I have tried lyrica and cymbalta, both with undesirable side effects. Neither helped with pain but perhaps two weeks was not long enough for that benefit. Lyrica was really a bad experience for me. After about two days, I realized I was having memory loss, especially with words. I couldn't think of words to form complete sentences... I was really foggy feeling and cognitively deficient. The lyrica experience was especially scary for me. I think I have some residual word issues because of it as well. The cymbalta caused extreme depression, sleep issues, agitation and feeling floaty / not present. All my life, I have been pretty sensitive to the medications that alter or interrupt neuro chemical synapses kinda things... Like ADs, neurotinin, chantix, tramadol etc. At this point, those types of medicines are off the table for me.

I do use lidocaine patches which do help some with sensitivity and skin associated sensation but does nothing for the deep burning or buzzing. I have never been offered the compounding creams some of you use. I'd never heard of them until reading here.

I'm wondering if a tens unit might provide some relief or even periods of confusing or distracting the nerves in my foot. I'm going to ask the dr about that.

I have a bone stimulator because it took my fracture 16 weeks to heal. I've been using it for ultra sound at night when the pain is really bad. I don't know if it helps but it does distract my brain...and let's me feel like I'm able to do something that may help. ( besides heat and hard pressure/ the pain decreases substantially if I can keep it really warm and keep hard pressure on the area - I use a semi soft cat toy ball with an ace wrap and gel toe spacers because my toes feel so tight and webbed)

The ortho and psyiologist want to place a spinal stimator but the dr doesn't want to place it until I say I do not plan on pregnancy or another necessary abdominal surgery. The risk of damage from dislodging the leads is of concern, apparently.

I have been seeing an ortho, a neuro, and psyiologist for about two years. I have 2 herniated discs in my neck, so I've seen the neuro for the last seven years including as a PM. After reading about some of the treatments on here that work for some people, I'm wondering why no one has discussed any of these with me. The only answers are, " usually this kind of thing just goes away after awhile".

That's a good idea about low cost counseling except my income was an issue a few weeks ago when i spoke to one place and kinda got discouraged by that. I've been hoping that it could get approved but I'm frustrated waiting. The place I went was 125$ an hour... Way beyond my budget. I've looked at a few other options and I need to call. It's been quite easy to procrastinate on after the experience a few weeks ago. I do have insurance but the therapist said as soon as RSD appeared on her notes... The claim would likely be denied and so she would request I pay up front and process any insurance claims myself. It was a weird experience and I was a bit turned off of the whole thereapy thing for awhile.

I did look up some other therepy options over the weekend and I'll call soon.