You asked how I handle my Neuroma? One thing I have gotten shots in my foot, they do hurt but it's better then surgery. I have a great foot Dr. He was going to do surgery but when I decided to have the shots, he did it with no argument. Not a money hungry Dr. I have had them twice. The last one was 3 years ago and my kids got me a pair of New Balance shoes and they have helped me also. I also was diagnosed with Plantar Fascious in my feet. They burn on the bottom. I used lidocaine patches and as I said the New Balance shoes helped. I walk everyday. Yesterday, I walked 3 miles. It's been in the 60's here so it's been great walking weather.

I'm sorry that you have went through this. Before any surgery, I also ask for blocks. With every surgery I had with blocks the RSD didn't return in that area but when I didn't have blocks it did.

Another thing I think is important is to find good Drs. If they mention surgery right away, run for a second opinion, or third if that's what it takes to find that right Dr. that you click with.

I also keep Methadone around if I need it. I was able to go off of it months ago and only take it when I am at my worst. Summers are harder on me then winters. The heat puts me in flares.

I do hope that the pain calms down fo r you soon. I use to wonder which was worse not being able to use my arms and hands or not being able to use my legs and feet. Believe me, either is bad.

Ada

My wife who has RSD could not handle the lidocaine patch, complaining that it burned her skin. However, she does use lidocaine cream very often and says it helps with pain.

I am right there with her, Jim. I can use the cream though. The patch was working on my arm, but then I could stand the stickiness of them so they put me on the cream. I make a homemade lotion with clove oil, it is cheaper and works just as well and the lido cream.

Although I have rsd, I use the patches, I get about three (cut) out of a whole one.
I use them on my neck, and low back, the places where I have disc problems.
I've never used a whole patch,
Just because I find them effective for what I need, and my medications work very well, but not for that disc pain. (Sorry for that ill constructed sentences today, cluster HA.)

I also cut them for use on my forearms, around my wrists and across the top of my hands. (occasional) If I hafto type a lot, or if I'm playing my guitar a lot...
Often, just putting them on my forearm (cut them longways) down the top of my hand, takes the pain out of my hands. (TOS).

pete

I cut them up, too. I don't usually use the whole patch. But the doc says that I could put 1/2 half on one foot with the neuromas and RSD and 1/2 on other foot that just has one neuroma, no RSD. I hear that doctors put them all over their bodies when in surgery. Funny, huh? And we are worried about using too many.

I just started the patches 3 days ago and today had bad naseua-Anyone experience this?

I don't know about nausea, but as I said, I 've never used an entire patch.
Check the literature.
Call your doc, maybe start with less.
(I'm naturally nauseated).

I had a friend who used like 5 of those things on her back. Think that's overdoing it?
I was under the impression that these are an "addendum" to our other pain meds. Or, for very localized pain. Am I wrong?

pete

I love them! I do, however have to tape them down each night. That tends to leave sticky places and sores. Seems like we RSD'rs have to pick the lesser of two evils, so sticky butt is MUCH better than the pain! You can cut them up and use them for trigger points, which is great!

edever, I have had the naseua when I left them on too long and it could be that you need to get use to them. If you have just started using them, it could be from that.

I cut mine too, Pete a lot of times. They work good either way.

Ada

Kim,
I've found that they may stick better if you run HOT water over the sticky side for a few seconds before you put them on... especially when I cut them in smaller pieces.
Or, if they loose their "stick", you can do the same.
The gel is water based, so it doesn't hurt...

Good luck!

pete