Originally Posted by gatorsmomma

After another surgery to release trigger thumb, many many stellate ganglion blocks, OT excercises, neurotin, cymbalta, amitriptyline, oxycodone, ketamine cream, tens unit and my glove, I sit here today with little relief! WHY?

Do we get better? Are we able to ever function without pain? Or do we try our best to tolerate the pain for what little time we can? I have all these procedures done and get a little relief for a few days, when does remission happen? Why am I going through all these shots if there is NO CURE? Why do people look at me like OH MY GOSH, you're not beter yet? How do I make people understand when I DON'T???

Originally Posted by Lisa in Ohio

Hi! I am so happy to meet you but so sad to meet you with RSD. This is really a life-changing disease and it is difficult to explain it to others. There is a good thread going that occurred earlier this year with some really good answers. My family does not understand but I have gotten my adult kids to read some of the posts on this board after I force fed them this link and guilted them into reading some of the posts. I too would urge you to find a good psychologist to work with, mine has really helped me a lot, and no they are not only there for "crazy people", they are there to help people like us who have difficult problems. I have had many therapies, injections and many surgeries on my arm(before the RSD diagnosis). I have atrophy in my left forearm and have to wear a wrist brace constantly- it is my "fashion" accessory. As to if we get better, we get different. I think that maybe God had a different plan for me than what I had for myself. I have learned to appreciate the good days, to cope through the bad days, and sleep through the horrific ones! Meanwhile, since I have been unable to work, I have almost attained my college degree, spent more time with my parents and kids, welcomed God more deeply into my life and become a more compassionate person. I am glad you have found this site, there are many wonderful angels here that will help you through this process. Your friend, Lisa

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

Did you undergo a stellate ganglion block at the time of your second surgery? Did the second surgery help, make you worse, or change nothing?

Those meds are a small list of the many combos out there. Each of which should only be introduced one at a time, after a reasonable trial period. There is no magic formula.

What does little relief mean? What is your current pain scale on a regular day with your current meds? What was it without any medication?

What glove?

The WHY question. This a complex neurlogical disorder that has no simple fix.
If you and your family haven't accepted that this is a life altering syndrome as severe and disabling as, let's say, cancer, than that is where you need to start.

Some go into remission. That is why we undergo stellate ganglion blocks. There is that hope always early on. It is also a diagnostic tool to confirm RSD. It gives you periods to recharge without pain, or at least less pain.

At some point you'll make a decision that the effort for a certain procedure, or side effects of a medication, isn't worth the relief you receive. We all have to figure out what helps by personal trial and error.

There is no surefire cure as of today.

You can certainly learn strategies to cope with RSD. I'd suggest starting with the Stickies.

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

Regarding the glove, how many hours a day/week do you wear this?

Originally Posted by gatorsmomma

Thanks Lit Love,

3) On a regular day using all things I have to control pain, it is 6-7.
on a good day it is a 5-6, without meds prior to blocks a def 10, without meds now range from 8 to 10 ( and I only know this because I couldn't afford to refill my meds, which I only let happen once & will never torture myself like that again!)

Originally Posted by gatorsmomma

Everytime I go outside. If I am reading to my kids and at night at bedtime in case hubby moves the covers around.

I do desentization daily and it has helped me be able to touch certain things. Water is still bothersome and anything cold is horrendous.

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

Things can always be tweaked, but from my experience, this is the kind of range I live with daily. BUT, I try to have a few hours at night in the 2-3 range to recharge. It can make the difference between becoming miserable or content for me. IR opiates can help accomplish this. Not a fan of Oxy though, it made me feel intoxicated...

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE

That has to be reducing your range of motion. Has your doc approved this? Have you tried Lidoderm patches as well?

At night, experiment with laying on your side (your back to your husband) with your "bad" had resting on a down pillow away from any covers, without the glove.

While water falling on my hand hurts (the shower), still warm water feels great (pool, ocean, tub w/ Epson Salts.)