I dont mind sharing here - (and I dont know how to message! lol) Im pretty new to all of this too.

I have sympathetic nerve blocks done and my first was within the first month that I was diagnosed. I know that they do not work for everyone (as both my Dr and post on here have warned me) but my first was a pretty big success in my book. I had around 70% pain relief and was so relieved that I sobbed!! Sadly it only lasted for 3 days until the pain came back, but it was something! My second had just about the same amount of relief and lasted 9ish days. I will be having another one done on the 16th and the Dr is hopeful it will last longer? He cannot say how long they will work for me, but for now I'll take anything I can!! The procedure itself was fairly easy for me, but I do understand why some would not like it. (I'll explain how it was for me - but it may not be the same for everyone) Because my RSD in my foot they do a lumbar block. I lay face down on my table and they place a thin needle into the side of my back to my spine. The most uncomfortable part for me was when it passed through muscle. It burned a bit. They use an xray to make sure the needle is in the correct place and inject medication. All in all it took about 10 minutes! The relief was almost immediate for me. I felt my leg get warm and my foot calm down. There was a bit of soreness in the area where the needle went in, but nothing more than a bruised feeling. Again - its not for everyone, but it is something I would ask your Dr about! In my short time dealing with this horrible disease I've learned that you really have to learn as much as you can and be your own advocate. If you dont feel like your Dr is doing enough for you - find another! Research everything and anything you can about RSD. Know that it is different for everyone and that although most of us can relate, not everyone will experience the same symptoms. (like for me, I've had an increase in asthma attacks since the onset of RSD? Maybe its not related, but it sure is weird!) Im currently trying to build a team of Dr's for my RSD, but its hard to find Dr's that want to deal with it/or know a lot about it. The best chance for remission is early treatment, so Im going at it pretty stongly.

The meds are making me super wonky (they just up'd my gabopentin to 2200mg a day and amytriptylin to 75mg a day) so I hope Im making sense in this post! They think I may be having some symptoms of a spread, but I really hope theyre wrong!

Youre right that it is comforting having someone to relate to, but at that same time you wish that no one would ever have to go through this!

{{gentle hugs}}