Ty ballerina
 

Thanks so much for the info! I am now convinced we are seeing the best doc for this. As a real speech pathologist working w s,p stroke, ms etc. I am really curious about schneider s findings on language therapy...will this data ever be available for review?

Irene and I will report back when we get home!


Deb

Now walking wothout the cane
 

Great to hear about Deb and Irene's appointments with Dr. Fugedy.

I will be meeting with my support group this morning, but I can't wait to share my news.

This weekend I walked without my cane about half of the time. I thought I could walk more without it but I didn't want to push it.

My wife believes that my balance is improving daily. I hope so because if I can lick this balance problem I my be able to return to work!!!!!!

The only thing I have done differently is to take no breaks in my tDCS treatment. For now I just keep the the schedule of twice a day for twenty minutes each treatment. The most recent research suggests that longer periods of treatment is more effective. Since I am still improving I will continue.

Deb and Irene, please share anything you can about your appointment. I hope it isn't long before you are reporting the same kind of progress.

I am going to stroll into my meeting without my cane! I can't wait!

Best to all!

This is really fantastic news! I am so happy for you. Bet you can't wait to see the looks on everyone's faces when you walk in to that meeting huh? :)

Our visit with dr fugedy
 

Just wanted to let you know we had a great visit with dr fugedy. He spent about three hours with us and we did a treatment. I had trouble with burning on my scalp so I will try at level 1 for 40 min. I just hope this is not a persistent problem. So my first tx will be tonite bc I wanted to let my scalp heal. Fugedy is very nice and smart. He is constantly getting updates on new tx protocols. So...I will keep u all updated on progress!!

Debbie

I'm so glad you had a good visit. I REALLY hope that your treatments go well. Sometimes the burning on the scalp could mean you need more saline on the sponge...so maybe that would be something to try. Good luck!!

Hi Debbie,

Thank you very much your input relating to your visit with Doc Fugedy.
We are sorting out the final details before we re-set the appointment
with Doctor Fugedy. One had been set for April but about a month
before family emergencies arose and we had to postphone. I am anxious
for my daughter to get to Atlanta. I have spoken with Doc Fugedy several
times and each time I end our conversation I feel more impressed and
more confident in his expertise.

Please keep us posted. we your friends are rooting for you and will send
you good thoughts and you will be in our prayers,

:hug:Joydee

First tx
 

Did my first tx tonite,,,no bad stinging,,,,yeah

Deb

Pain Glorious Pain
 

Yes I am in pain and yes the pain is glorious.

For the past four days my pain level has been down to a level two. (it goes up and down but the lowest is two)

The last time I had a level two pain was prior to CRPS.

I do have miserable muscle pain and I am loving it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The pain is from muscles that I have not used in years. For the past several days I have been joyously doing mundane activities like dishes, laundry, dusting, picking up stray sticks in the yard, etc. Waking up those muscles has NOT set off a flare, just soreness from long term lack of use.

This is what I have done recently. Gone back on LDN 4.5 mg. to combat inflammation, gone back to melatonin, upped it to 2 mg. for sleep issues, gone back on glucosomine for inflammation. I have also gone back on 5 mg of Adderall twice a day for pain and cognitive issues. I am also doing two forty minute sessions of tDCS twice a day. Additionally I am sticking ruthlessly to the home PT plan I devised which consists of twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off of some form of exercise all day long. I am also doing mirror therapy three times a day.

Basically I am spending time on controlling the inflammatory response of my body to CRPS an whatever I can do to address brain reorganization.

My husband and I have been non stop smiling and laughing. Today I went out into the yard and cut some roses for the kitchen table. (I am still a little uncoordinated and I dropped them on the way in) When my husband walked in the door I surprised him with roses from the garden and he surprised me with roses from the florist. I hit the jackpot!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could not be happier for CRPSJAMES, Deb, Irene and Catra and others who are making progress but can't share for fear of repercussions from doctors.

I have been lucky that CRPS did not cause depression but I never expected to be overjoyed while having CRPS!!!!

I hope my joy is infectious to all!!! Better days are ahead for all of us!

Those mundane activities have been joyous for me as well so I can understand how you feel and I am so happy for you. I always hated doing the dishes, laundry, cooking, yard work, and grocery shopping. Now I am SO happy and thilled to do all those things that it's hard to put words to it. Those things have really kept me going while I have been fighting to go back to work. Just goes to show that you really don't appreciate how lucky you are to be able to do all those mundane activities until you can't do them anymore.

Migraine Relief Optimist
 

Hi All,

I've purchased the equipment pieces (phoresor, banana to pin..etc) some time ago but have not had a chance to get it started. This may be a sill request but can somebody help me?

So I have the Phoresor unit, 2 3x3 sponge electrodes, and only one(yes, I have the other one on order) pin to banana (or banana to pin adapter?) and I'm getting an electrode reject error.

Please help, I'm not really that good when it comes to technology (I'm an accountant!).

Maybe the electrode reject is there because I need another adapter to connect to the electrode? Could anyone think of other reasons maybe (except the fact that I'm not mechanically inclinded:-)

Thanks,

Hmmm...hard to say without looking at it but a couple of possibilities come to mind.

First, I know I needed pin to banana connectors for mine (which is different than banana to pin connectors as those would not work for what I have since it is the electrodes that need the banana part)...but it could be that's what you already have and just typed it backwards. If not, though, it could be the problem. Pin to banana connectors were more difficult to find than banana to pin...at least when I was ordering them online.

Second, if you don't have BOTH converters for both electrodes that could also be the problem. If one isn't connected properly it could cause an error.

Third, make sure you have the right wires. I had to order the pin connector TENS wires because the ones that came with my unit were snap connectors and those won't work for tDCS treatments. You probably have the right ones but figured it was worth mentioning just in case.

And last, I sometime will get an electrode error if I turn it on and one of the electrodes is not against my skin properly (not enough contact with my skin). This happened a number of times when I first started until I got the hang of it. Maybe since you are not doing the actual treatments yet this could be the problem.

Not sure if that helps at all...but I gave it my best shot. :)

tdcs and teenagers?
 

Hi I am new to this forum but have been reading the posts on tdcs with interest. My daughter was diagnosed the crps when she was 8 and with fibromyalgia at 13. She is now 15. I am wondering if there is anyone who has tried this treatment with a teenager and what kind of outcome they had.
Any information regarding this would be very much appreciated. I would also like to thank those who have posted on their experiences with tdcs, this information is very helpful.

Marg

Thank you
 

I appreciate your reply. I do remember that I got the TENS wires based on Ballerina's post. I believe I need some saline solution to put on the electrodes?

I just can't wait to get the pin to banana wire, you're right that's the one I ordered. I have a red one that connects to one electrode but not the black one (My mistake for not ordering both when I initially placed the order).

As far as skin burns and such, I have a completely bald head and there's really no way to hide such burns. What preventive measures do you suggest I take to prevent burns?

To prevent burns, make sure you use enough saline. The first couple times I did treatments I thought I had enough saline but I didn't and felt a slight burning sensation (though I didn't get any actual burns). They shouldn't be dripping but they should be soaked thoroughly. Once I got it right I didn't have the burning sensation anymore.

Hi Marg,

So sorry your daughter has to face CRPS at such a young age. Her youth is in her favor though. I have not reviewed any clinical trials regarding tDCS and adolescents. As a start I suggest you give a call to Dr. James Fugedy in Atlanta one of the top tDCS docs in the country.

If anyone knows the answer to your question he would. Dr. Fugedy runs a private tDCS treatment clinic for chronic forms of pain, including Fibro. I understand that Dr. Fugedy has had excellent success with Fibro patients.

Since the treatment has been scientifically proven to be safe, is non-invasive and has a very low incidence of side effects, none of them serious, it would be a good thing to try if it is successful in adolescents.

Hope this is helpful.

Hey Catra,

I got a standing ovation, clapping and many hugs when I walked in the room. I was nervous because I still have problems with balance, but that is improving.

Yesterday I picked my nephew up from school for a dental appointment. After I signed him out at the office I waited in the hall for him. I could see him in the distance and as soon as he recognized me he screamed, Uncle Jimmy has no cane!" and came running to me. I hugged him with both arms, so thankful that the arm that was rendered useless by the Boston Scientific Spinal cord Stimulator is now totally back to normal.

