I'm sorry to hear that. Definitely a tough spot to be in! I really didn't want to be on "narcotics" long-term but I'm stuck for now as well. I had a LT of adverse reactions to almost everything too. I have an appoin6tment with a neurologist on Thursday, not sure what they want to accomplish there, or what else can be done, but we'll see. My current Doctors are starting to not know what else to try or what other medications would be useful. It's frustrating, when they have the medications, but you can't take them...ugh. lol Money is also a BIG hurdle for me as well. Being part-time is less than ideal and I found I'd already spent almost $900.00 in medications since November alone...that was shocking. It makes me worry about how I'm going to continue to afford them!

The last couple of months have been very difficult for me. We've had storm after storm, after storm. Just when I feel like I might have a handle on it, another storm comes and punches me back down. I need to find a place with consistent, stable weather. I hear San Diego is like that but I can't afford it.

The place I always think I would like to move to is Arizona or New Mexico. I would do it if my boyfriend wanted to move there but his whole family is here (including nieces and nephews)...and I honestly can't imagine trying to go through everything I have without him AND his family for support. They've been so wonderful. SO I guess that means I am stuck with the yucky winter weather in Chicago...

I hate taking the narcotics, or anything really, but I would take it if it would help this pain!! Good luck at the neurologist on Thursday. I have not had any luck with my neurologists (I have changed a couple of times). Once one of them diagnosed the RSD in my hand, they didn't want to deal with it...they sent me on my way. The next one I saw for my migraines was great, but his residency ended and he moved on. The one they put me with after that was a complete idiot. My pain dr is at a loss with me too. He doesn't know what else to do with me and is afraid to do anything because of my reactions. I am not happy with him here lately anyway. I see a new one this Friday, so I hope I have more luck with hm.

$900 is a lot of money for meds since Nov. I totally understand about the money issue. I am not able to work any longer, last day I worked was 12/28/12 and the disability insurance carrier denied me...I am working on an appeal but no income at all for me. My husband works for the Dept of Defense and is going to be furloughed...1 day per week off without pay for 22 weeks. It is all so very frustrating!!