[KathrynL]

I've had a reoccurrence of my RSD that started in my left arm about 6 weeks ago. A week and a half ago, the doctor started me on topamax. I'm on 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg in the evening. On Monday, the dose will increase to 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening.

Last week, the pain seemed to be plateauing and as long as I didn't move my arm excessively, the pain was manageable. The burning pain was constant, but at a lower level. I thought I was starting to improve.

However, this week the pain is much worse and increasing daily. It's back to pre-topamax levels and I think it's getting worse. The burning is intensifying. I can't stand to have anything touching the arm. The stinging sensation is driving me batty. Luckily, it's warm out, so I can wear tank tops. I'm uncomfortable in any position and the arm is utterly useless. I can't do anything other than sit in bed and watch TV.

What should I do? Should I call the doc tomorrow or is it too soon for the topamax to have had any real effect? Can the doc even do anything or is it a waste of time?