This weekend we are having a soft ball game in my backyard at the cook out my wife has planned to celebrate my new life. I plan to be in the outfield for a while and will maybe even throw a few pitches.

I know you also struggle with balance issues, as do many others with CRPS. The balance issues were the last to start to improve for me. I still have them so I have to be very careful not to do more than I am capable of-you know how that goes.

Three members of my support group are spending this week researching tDCS and balance issues. I will post what we find.

It's odd how my feelings are changing. When I first started to respond to tDCS I was happy just to get out of the wheelchair. Then I was so excited just to be close to where I was prior to the implantation of the Spinal Cord Stimulator. Now that I am working to get off of the cane for good I want not only what the SCS took from me but I want it all now.

I want the same thing for ALL others who have CRPS.

I was thinking about you the other day in Walgreens where I saw some cool canes. I hope you have a pretty cane waiting by the door for your eventual graduation from the walker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How about hot pink with butterflies?

Got to run to meet with the other two researchers.
It is frustrating that we have to do this work ourselves but at least we have the tools to do it!

Best to you and all who are using tDCS.

So...you and ballerina are BOTH getting greedy, huh? :)

But seriously...I am so happy to hear all of this. I really hope that I have this to look forward to in my future. I have a pink walker and one of my canes is blue and the other black (both are the kind that fold up so I can take them with me in the walker if I have to). The blue one was a new purchase this past weekend...guess I didn't tell you guys about that.

This past weekend my boyfriend had the weekend off (this never happens) so he told me Friday morning that he wanted us to go up his family's house on a lake in Wisconsin and go fishing. I was game...didn't look forward to the long drive for only two day but figured it would be alright because I have been feeling good lately. Talk about one of those trips where anything that COULD go wrong definitely tried to go wrong. One of the big things was that about 2 hours into the drive my boyfriend realized he didn't put my walker in the car and left it in the driveway at home...ugh! Rather than cancel the trip we called his mom who put the walker in our house and we bought me another cane at the 24 hours Walmart (because where else are you going to get a cane at 2am). So I had a day and a half with ONLY using the cane.

It was awful. I am definitely not nearly ready for that. My pain was so much worse in my ankle and my right arm (the one holding the cane). Ever since we got back my ankle hasn't been quite the same...but I am hoping that with the tDCS treatments that it will get back in line soon. Oh well...good news is that I was actually able to go fishing and caught 35 fish in the 7 hours total that we spent on the water between the two days. Had to alter my fishing technique a little bit because of the RSD but I made it work. It hurt but I'm sure you know what it means to be able to do something you enjoy despite the pain. Definitely have to wear gloves because not a chance I could touch the cold fish to take them off the hook without causing a flare. Oh well...I'll take what I can get.

So yeah...not ready to go without the walker yet...but hopefully some day. Just hope I didn't set myself back too bad with the walking with just a cane for a day and a half. It wasn't much walking but it was the hill and uneven ground to get down to the pier that did it more anything else I think. I am also VERY wobbly on the cane still. I guess it's easy to take the walker for granted and how much it really helps until you really don't have it at all.

You just be careful with that baseball...would hate for you to have another injury. I used to be a pitcher and I got clocked a number of times on the mound when pitching...not much time to react there if something comes back at you. But definitely enjoy yourself at the party...you deserve it!

Hi,

" Wow" thirty five fish in seven hours thats pretty good fishing.

:hug:Joydee

My boyfriend caught over 60. I used to keep up with him better but I would say 35 is nothing to complain about. I set my minimum at 5 a day...once I catch Johnny 5 I feel like it was a good day. :)

Tdcs
 

Hi,
Just wanted to let those with interests in TDCS know we have at last
been able to re-set the date for my daughter to consult with Doc
Fugedy in Atlatna on June 2, 2012. My husband will book the flight
for the two of them.

:)Joydee

So much good news, I don't know where to start!!!!!!

Great news Joydee!!!! I know what a struggle it has been to get all of the schedules straight for your trip to see Dr. Fugedy.

