I am Linda, my friends call me Dew..nice to meet you. Sorry it under the RSD umbrella. I too had RSD start in my right knee, injury in 3/07 that started burning immediately, then surgery 5/07..injury in 12/07 ,same knee,and surgery in 1/08..WC injuries. It took over 15 months for dx to be made..1 1/2 yrs of PT..My PM doc told me that too much time elapsed before he got to me for blocks, SCS, to do any good! I also walk with a cane, and have been called House as I use the cane on my right side,LOL!
I am on SSDI now, disabled because of this culprit. It has spread to both legs, spine, both arms and hands. Some days I wish I had a wheelchair..but, then again..I am cautious to start using one. I have a med cocktail that consists of 18 pills per day. Rain..or any change in barometric pressure brings on pain flares.I see a psychologist every 2 weeks as I am also dx with Major Depression,Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia, etc,all by=products of the RSD.

I have never had a pain level of 0..I WISH! The burn and/or deep ache is always present; however, the med cocktail that I take everyday tones the pain down.
Pleased to meet you.

Good to meet you, "Smiling"

I don't think that "total zero" is ever really possible, but with the right pain management and finding a good treatment combination, you may get your pain down to a more tolerable level on occasion. Sometimes, not always, people will find the RSD goes in cycles of high-and-low pain.

I personally think that my tolerance for pain has changed over the years as well. Minor bumps, cuts, scrapes, etc. that some people find hurtful will be almost like a tickle to me. I guess that, relative to the RSD pain, it is so minor it’s not even worth saying “ouch.”

Hope you get some relief soon.

Mike

You know my pain doctor was talking about what pain level becomes tolerable to people and it varies for everyone. I think a key is finding the right treatment for you which may be different from others on this board. With the proper treatment I think the rsd can get to a better place but of course there are a lot of trial and errors. I have had a couple less invasive procedures before I was going to get the scs that made me worse so why I have not done the scs. I am sorry that you had to face that. Are you on any meds or other treatments now as the spring is a long time away? Also I know apts have long wait lists but like when I went to Cleveland Clinic I got in months in advance by calling every day for a cancelation.
Bassman that is interesting about small things not causing you pain. See when I hit myself I feel so sensitive but obviously not like the rsd pain. I think for me I am so protective of my body and I mean the non rsd parts that when I do something different it feels like strain or more sore if that makes sense.
Feel better all and lets keep to hope.

Keep your art work flowing, Dew.. great to hear form you and I must say..I love the art work..very cool!!! I look for it...

Seems we have much in common.. the cane (only I walk with it on my left)... and rt. leg involvement.. I had too had surgery, twice in 07' being diagnosised with RSD in June, my birthday, of that year... only I did have the SCS implanted in 9/08... funny but it was not told to me prior to having it put in but after I was told.. we waited to long between the temporary unit and my permanent unit.. (4/08 until 9/08)... and my RSD had advanced.. it does not help and it actually hurts me...The neuro surgeon ( I ahd at the time, I dumped him prior to the surgery.. he missed a herinated disk in my back too)..... wanted to wait until a smaller unit was manufactured and due to that.. it cost me the chance to have it be useful.. although others may benefit..... We take our days as they come.. always a new adventure but I believe we must always stay hopeful and never tire from each days challenges.. but it's support and patience we need... Thank you!!!!Hug for a better tomorrow