. A month later, I developed tennis elbow-like pain on both sides. 3 months ago my right foot developed arch pain and a bit on the left too. I was seeing physiotherapists all this time, then started to see a podiatrist for the arch pain. They gave me orthotics and in the 2nd week of wearing them I had excruciating shooting pain in my heels. That is when they started to suspect nerve pain. I can't put my heels on the mattress at night without using cushioning underneath and a rolled up towel to protect my heels, so falling asleep takes a while. I went to my GP who was unsure of what is wrong and suggested I start taking Lyrica 25mg at night at first then 50mg (reduced to 25mg again as I don't think it's helping).
This didn't help much so I started taking 1 x Tramadol 50mg at night as well. I can't take much more as it constipates me.
As a result of not being able to walk too long, my upper and lower back hurt now too. Not sure if this is a knock-on effect.
I saw a rheumatologist 2 weeks ago, he ordered a whole body bone scan (which has come back clear) and a whole lot of blood tests for autoimmune diseases. My GP had a copy of some results all of which were negative except ANA (antinuclear antibodies). I am seeing the rheumatologist again next week as well as a pain specialist.
I am petrified of what is wrong with me and what the rest of my life will be like. I'm only 41 and was still hoping to have a child -I have been doing IVF for 4 years.
I live in Melbourne Australia. Please send me your comments and most of all reassurances as I am very scared.

Hello JK123,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I'm sorry you're having so much pain and that you don't have any answers.

What type of pain is it? Is it a sharp pain?

Have you had any past injuries or surgery to your knees or your feet?

Here is the link for the
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) Forum

I would also ask over on the Peripheral Neuropathy Forum

I hope you get some answers soon from your doctors and some relief from your pain.

Welcome JK123.

JK123,

It is great to have youcome and be with us. There are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Welcome to Neurotalk from a fellow Aussie.

So sorry to read about your pain. I hope you get some answers soon.

Hi Lara and everyone else,

The pain in my heels is tingling and sharp. In my foot arch it is a burning pain. In my knees and elbows its a dull ache. In my back it feels like muscle tightness and aches. I have not had any surgery.

I hope the rheumatologist and pain specialist have some suggestions for reducing the pain and that they don't just say I have to live with it.

Thanks,
Joanne

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I saw the rheumatologist today and as I expected all results of the bone scan and autoimmune tests were negative except ANA which in itself doesn't say much.

The rheumatologist said he can't do anything further for me. I told him I'm seeing a pain specialist on Thursday and he said that's the way to go.

I feel disappointed and discouraged. I have spoken to a couple of friends who have had pain issues (one has an autoimmune disease, one has fibromyalgia/RA) and they both seem to be coping, living life, working and had some level of improvement. I am just worried that unless my pain levels improve I won't be able to live life or cope.

One of my friends suggested I see a specialist haematologist, which I will look into.

Sorry to be so needy, I just need words of encouragement at the moment.

I'm sorry to read that you didn't get any answers from your appointment.
I hope you get some help with your pain from the pain specialist.

Sorry you're feeling so down about it.
Just keep searching though.
It's awful not to know the actual reason for pain.
If you knew what was causing it all, at least you'd feel as if you could move in that direction.

take care.

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Thanks so much Lara

Hi,

I saw the pain specialist today and he thinks I have fibromyalgia brought on by several traumatic events over the last few years. He suggested I see a specialised psychiatrist and physiotherapist. I may be prescribed an antidepressant. Will see the psych and physio in 2 weeks.