More news! Mike asked me to let everyone know that he has been MIA due to being without a computer but wanted me to let everyone know that he has recently begun tDCS and after only ten days the edema which has plagued his ankles for years is gone!!!!!!!! He is thrilled beyond words. I am just as excited given what he has been through over the years. Mike is another example of Old and Cold CRPS responding to tDCS. He is taking a temporary break while he irons out some equipment issues but expects to be up and running again with tDCS treatments very soon. His success reminds me of my first experience with tDCS and the decrease in swelling I have by the fifth day. I remember thinking that just that symptom relief alone was enough.
(Yes Catra, you bet I have become greedy)

My good news is nothing short of amazing also. I was recently bitten by a tick right on one of my surgical incisions. The bite became angry and infected BUT CAUSED NO FLARE!

On Wednesday I took a severe fall into a closing elevator door which got me squarely on my bad shoulder. I have a nasty bruise, BUT IT CAUSED NO FALRE. I have had no flares whatsoever for almost five weeks. It used to be that the slightest air movement, even the AC coming on would send me into orbit for a day or two. A minor injury like a paper cut could sack me for two days.

There is no question that the inflammatory CRPS response which used to be cranked up by anything is becoming harder to awaken due to tDCS.

In the past the longest I went without a flare was several days. Major flares occurred with the slightest provocation.

I am still taking anti inflam meds and I am on a regular routine of anything that addresses brain reorganization.

I no longer wear my night guard since teeth clenching is a thing of the past. I sure wish I had known about tDCS before the teeth clenching cracked a tooth necessitating a root canal which ignited a new area of CRPS.

By the way. For those of you who avoid anything invasive if you get a tick bite and are worried about having to take anibiotics with a followup blood draw to check for tick bourn illnesses I have a solution. I mailed the little sucker off to a lab and had it tested. Lucky for me the test was negative, no drugs or blood draws!

If I can only lick the balance problems. Although my balance has improved I am still at risk for serious injury. When I fell into the elevator door I even had my service dog with me. I have less falls or near misses when she is with me.

I don't go out much because of falling issues. I am currently researching tDCS and falls to see what I come up with. I am also looking at research pertaining to transcranial magnetic stimulation to see if I can apply anything contained in that research to tDCS.

CRPSJAMES is also doing research in the same area. Is anyone else researching tDCS and balance. Please share if you find anything promising.

We are learning the positive effects of tDCS on treatment resistant CRPS and Old and Cold CRPS. How thrilled I would be to see someone who is newly diagnosed try the treatment and go into remission.

If you have tried tDCS and are newly diagnosed please share to help others.

I am so overjoyed that I have found a treatment that has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective, has no side effects, cannot be effected by tolerance levels, is cheap, address the root cause of CRPS, not just covers up the pain, is painless, addresses not only the pain but dozens of other symptoms and sensations associated with CRPS and is inching me toward remission. If anyone had asked me two years ago where I though I would be now I realistically would have answered that I would probably be in a wheelchair and or addicted to narcotics as well as experiencing spread of the condition or full body CRPS.

I don't know what the future brings but I can only hope I will never take narcotics or pain medications again.

Better days are ahead for all of us!

new to crps
 

Hi Ballerina. I'm fairly new to this site and new to crps. I got the official diagnosis this past Nov. Catra121 suggested that I quickly try tdcs and/or ketamine infusions.

I have an appt. to see one of my drs. on Friday and I'm going to try to get a prescription for the unit. I don't know if a diagnosis of this past Nov. qualifies me as a new crps person. I read through all the posts over the last few days (brain fog delayed me from reading it in one day- very frustrating recent development) and truly appreciate all the time and effort you and others have put into describing the procedure.

Since I have met my full deductible for the year (met it in Jan.) I'd like to get my insurance to pay for the unit. I am going to ask for a script for treatment of depression- thanks to whoever suggested this. I'm going to post under ketamine infusions my difficulty with trying to find a dr. to do ketamine for me.

Day 7
 

Hi all...just finished my seventh day....no results yet. I know it takes time but just hoping to feel something!

Debbie

This is great news and I am really happy to hear it! I'll mark the date on my calendar and send my prayers her way for successful treatments and a good response to tDCS.

