I really cannot continue like this much longer. This doc sends me to that doc. One doc says this, another doc says that. Insurance covers about nothing...which I guess makes sense since not one of the seven docs who have run 20 tests and made me endure more PT that has only made things worse are doing spit about my continually declining function and increasing pain.
I don't know what to do anymore except give up.

You can do this! You already are, it is just a rough day, which as we know come more frequently than we'd like.

Listen to your own wisdom as far as what your doctors say. It is your body, you are intelligent and educated. You know better than anyone your deficits and symptoms. All you can do is take their opinion and information and determine for yourself how applicable it is. They may very well have many different opinions. I have had some jump right out with a CRPS diagnosis and others who scratched their heads. When I had my neuroma, I was the one who figured it out from symptoms and clinical data. It baffled everyone until I got to the peripheral nerve guys. Then I got some answers, it took nine months for me to get to the right specialist. Self-referred of course...

I really feel strongly about the plastic surgery, peripheral nerve specialists taking care of nerves. They are the only ones who can reliably tell you if anything can be done about your nerve injury. I am not surprised you've been shuffled around. Humpteen doctors didn't figure my injury out, then plastics came along, said "yes, we understand", went in and repaired it. I dont mind helping look into docs somewhere near you who might be able to give more concrete info. Send me a PM.

On insurance. If bills are piling up call the doctors billing people and tell them your situation. They have a process for writing off co-pays and bad debt. I have seen many patients who called to get co-pays reduced get relief.

Hang in there! Breathe deep. Grand babies are coming soon. I just know you're gonna get through this.

Sending Healing Love,

hi always believe. please don't give up. i know how frustrating it can not only dealing with rsd but with drs that have different opinions on rsd and how to treat it. but giving up isn't the answer. you just need to learn as much as you can about rsd and its treatments and then look up a dr nearest you who knows how to treat rsd and then he can help you get the treatments you need to help manage your pain. just take it a day at a time and keep the faith. things will get better. you are not alone. soft hugs.

hi again always. hope you have a better nite tonite and can get some sleep. i'm sending comforting vibes your way. take care.

Thank you. This has been a physically and emotionally exhausting past 10 days. In addition to all the doctor biznotch (neuro/emg/3 phase scan/endocrinology/blood tests/PM), pain up and down with some major swelling and multiple times being unable to stand, getting ready for a visit from my son, d-i-l & grands, finishing up major home repairs, we have also had some horrible weather. Today a tornado touched down within blocks of my house.

I was feeling like there was something to grab onto until my PM appointment. I think the most discouraging aspect is that he wants to do a few LSB's and then a SCS. Insurance denied the LSB and yet no alternative was offered. Scratch that...cymbalta. I know this will come out as totally vain but my 5'1" body cannot handle any more than the 50 lbs these stupid meds that haven't done squat have already put on. I also cannot financially afford to buy any more clothes! So I am concerned about the cymbalta. I am also frustrated that no one seems to think about the breakthrough pain even IF the cymbalta does anything.

Dang...there I go again. I started a blog about self-advocating, hoping I will get a handle on that myself. I also have begun compiling some exercises that those unable to weight bear can do as well as lowered calorie meal plans.

I appreciate you all so much! It means so much to be able to share & know I am not alone.

Hi Always,
There's an old Native saying that might be helpful to remember. "Pain is natures way of telling you're alive".
Maybe it'll help. Maybe not...
It helps me to cope sometimes...

hi always. i hope you're having a better day today and enjoying your visit with your son. i just wanted to let you know that my pm dr prescribes neurontin (gabapentin) and a pain killer to manage my rsd pain and my psychiatrist prescribes an antidepressant called zoloft and antianxiety med to help manage my stress due to rsd. i was given cymbalta for about a month instead of zoloft but it didn't help me. i found that zoloft helped more. but everyone is different. you may want to talk to your dr or find one to talk to about maybe prescribing neurontin (gabapentin) along with a pain med to manage your rsd pain. maybe cymbalta will be enough for you, but i found that it wasn't for me. but everyone is different and i hope it helps you. but if it doesn't i just wanted you to know of other options that you might want to discuss with your pm dr. as far as a scs everyone is different with that too. i personally felt that it was too invasive for me and my neurologist concurred so i decided not to go that route. but some people have found that it helps. you may want to get several drs opinions on this before making a decision about it. and some drs are very helpful in setting up payment plans and working with you to help you get the medical treatmenst you need. just make sure you are covered before trying anything because some treatments like the scs are very expensive. whatever you decide i hope you feel better soon. there are good drs out there that can help you so don't ever give up hope. sending soft hugs your way.

Thank you! My son & the grands aren't coming until the end of August but I am still in the moving in phase...lol

I've actually been on gaba...twice. It did absolutely nothing for me except add a total of 50 lbs. New PM prescribed lyrica (not covered & $350, so no lyrica for me). His solution is cymbalta but I am very leery of that as well.

I really appreciate your thoughts.

cymbalta is use to help treat pain and depression and though it didn't work for me that doesn't mean it won't work for you. everyone reacts differently to things so if your dr thinks it might help it may be worth a try. but that has to be your decision along with your drs. also, i were you i would try checking with your dr to see if there is a way to get help so that you can get the meds you need at an affordable price. if they confirm your diagnosis maybe they can help you with a payment plan. it can't hurt to ask him. hope you feel better soon. take care.

Hi Always,

I get where you are coming from with the meds-induced weight gain. I piled on over 60lbs in under 3 years partly because of Mirtazapine and Metoclopramide.

It has led to so many accelerated issues, including pushing my blood glucose numbers over into full blown Diabetes. The last straw was a routine collapse 10 weeks ago which was so bad I broke ribs due to my weight landing on my arm. I am now fighting back, and succeeding, with a simple calorie controlled diet.

I hope you find a way to battle your demon too, I know how difficult it is.

Dave.