My RSD is upper extremety so I used to be prone to getting migraines and at that time I was getting them more then I am


If I continue to get migraines like the one i have had since one am this morning, I will be going off it very quickly. I was unable to get oxycondone due tio the abuse in Broward county by the pill doctors. That is why i had to switch. thank you so mcuh for your input. sincerely cz

Hey CZ,

(Quick bio: RSD left foot, spread up leg, post-surgery). Anyway, I also "played" with different combos of pain meds, meaning: various meds of both types of opiates (instant and extended-release), and the typical assorted "off-label" meds (like gabapentin/Neurontin, etc.), all with my doc, of course, before getting the right "cocktail" as I put it- figured out.

As far as specific opiates, my doc has tried nearly all (oddly enough though, not opana) with me. We tried hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet), all short-acting. However, I also get migraines, and the oxycodone triggered them in me too. As far as long-acting, we tried Ryzolt ER which is tramadol- a "weak opioid" or "opioid-like" drug- along with one of the aforementioned drugs for breakthrough. Along with gabapentin and topamax, that was my original setup...but it did next to nothing, the pain just kept getting worse.

After finding a different doc, who has REAL and extensive experience with RSD patients, I was finally on the right track. The first thing he did was switch my meds (with instructions on tapering off old meds, etc). We discussed options and settled on taking me off everything I was on at the time, except increased my gabapentin (which I'm currently tapering off of now, but I digress), and then added amitriptyline, and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Now, idk if it's due to coming off of the old meds, or the side effects of the new ones, or just the rsd getting worse, but I admit, I felt terrible for a few days during the initial transition.

However, now that it's been about a month and a half of the new mix I'm extremely happy with the results (comparatively, anyway). I'm by no means pain-free, but I'm way better off than when I started. I hate being on so many drugs, but they allow me to think straight, get out of bed, do short errands, and now even start physical therapy- none of which I could even imagine doing. The side effects, although constrictive, i.e. can't drink (bummer for being 23, soon to be 24), or drive while this is all going on (and I live on my own- so my apt has started to feel like a cage), they do have their upside...My dad just retired this year, and so the timing was great- he's able to cart me around whenever I need him (nearly everyday), and although I hate to burden him, it's allowed us to become so much closer than we were (or would have ever been I presume), since we spend so much time together now. I've found that the key to staying sane through all this is to find the silver lining anywhere I can- and since the "drug" aspect of rsd is so full of frustrations, there are many silver linings to be found!

Sorry for rambling- best of luck to you!