Hi there
Not sure if I've asked this before or not , but thought I'd ask anyway
At Ali's last PT appointment we were talking about the pain process and how originally she would have suffered from SMP (Sympathetically Maintained Pain)
Over the last 11 months (Is it really that long???) we have tried a range of blocks and meds which have so far proved ineffective (the only consolation being that the Lyrica seems to aid sleep), have had a spread to the arm and numerous flares
The PT says she now feels that the pain is SIP (Sympathetically Independant Pain) but we haven't been able to discuss this with the Consultant as he is on sick eave at the moment
What is the difference between SMP and SIP and does it make any difference to the meds Ali should be taking along with the chances of achieving remission ???
Many thanks
Andrea

From the site RSDHOPE.ORG or http://www.rsdhope.org/Showpage.asp?...2&PGCT_ID=4410

"As your RSD progresses, the SMP is gradually replaced by IMP or independently Mediated/Maintained Pain, that is brain-centered/generated. "
IMP=SIP

"sympathetic blocks no longer works as the pain becomes SIP"

I`m sorry to tell you this, but I think it is important to stay on top of it, and together with your doc decide the next step. Stop blocks when they don't work for you

there are still medicin to try

T

Hi there,

This is still an area that creates much discussion amongst the Pain fraternity and the SMP/SIP terminology may soon be eradicated as the fact is that there are many of those who have been diagnosed as " SIP" whom still get pain relief from blocks.
Fortunately I am one of those people, so would argue the point with any doctor who uses it as an excuse to cease blocks.

Good luck to all
Tayla

I am at 9 months of this mess. My doc stop offering me blocks several months back. I suspected my pain is more SIP now. My question is what type of treatment is effective for SIP. Is there any hope for full remission if your pain had already changed to SIP 100%?
Take care!
Numb

I think we should never give up hope! but no one can really answer for your future or mine
i have had this for seven years I have a regime of pills, they give me relife enough to have some quality of life again. Not as before, but the worst pain is under control. In the winter I am housebond (spl?) because cold hurts real bad. inside I keep it over 23 C then I can cope. I have a part time job at home my own firm, so I work when I am ablee too, and I have a family,lucky me.

Remmision? Well as I said I will allways have hope, maybe there will be something in the futurefor us. Those in remmision seldom writes here. but over the years, I have heard people tell they are in i remmision om different net-sides.

Tiril
My CRPS is in my hands, so writing is often wronng