Hi,

Allow me to share my reaction to reading your post with the wonderful
news about Mike as well as the good news about yourself. I was so happy
hearing that news I was compelled to run upstairs then out into the sunshine
on my sun deck and perform my happy dance. In fact I did run up stairs
toword the back door which led to the deck in the back yard but I caught
myself thinking whoa, the neighbors can see me dancing on the deck and
might not understand. Instead I had to resort to just feeling so happy and
shaking my head and thinking "Wow."

:hug:Joydee

Hi, Catra,

Thank you it really means a lot.

:hug: Joydee

Hi Debbie,

Hang in there. I recall a post from CRPS James who shared with
everyone what happened with his friend who had tried TDCS
for two weeks and nothing happened but over the week end he
tried a different protocal and had results. As you say it does
take time and it may also be you might need another protocal
as well but keep trying. We are with you.

:hug:Joydee

How exciting-a newbe to try tDCS. I have one suggestion.

Us folks who have had CRPS for so long have lots of time to experiment with different protocols. Your window may be rapidly closing. Please consider a consultation with Dr. James Fugedy in Atlanta so you can be up and running immediately, have all of your questions answered and be able to receive ongoing instruction in the latest protocols. You could loose so much time trying to do your own research or hope that a protocol tried by others will work for you. According to his website, Fugedy also uses tDCS to treat depression. You might be able to get your insurance to cover the visit for depression. This route would not preclude Ketamine treatments. You could get a jump on tDCS with Fugedy while you are trying to find Ketamine treatments.

I myself have not seen Fugedy, but I am seriously considering scheduling an appointment to see it I can utilize the device in a better way. Catra has suggested that I am getting greedy. I am guilty as charged! I want remission.

I am so impressed with how fast you have educated yourself about CRPS and the most effective treatments.

Hope this suggestions helps!

Ballerina and CRPSjames, I hope you both know that I think it is GREAT that you are greedy and meant it in a good way. Upon reading my post I realized it COULD have been taken otherwise. I think we should all be greedy when it comes to our quest for better treatments and remission. :)

I seem to be back on track with regards to my ankle...I think the extra stess of only using the cane for a weekend just threw me out of whack for a little bit. I'm feeling very good today and looking forward to Monday and Tuesday of next week because that's when my boyfriend and I are going to make our big trip to Home Depot to get flowers for all of our pots and landscape supplies to make a few more flower beds. Now that I can spend more time outside with the nice weather and am up to it physically I am looking forward to spending more and more time out in the yard while I am trying to sort things out with my employer about my return to work.

I also went to my cousin's college graduation yesterday from Loyola University in downtown Chicago. I handled the crowds well and got around quite well with minimal assistance from family. Really only needed help in the form of my dad carrying my walker while I used the cane to walk along the back row of the bleachers (was a BIT too narrow for the walker). But then he set it next to me and that was all that was needed. I'm getting more and more independent and constantly figuring out how to make things work for me. Just because I can't do everything the same way I used to, doesn't mean I should let this RSD hold me back.

tDCS has really given me so much more freedom to do more because it isn't as hard of a struggle as it was before.

I have found a pm in Atlanta who does ketamine infusions and is "in network". Has anyone had any experience with the "Shepard Center"?

Dr. Fugedy is "out of network" for me so I'd have a $6000 deductible (ouch). However, I thought if I'm going to Atlanta to see about ketmaine, perhaps I could stop in and see Dr. Fugedy.

Does anyone have any idea how much it costs to see Dr. Fugedy and go through the tdcs treatments? I read that several people who post on this board are currently down in Atlanta consulting with him.

Additionally, can Ketamine and tdcs therapy be done back to back so I could do both therapies during one stay in Atlanta? (trying to save much needed money). If they can be done close together, which should go first?

I appreciate everyone's kind words and encouragement. I hope to someday be able to help others as you have done for me.

I loved being called greedy. Thanks! At first I felt a bit guilty when symptom after symptom improved. I got real tired of telling my husband "If it never gets any better than this I am happy."

Now I can't wait to check another miserable symptom off the list.

Yep! I am indeed greedy and proud of it. No person with CRPS should have to settle for scraps!

What wonderful news that you will be potting up some flowers and enjoying time in the yard. Quite a change from the wheelchair days!

We are all greedy for you. We want you off the walker, off the cane, back to work and above all, pain free!

You can certainly use tDCS as an adjunct therapy to any treatment. Doing Ketamine and tDCS at the same time concerns me. You would not be able to tell which treatment was having a positive or negative effect.

You might want to consider tDCS first since it has no side effects and can be done comfortably at home. One of three things will happen, no response, some positive response, a great response. Then you may or may not need to try Ketamine.

Just a thought. Best of luck in whatever you decided.

Better days are ahead for you.

My suggestion would be to start tDCS treatments from home while you work on saving up the money. The out of pocket costs will only be about $300. Depending on your response you may or may not want/need ketamine infusions. You can do them both at the same time if that is something you want to do. I agree with ballerina though that you don't want to START them both at the same time because you won't know which one is helping (much like you don't want to start two new meds at the same time). Does that make sense? Especially if you will need to save up the money and work on getting insurance approval anyway...it seems like it would make sense to start the tDCS first while you are getting that all together. The out of pocket cost will be minimal to do this (and if insurance covers it then it will be even less than the $300 because that's just what it cost me to buy everything on my own) and if you need to save up the money anyway for a visit to Atlanta then you're not really "losing" time that way.

reluctant & Dr Fugedy
 

Yes, you read right. Deb and I were in Atlanta getting a treatment, equipment and getting to now Dr Fugedy while you were writing. The expense was for the equipment and the fact that we'll have Dr Fugedy on call when ever we need him for his time and energy that he so much invests in wanting to help people deal with CRPS at home, we spent $2000 plus airfair from NY and hotel. We only spent one night so that was cheap enough and we booked the flight 3 wks in advance and got the cheapest flight.

You'll have the same option, if you see him while in atlanta he'll arrange to have the unit and all instructions plus plenty of reading material ready for you. We saw him on a Saturday and spent about 4 hours with him learning what we would have taken days to read about. He's a wonderful doc and I know he'll be there for us if need be. Deb and I have been doing the Tx's for 9 days now and have not seen any improvement in our situations. Everyday I ask myself if I'm doing it correctly, why have I not had something change? I have a lot of problems getting this thing on properly since I live alone, I find it difficult getting the pads to slide under the ace bandage without pulling out my hair and then making sure they are wet enough and then being sure they are in the correct location. I keep wishing I had one more hand. I know it takes practice and I'll get the hang of it but that's the reason I haven't been on board here. I don't want to become a downer for the tDCS. I'm so happy to see and read about all the improvements that have been accomplished by the use of this Tx. I guess I too want to be greedy, let's all be greedy and place a little hope on whatever works for all of us.

Anyway reluctant, I would check with Dr Fugedy by phone about the ketamine and see what he suggests. He'll talk to you and possibly make a recommendation as to which will be most beneficial. Let him know you want to come see him and see what he recommends. Eitherway, in all my research and readings even if you do ketamine and it helps, it's very temporary. With the tDCS even if it's temp. you have the unit at home and can pick it up and do treatments whenever you wish without insurance approval or worrying about $$$ for ketamine. Wishing you all the best. Anything else I can help with just ask. Hampster

yet but the current research suggests that it may take a much longer period of time to get results. At least you have Dr. Fugedy at hand if you need to change protocols.

I know what you mean about wanting an extra hand. I find that the ace bandage slips. I am thinking of switching to a rubber band with holes in it to tighten or loosen it. I am thinking it might pull my hair less when I slide the pads into place.

You are not a downer! This thread is for everyone to post about and learn from everyone's experiences. I certainly had my share of downer posts on this thread.

I am so excited for you and Deb. How cool that you can just pick up the phone and give each other support!!!!!

Welcome to the growing membership of the greedy club!!!!!!!!

Better days are ahead!

Home tDCS treatment
 

Does anyone have thoughts/impressions of the "world's first open-source tDCS kit," the GoFlow? [You will have to Google it -- I apparently can't post a link because I'm a noob.]

It looks like beta kits will be available soon. I'm wondering if this will make home treatment easier, or if it is likely to be less effective.

I'm sorry to hear that you have not had positive results yet but keep faith. If this protocol doesn't work out then there are others. My first one was not so great but the second worked much better. I think CRPSjames said his friend tried it and the protocol James was using was a bust but the second one he tried worked great. Even ballerina said she tried several that were not effective. You're not a downer (though I did wish you had better news) and feel free to always share honest feedback here so we can support each other.

Just thought I would give a little update on my progress. I think I told you guys my plans for Monday and Tuesday were to work out in the garden. Oh my goodness...it was heavenly. We did a big shopping trip Monday to get flowers, planters, and supplies to BUILD a raised planter for veggies. I spent all afternoon Monday planting the flowers outside. It was warm and I felt GOOD. Well...but the end of the night I was pretty sore and my ankle started acting up...but my hands were surprisingly not too bad for all the work I put them through with the planting.

Then Tuesday I had my real challenge...trying to BUILD the raised planter. I surprised myself in that I was actually able to cut all the wood myself (once the boyfriend showed me how to use the saw that is). So that went alright. But when it came time to use the drill my body wouldn't cooperate. I couldn't even hold down the trigger on the drill that would drill more than the speed you expect it to go when the thing is dying. My boyfriend thought at first that I was just being overly cautious until I told him I couldn't pull the trigger any further (not to mention the weight of the stupid drill just about did me in). Oh well...at least I got to use the saw and cut all the wood.

But the best news of all was that yesterday it was so nice outside that I was able to sit out on our patio with short sleeves and no gloves! I still had to wear my scarf because it was breezy and my neck is still hyper sensitive...but my hands and my arms were okay. This morning they weren't but I think that's because it is cooler today. But yesterday in the sun I was able to sit on the patio with short sleeves which felt like a big win for me.

Oh...and Monday night I got SEVEN consecutive hours of sleep! Wow...can't remember the last time that happened when it wasn't drug induced. I felt so energized yesterday...probably contributed to my good day.

Today has been mostly a rest day but I have been going since last Thursday almost non stop with the graduation, mothers day parties, visiting with my dad who was in town for only 2 days, shopping, gardening, and building a planter. I feel almost like a normal human being...just with constant pain. But at least the pain is no longer stopping me from living my life. My discrimminating employer has been, but fingers crossed that THAT situation will be resolved some time next week (and hopefully for the good). Send good thoughts my way because if things go the way they should next week then I will be returning to work and life will return to some semblance of what it was prior to my accident that caused RSD. Fingers crossed...

Catra,

Your post brought tears to my eyes! I remember your older posts. I remember when you were happy to get three hours of sleep in a row. I remember your life prior to tDCS. I am absolutely amazed with what you have accomplished. NO GLOVES!!!!!!!! SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS!!!!!!! POWER TOOLS!!!!!!! GARDENING!!!!!!!! SITTING ON THE PATIIO!!!!! I can hardly believe that your hands did not throw a temper tantrum.

You have certainly turned your life around and deserve so much credit. It is hard to believe what a great advocate you are for yourself and how you ruthlessly do your homework, whether it concerns protecting yourself from risky treatments or taking on an employer who has discriminated against you.

I have no doubt that you will return to work. Since you have kicked the butt of CRPS, dealing with any potential bad attitudes at work will be a piece of cake! Your boyfriend must think you are one amazing woman!!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even better days are ahead for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks. I don't know that I would go so far as to say that I have kicked the butt of CRPS but I am certainly holding my own with it these days and not letting it stop me from living my life. I still have quite a bit of pain, the balance issues, etc that I am dealing with but life is just so much better for me now than it was. I am so grateful for every little thing that I can do which is why it feels good to celebrate these successes.

And...you know what? After everything that I have been through in the past year with RSD (not being able to walk or stand, having to crawl just to get to the bathroom, not being able to take care of myself and feed myself, dealing with work comp, etc)...bad attitudes at work and those people who are discriminating against me because of my disability are hardly even on my radar anymore. I have to deal with them, yes, but when you lose so much and have to fight to get it back you really get perspective on what is important in life. Family, friends, relationships, your health and emotional well being...these are the important things. While I absolutely want to return to this job and it is my right to be able to do so...if things don't work out I will be okay as long as I have all the other things. I can find a new job...money may be tight and it may be difficult...but with all those other pieces in place I will make it through.

Still hoping for the best though. :)