Hey to everyone,
It can be very frustrating to do what everyone tells you to do and take with little or no results. After sustaining a severe injury to my right foot at my employment (construction) in 1995, I went through several surgeries to have bones fused and screws with pin implants. They were removed 1 1/2 years later only to be diagnosed with RSD/CRPS. In order to relieve the severe pain and swelling I tried other procedures from specialists who deal with this ambiguous disorder. I tried Trigger point injections, accupuncture, hydro therapy,sympathetic nerve blocks, a list of opiate pain meds., physical therapy, wearing a tens unit, ice and heat therapy. All of these had either very little or no relief. I'm beginning to run out of options. I did read that a new clinic which is a first in its kind has opened in Tampa Fl, The CRPS pain treatment and Research institue. It provides medical treatment for soley patience with RSD/CRPS. I'm considering trying this option. Most people who work in the medical community have a pain measuring chart that goes from 0 to 10. On my good days, I usually rate around 7 to 8. On bad days, the range is average 8 1/2 to 9 1/2. I'm not confinced that a 10 can be applied here. Like splitting hairs but, it counts.
I have traveled to other states and talked to other physicians who advicate
marijuana for medical purpose. It has been recommended to me as a last ditch effort. Currently there are 14 states in the U.S. that allow its use for a variety of medical disorders. Chronic pain is one of these disorders. A brief Google on medical marijuana will give people who are interested in the information only can read loads of info. New York State will soon become the 15th state to allow its use for the same reasons. It is currenty 1 vote away in the state senate from becoming a passed bill and the governor has stated he will sign it when it hits his desk. I'm not advocating or suggesting that this is the only alternative way to relive chronic pain. But, it is worth researching for its vital information. Not to mention the millions in tax revenue that is collected by the states that allow it. It is closely monitored by those states and not a free for all as some might suggest.
To close, I offer this advice, don't give up and keep thinking that tomorrow will bring new hope. It also helps to have hobbies to focus your healing and to avoid concentrating on the pain. Good luck to all. I wish you the best.

Welcome to Neurotalk mellowguy.

You've been through a lot and I hope you'll get help with pain relief soon. It sounds like you're in good spirits and I'm sure that helps a lot. Take care and feel better soon.

Was that spam for pot ?

I've never tried it, but frankly would love to if it were legal. I'm not sure why alcohol and tobacco are but pot isn't......doesn't make much sense to me.

Welcome to Neurotalk !

thanks for your reply..and to answer your question..no it was not spam, Just an idea to think about when you have tried everything there is to offer and it all ends with no relief. 14 states say so, Just type in your search engine (i.e. google,bing, etc.) "Medical marijuana" you'll get all the info you need to make a decision based on your needs and or suffering. It was for information only.
Thank you again.

Just teasing you, MG

I'd say give it a shot! What do you have to lose at this point? My ex husband used that after his bone marrow transplant (he had leukemia and IS CURED!!!!!!!!!!!) to help with his new disease... GVHD (Graft Vs. Host Disease). Helps him chill out on the roid rage (try taking 80 mil of Prednisone a day for two years straight - Crazy Town).

Best Wishes!

Hi Mellowguy and Welcome to Neurotalk,
I'm so sorry you have this monster. You'll find a lot of wonderful compassionate friends here and a huge combined education. Very willing to 'be there' for you. I agree hobbies do help as a distraction from the pain.
I live in Scottsdale, AZ and my Dr. just built two clinics and each have a HBOT. Have you ever done research on Hyperbaraic Oxygen. Many have found relief because of the 100% oxygen at over twice the pressure. I'm going to start treatment after the first of the year. I've had RSD 14 years full body now. But happy and mobile with the exception of one hand partially paralyzed. Was 4 years before diagnosed.
My Dr. of 5 years has been a lifesaver. He is a neurologist, psychiatrist, and pharmacologist. I wasn't sleeping well, and he was in a 200 person trial study for one of the pharmaceutical companies. It was fibromyalgia, which I have and had a side benefit of restorative sleep. I sleep 10 hours, so the next morning I'm in less pain-able to cut vicodin in half and also anti-anxiety med in half.
I like a website rsdrx.com from Dr. Hooshmand in Florida, now retired. But under Puzzles List, he has 140 questions and answers. Also, the RSDSA is a great source of information. You can put in your zip code and receive the closest support group name and phone number.
Take care and again, welcome, loretta