[velkyn]

Hi everyone. I see my dr soon and have been looking for the threads that list some of the compounds that have been working for some of you. I'd like to talk to my dr about these. Could some of you list what's worked for you. I'm so desperate to be able to go back to work but narcotic pm ( only thing that has been working for me so far ) and my job are mutually exclusive. I need the dr to try some new ideas. Im slowly loosing hope and my spark has gone out... Without being able to work. I'm so sad. It feels like no one is doing anything to help me progress back to a more normal life; so the one thing I can do is bring ideas to the table myself.

Also, tens units? Have they helped with pm? I can't sleep but a few hrs at a time because I start feeling like thousands of ants are biting my foot and lower leg. It's the worst at night or in cold temps. I panic and do crazy things like put a sock on with a lidocaine patch and soft cat ball over my old fracture spot, tie it tight with tape and and heating pad... Take my meds and cry until I fall back asleep. I feel so crazy! But the burning crushing pain and ants biting is too much for me!

Any ideas of info you can share will be greatly appreciated.

Little paw, I think you told me about a compound with gavapentin lidocaine and ketamine? But can't remember if that's right or the %s. Thank you so much for being here!

[ali12]

I've tried a TENS machine but unfortunately, didn't have any success from it, not even on the highest level. Of course, like with anything with RSD, it depends on the person. Different people respond differently and what works for one person might not work for another. I think it is definitely something that is worth looking into, especially as they do not really cause any side effects like medications do and they are a more 'natural' alternative. When I tried the TENS machine I was told to put it somewhere that wasn't on an RSD limb (I think it was my back if I remember correctly as nerves there would run to my leg) so that may be something for you to consider.

I haven't tried the topical creams, only tried the pain patches but with no success.

Just wanted to wish you luck and say I hope you feel better soon.

[velkyn]

I'm going to look for a neuro or pm doc on my area that has experience and some successes with treating or managing crps. My ortho and I talked today and he said he is out of ideas within his scope of practice and knowledge of treating persistent crps. He believed the pain " would burn itself out after a few months".

I just wish I had done some reading about crps sooner because I should have had this discussion with my ortho a year ago when the pain and sensitivy did not resolve once my fracture healed. Sigh.

There has to be another way to manage the pain without narcotics so i can return to some kind of nursing. I miss feeling valued, worthwhile, accomplished, focused, determined and driven to continue my education... I miss feeling like I had a purpose and like I made a difference in other peoples lives. I miss helping people, even if it was just holding a patients or family members hand during a difficult time. I miss finding solutions to help people manage their daily lives. I miss feeling proud of how hard I worked and of who I had become. I miss feeling worthy to add RN to my name. I miss having compassion and patience. I miss the oppurtunities to teach and empower others about their health. I miss feeling like I had a home and like I was part of a team. I miss having someplace important to go. I miss having a schedule. I miss being independent. I miss me.

[Littlepaw]

Dear Velkyn,

You are still in there, just hidden under this mess right now. You are not lost, broken or alone even though it may feel that way. Remember to use your skills of compassion and healing on yourself. Right now you are your patient. Treat accordingly. You would give your patient a set of things to do for self care each day. Create a routine from this. I found that VERY helpful during the most difficult recovery periods post-op. Build in some rewards. I take tea and watch the birds in my yard every afternoon pretty much. Having structure gives more purpose to the days and can decrease rumination since there are goals to accomplish.

My compound is ketoprofen 10, ketamine 4, gabapentin 6. I am still really happy with this and have noticed a difference. My new PM also thought it was a good combo and said so long as there is ketamine and gabapentin that is good. Said he only would've added lido but I have some separate when I want it. I sometimes use TENS at L4-5 and cervical spine simultaneously instead of on the ankle itself. Go talk to someone who has some new ideas on recovery and if they don't have any ideas go find somebody else!

keep fightin'. I am Sending Healing Love, Littlepaw

[Jerie]

Velken,
I use ketamine 10%, diclofenc gel 2%, lidocaine 5% and baclofen 2%.
I use diclofenac vs ketrophen due to allergy.
Basically I have muscle spasms so I use baclofen, lidocaine for numbing and ketamine for pain. You can use multiple ingredients depending on what the problem is. If you have vascular issues you might want to use clonidine.
Basically, you want to cover pain and skin sensations, inflammation, muscle spasms, vascular issues due to sympathetic nerve activity, if you have crawly nerve pain, stabbing or any of that stuff a gabba or lyrica might help.