Llynnyia, I'm not taking umbrage here lol, just responding
I have come to my Lyrica-only med state simply because other meds, particularly pain meds, haven't worked for me. Either because they're not effective, or because the trade-off between pain relief and side-effects just wasn't worth it. I certainly am not 'almost pain free', but i can manage my pain fairly well for the most part at this stage of my CRPS journey. I know that things might change...

I said that kemily may not be able to eliminate all her pain simply because CRPS pain is notoriously difficult to treat - which of course she knows all too well after four years of it. Even with pain meds, I don't think there are many of us without any pain at all. And I completely agree with you, being in pain isn't a good thing in any way! I dont judge anyone for taking whatever meds they take, goodness knows we would all take a wonder drug that took this away but we all have to find our balance of meds and treatments for ourselves. Narcotics and similar drugs have serious side-effects, and long term use can dull their effect. I'm 42, much older lol , but it's one of the things I took into account - I might have another 40-50 years of this, so I'm trying to save the big guns for if (big IF) things get worse.

Kemily, i hope you can find your balance, and a mixture of meds and other treatments that give you the life you want. There's so much that can be done. Having had this for 4 years, and having it severely, must seem incredibly unfair, and I've no doubt that the frustration of your age meaning you still need parental involvement in your medical care is huge. Here in the UK, at 16 you do not have to have your parents involvement, I don't know how it works in the US. But if it is 18, then do look for a child advocacy group near you if you feel you're not getting the support you should - they usually work out of a hospital or centre. But going this alone is a tough road, so keep your relationship with your dad as good as you are able. Family can be rough at times, we all know it.

There's loads of support and kindness here, and usually people in a similar situation who can make you feel not quite so alone...

Take care of yourself, and hope today is a better day for you.

Bram