Try to find a pain mgt. Dr. who uses ultrasound with flouroscopy (x-ray) to do Nerve blocks. My 1st one using x-ray only failed horribly as he hit ateries twice (x-ray only does not show soft tissue). Is Amitriptyline similar to Nortriptyline?

Can anyone tell me how to know if I have RSD/CRPS??? I've had pain much of my life but after a minor surgery in April, 2012 my pain became EXTREME. I can barely walk. I've been seeing a PM doctor since November 2012. A lumber MRI showed herniated discs, an EMG showed bad nerve damage/neuropathy. Since then I have arthritis, diabetes, and a few months ago I couldn't breathe through my nose. I assumed this nose issue was due to damage from years ago when I got pregnacy rhinitis. But no! It's a perforated septum and I've never used drugs in my life! Since the surgery I am falling apart! The pain is so extreme and it's constant. Without the prescribed Norco, I can't even get off the sofa and sometimes I can't get off it even when I DO take the Norco. After surgery last year I could no longer can even walk 2 blocks to the swimming pool! The pain is awful!!! I've had injections and nerves cauterized in my back. Even if that is helping my back, I still have pain all over, with swelling, burning, etc. I can not live like this!!! What is wrong with me? Thank you.

Hi, AZ-Di,

Amitriptyline is the generic of Elavil; I believe Nortriptyline is very similar.

My pain management doctor does use fluroscopy. He's given me 3 epidurals and 2 injections in the past 10 months, which are not working. He did a diagnostic test on my back last week to see if I would be a good candidate for Radiofrequency Lesioning. Turns out I am. Now I just have to get through the next 6 weeks until that appointment comes up.

Since he did an evaluation on my CRPS at one of my appointments for an epidural, he would be the logical one I should transfer to. More in line with his specialty, unlike my orthopaedic surgeon.

Janet