Hi Brittany,

My injury was also job related, to my right shoulder, in Oct of 2006. This board has been really great for me. I am sorry that you are having such difficulties with the legal aspect of your case - don't ever give up! And ensure that you have the VERY best attorney possible. WC is the pits. And I second the idea of online college classes, my sister lives in Wyoming, DE and took some Master's courses online at Univ of DE. Once you settle in with your meds it will give you something constructive to do with your time. My sis only had to go to campus for the first class, mid-terms and when she had her finals.

Your care should include PT, psychological counseling, and an SCS if your treating physician recommends it. That's why I mentioned that you may want to check that you really do have a good lawyer. He or she should be battling for this for you. One year is a REALLY long time to be waiting for interpretations of new law.

Can you get warm water PT for your foot? Transportation is often provided by the little buses that the elderly and disabled use to get to their doctor's appts (that includes us now!!) Call around to your town's Social Services offices and see what you can find out about eligibility and availability. It may just require a note from your doctor, with whom you say you have a great relationship, so that would be no problem.

My PT has been great at helping me solve my problems - I usually go twice a week. Although my progress has been somewhat slow, without him I would still be holding my arm against the front of my body, afraid to use it. I've been seeing the same therapist for about a year, and now I'm just afraid of anyone touching my injured shoulder. I can touch it, though, so I'm sure I'll eventually get over that phobia if I ever get rid of my RSD pain. Have you done any PT at all for your foot? You should really persist on that, IMHO. Ditto with the Psych counseling. I didn't fall apart emotionally until about a year after my diagnosis, when I finally took a disability LOA from my job. I am seeing someone now, but WC hasn't paid her yet. My attorney is working on it...

There have been a few people on this board with SCS's, with mixed results. Some say it makes the RSD spread. Have you considered Lidocaine infusions or ketamine?

Good luck to you... Sandy