Hi, I did call Dr. