[Becca71]

I'm on worker's comp so this has been a process. On Friday I start at a new clinic, that will hopefully be a LOT better than where I started out. The methadone is helping with the pain, keeps me around a 4 most of the time, as long as I don't over-do and keep my foot elevated a lot. But it makes me SO drowsy and off-balance. I look forward to seeing what other treatment ideas they may have.

[catra121]

Good luck...hope that you get good care at this new place. I know from experience that work comp is difficult to deal with...particularly in the delays and how slow it can be to get approvals for stuff...but once you find the right doctor things can get much better. I just started treatment with a new doctor and it is amazing what a difference it makes not just physically but also mentally when you know you are in good hands. Take care and keep us posted on how it goes!

[Becca71]

Originally Posted by catra121

Good luck...hope that you get good care at this new place. I know from experience that work comp is difficult to deal with...particularly in the delays and how slow it can be to get approvals for stuff...but once you find the right doctor things can get much better. I just started treatment with a new doctor and it is amazing what a difference it makes not just physically but also mentally when you know you are in good hands. Take care and keep us posted on how it goes!

Well he's certainly very thorough. Very complete exam, but respectful of the painful areas, and not touching when I told him it hurt. Temperature differences between the two feet, along with the other visible differences, even my right calf is now smaller than my left. Confirmed diagnoses of CRPS.

Reviewing meds he says we have room to go up on a few of them. Also since the sympathetic nerve block worked (though only for three weeks) he'd like to re-try it. I'm hesitant, but considering. They also have a huge pain program but its an 8 hour day program which I can't commit to with my obligations to the kids and husband.

And in a small world moment I found out that he trained my previous doctor at Stanford!

[catra121]

Sounds like you are in pretty good hands with this doctor. The fact that the block worked IS encouraging and I know that many people have had good pain relief getting a series of blocks. They don't work for everyone but the fact that you got relief is a good sign. It's good that he has some ideas on treatment. I hope that things continue to get better for you. Take care and keep us updated on how you are doing. Hugs.

[zinnia]

Becca

Glad to hear you have found a good doctor. Thanks for the update.

Take care,
zinnia

[visioniosiv]

Hi Becca glad to hear you're making some positive progress. I was really lucky during my recovery process that my family was able to give me a lot of time to dedicate towards rehab. The alternative was my wife and kids watching me waste away in front of them while I lost the ability to walk and work and sleep.

An 8 hour a day pain program is a big commitment but if you believe that - or anything else- would be your current best shot at getting back to a more functional painfree life for your family - it's ok to move heaven and earth to make it happen.

You're probably the backbone of your family - and it is hard to imagine the thought of putting anything more on them - but think about what your recovery and happiness would mean to them in the long term. What feels selfish up front may be selfless as far as RSD goes.

I know there's money and time and relationships all tied up in this condition and your situation is totally unique and individual to you. Just hoping to share an additional viewpoint that may or may not help. All the best.