So I was supposed to be going to Cleveland Clinic for their pain management program and to see Dr. Stanton-Hicks. I found out yesterday I won't be able to do the program that is 3 1/2 weeks long because it would cost me about 2,000 in Co pays and about 2,000 is lodging. That doesn't even count for gas and food. I'd need about 7000 dollars to do it and that's with insurance. Really??? Who can afford to do that when most of us aren't able to work. WC has cut me off so that's out of the picture. It's so aggravating. My doctor here in st. Louis refers me to this program because he says I need more than what st. Louis has to offer. I'm still making the 9 hour drive this Sunday to keep my appointment with dr. Stanton-Hicks but then will have to come back. I just can't believe with insurance it would cost that much. So I'm going for his opinion on what to do next then coming back.

My RSD started in my right ring finger, hand, and wrist, and now is my whole arm and both shoulders. I don't know much about spread but my lower back as been so bad to the point I can't sit or stand, walk for long before I'm screaming in pain. Also when I wake up in the morning, through out the day, and in the evening my whole posy hurts so bad. Mainly my right arm, both shoulders, lower back, knees, heels, and ankles. They also swell like crazy. Anyone know what to think?

Dang! That is a lot of money! Kinda sux that when your at your lowest.....they have what you need out of reach. I hope you can find the right balance of meds and activity that works to keep the RSD monster as calm as possible.

It took me a few years to figure out what meds and how many, plus how much physical activity I could do before it was hurting instead of helping. It also took a while to find a doctor willing to help me find that balance and actually try to learn more about this aweful thing we have to live with.

Maybe the doctor will have some ideas on how you can get what you need, and be able to afford it somehow? Dont give up, keep trying to find what will work best for you