[StillCrazy]

My husband was diagnosed with RSD last year in June. He did intensive PT all summer and while we feel it ‘saved’ his arm, his arm still is in pain every day, still occasionally changes color, has the white blotchy spots, no hair, nails growing like crazy. PT released him saying they have done all they can do in October. He has body wide tremors and is feeling the same symptoms in his right arm (but without the color changes). He tried 2 stellate ganglion blocks last month that did nothing so his doctor did not want to do anymore of those. He was referred to Cleveland Clinic in January to see a movement specialist, who said his tremor is due to all of the pain that he is experiencing. He is currently on Neurontin, baclofen, Mobic, and Zanaflex. He also has Ultram that he can use p.r.n. His fatigue is constant. His doctor in MI wants to start him on the Butrans patch and has referred him back to CC to see if they can do anything to help with his pain. Cleveland is a good 8 to 9 hour drive for us. Obviously, my husband is no longer working. My job has gone from less than part time. Feeling so frustrated as he applied for SS, which was denied. We are now at the hearing level (just started). He is worried that if he says no to Cleveland, that will adversely affect his trying to get SS. He has been referred to a neuropsychologist, who is basically saying that someone can ‘convince’ themselves that the RSD is spreading…he feels like the doctors are saying this is all in his head. We are beyond frustrated and scared. My husband is 49 (soon to be 50) and I’m 44. Just wondering what good/different are they going to do at Cleveland? If he doesn’t go, will that adversely affect social security? This is such a nightmare….