Hi Finz,
Very nicely put! I guess I should say that after 5 years of trying everything and all meds, pain meds, etc. nothing worked for me except Fentanyl patch. I wore it for over 5 years and actually lowered it over the years too (along with everything each doctor had me on). I agree that each person is different and we all have different severities of rsd or other diseases. I have never had my pain totally gone and never get a buzz either on any of the meds. What works for one won't work for another. I think there are times when our pain is worse (like Pete said when weather changes come through) and we all have to do what helps us. I try to not take any pain meds but the burning pain is so bad I get severe chest pains every 3 hours and it feels like I am having a heartattack (EKG is normal) and if I can take something (after meditation, walking, trying everything, etc) that works like someone else said even 10% then it helps us be able to be somewhat "normal." But I think for a doctor to say opiods don't work and expect you not to have anything in case of severe pain is crazy. My thinking is: "We have a hard time getting pain medication from doctors yet...illegal drugs are everywhere (as I have been told by others and it is in the news too). I think the powers that persuade need to give the pain medicine to those like us that have pain and figure out a way to get the drugs off the street...that is the problem not people with rsd or chronic pain getting the medicine they need for when they need it. ok now I am off my soapbox for the moment. Just my two or three cents.
kathy d