Well after 19 month or so and lots of different meds and creams, Neurologists, Drs, AND Dermatologists.Skin biopsy results show small fibre nerve damage and today was the first visit to the pain clinic.
He seems to know his stuff im booked in for a SG Block next month first time for me im not looking forward to this jag in the neck.He explained to me any benefit will more than likely be short lived but is a good diagnostic tool and he can only do one side at a time.He is also referring me to a neurosurgeon to see if a SCS would suit me i think he said an external one first to test it.
Also referring me to a physiotherapist and a psychotherapist. Still no definite diagnosis of anything other than small fibre nerve damage.
I have faith in this Dr after 1 visit and he tells it like it is, No beating about the bush this could be something i have to learn to live with so no false hope.

This has taken me ages to type with my fat thumbs if i can get some relief from the burning i will call it a success

Glad to hear you have found a doctor that you feel confidence in. I do hope this treatment path works well for you and resolves or reduces your pain.

God bless,
Tessa

Thank you Tessa for your kind words Now i have had another day for all this to sink in i think i have been looking for some reassurance as to if im doing the right thing with those procedures, I cant sleep tonight for the burning in my hands so i think i have to try anything.I hope you are keeping as well as can be. Geordie

Hey Geordie,

I think we have all done the same thing.. wanting something to be done so badly and then once the wheels start to turn we second guess the plan - completely normal I think. The block seems to be a fairly common procedure both for temp pain relief (hopefully) and to assist with diagnostic purposes (all though that theory is debated). I didn't have that particular block but had many other injections and I am glad I did because it did help even if only for a very short time. I ended up going forward with the SCS and I am happy for the reduction in pain it has offered me. I am still seeking experts in the study of major nerve damage with the hopes that someone eventually might be able to attempt again to fix the damage without causing progression of the CRPS II. Anyways, I say all that to reassure you that doing something as long as you and your doctor are in sink with the path you are on and have talked at length about what you both expect to learn from the procedures then it is a good idea. Where we all get into trouble is when we blindly trust our doctors choice of procedures without either knowing what the other one's expectations are. Ask many questions and only proceed if you are comfortable with it.

Do take care -
Tessa

This is so true, and sadly I think the most common thing we struggle against. Sounds like you have a decent doc there Geordie, but always keep reading and researching treatments yourself. Even the best docs rarely have the time to research that their patient has! I hope the plan works for you and you get good results quickly

Bram.

Thanks for the advice Tessa and Bram i will be sure to ask lots of questions from everyone that i see and do lots of research when i can.

Thanks G