Hi Angelina,

What about the UW? Dr. Gofeld (Dr. Gofeld is a UW assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine) is familiar with CRPS and since the UW is a teaching hospital I am almost certain they take medicaid or offer lower pricing based on ability to pay. I know it would be a 4-5hr drive but, it might be worth your time if he can get you on the right track with pain management etc., He doesn't have the most charming personality but, he is one of the very best nerve docs in WA state.

What are you currently taking and are you finding anything outside of medication the least bit beneficial?

Big hugs.. stay strong,
Tessa

I drink lots of tea, chamomile and tension tamer. That seems to help. I do lots of breathing techniques, and heat! I have to stay warm. I have found out that if I am cold I get worse. I always carry a blanket everywhere! I am starting to learn little tricks here and there to help me get through the day, but some days I just can't take it. As long as I had my pain meds (the dose I was taking) I could actually live somewhat, but now I have a hard time doing anything. I hate taking narcotics but if they can help me take care of myself and my daughter and help me live a somewhat life, then I will do what I have to.

Great to hear at least a few things are working. I too get much worse if I am cold and I live in the mountains so that doesn't help :/

Here are a few things that have worked some for me:
Epsom salt soaks... LOVE LOVE LOVE I sometimes take 2-3 warm baths a day. During my soaks I try to desensitize by using several different textured cloths and moisturizing soaps on my leg. When my husband is home I ask him to gently touch my leg (as I look away) and even just hold it there for as long as I can take it. This has been helping with the sensitivity. The epsom salt really helps with the swelling and warms me

Compression pants (like running capris or compression wraps) this also helps with the swelling. I also have found that it is better to wear things that apply constant pressure like tights, because with loose fitted clothing the occasional touch of clothing to the skin escalates the pain dramatically as the day goes on. So even though at first putting on things that are form fitted is uncomfortable/painful once it on and there is a constant even pressure that is much better.

I constantly use all types of distraction techniques. At the worst of times a great comedy often works wonders. lol.. the movie "Dumb and Dumber" or even Nat. Lampoons Christmas Vacation

My recumbent bike has been a true blessing.. I use it 3 times a day to help manage pain and keep my hip/thigh moving which helps the blood flow and lifts my spirits immensely. lol.. it's parked right in my living room!!

Medications:
Gabapentin 3000mg daily
Celebrex 200mg twice daily
Tylenol as needed
Voltaren gel
Specially formulated compound cream

My fav.. lidoderm patches I wear 2 patches 12 hours per day. Usually 6PM - 6AM when pain for me is at its worst. If I want to enjoy family/friends I will wear them during the day instead so that I can hide the pain more easily.

I do hope maybe something on my list will help you if you haven't already tried them. Like you I hate narcs so I only take them when nothing else is helping me cope. I keep the doses low and only take enough to get some sleep which makes it easier to handle pain during the day.

Anyways.. take good care and God Bless,
Tessa