I'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I was also involved in a push through the pain program, it ended up making my pain worse and the CRPS spread. To me they just don't have validity and are run by people who must think CRPS is primarily in your head. It also produced a lot of "I'm failing" feelings for me. When I started working with a PT that got it, we only pushed to the "hurts a lot" and then backed off, brought the pain down and then tried again. This worked tremendously for me.

I also believe being on the right meds is important. LDN was a game changer for me as well and Ketamine Infusions. I know this is easier said than done, especially when there are issues with insurance.

Good luck and many healing vibes sent your way

I am getting the feeling this program runs on the basis of 're-training' ones sympathetic nervous system and that is the "cure". I think the OT there is the only one who really gets it.

Ahhhh...the meds...there is so much I have to say on this point which, sadly, continues to fall on deaf ears. PCP, ortho #3, neuro, PM #1 and now the current PM seem to all be focused on anything that is mainly used for long-term solutions (gabapentin, cymbalta, lyrica, amitriptyline, etc). I agree there are several medications that may achieve a much lower pain level on the long term. I am struggling with the short-term that is becoming long-term because no one is managing this properly. Insurance has only been an issue with who I can see. Unfortunately, those I can see don't want to do anything other than what I have already tried that hasn't worked (with the exception of the ONE med that HAS brought some level of relief, hydrocodone...not even a 'big bad' but they are all scared of it apparently) and absolutely nothing that's primary use is for pain...or a muscle relaxant...or anything really.

On the F-I-L front...he passed without pain this evening with his wife, children and almost all of his grandchildren at his side...2 of his grandchildren were already there to meet him.

I'm not even sure I want to give this one more week. I am struggling to discover the difference between this program and your standard outpatient PT/OT.

PT seems to be of the belief that one should push through the pain during therapy. As I was struggling on one of the exercises she said "You aren't doing anything more than you do when you are walking around". My response: To be real, getting to/on the train, getting through the train station and getting to therapy is about as much walking as I do in a full day.

I struggle to do the exercises when I'm sitting at an 8. But...during the pain psych session we did biofeedback relaxation exercise and I did an amazing job. Funny....I was still in hella pain. Apparently I don't have enough positive thinking going on.

Doc has me on amitriptyline. Awesome. Good to know when my pain is pushed to a 9 or 10 from all this that I can take an amitriptyline to bring my pain level down. SMDH

Besides being an emotional week (my former father-in-law passed & was buried Wednesday, we had to put my dog down last night) I am feeling like there is no relief in sight through this program. I think I am going to change PCP's and see if I can get into the PM doc closer to home and get PT/OT closer to home as well.

You are the only one that can say if this is the right program for you. Maybe it's time to explore other options and then make a decision what is the best treatment for you at this time. It also sounds like you have been under additional stress with 2 deaths in the family. That will raise your pain level and make it more difficult to cope. You might keep that in mind as you are trying to make decisions. I love the endings to your posts, "Believe in the Strengh of Faith and Hope, within there is Peace and Love" Wishing you strength, faith, hope, peace and love~mac

I think I need to change PCP regardless, that's probably where I will start. I will give it another week at least. I know the beginning is the hardest but if I saw even a hint of something this program has vs standard PT/OT I might feel differently. I don't believe "pain management" should put you in MORE pain...and then tell you to "visualize yourself without pain" as the solution.

Thank you I have a word for each of my children and myself (Me: Believe; Son #1: Faith; Son #2: Love; Son #3: Hope; Daughter #1: Strength; Daughter #2: Peace). They are based on the core soul of everyone. I wanted a way to mention them all in one statement...therefore: "Believe in the Strength of Faith and Hope, within there is Peace and Love". I added "always" in honor of my angel son.

Wow! That is such a wonderful line. It brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for sharing that with us.

I'm with Purple Foot, that IS a beautiful line. I don't know if I knew the whole story on that. Thank you for sharing it.


I'm sorry you have had such a terrible and stressful week. There is nothing I can say to make that better but know that you are cared for and thought of. I'm sure the stress has made your pain worse. Doing a marathon every time you go to your "pain" program doesn't help either. It sounds like the cost to you of doing the program may be too high and your efforts better spent on exercises closer to home.

Give yourself credit for making a valiant effort if you decide to do something else. I support you no matter what. Have a better week and take care of you.

Sending loads of hugs,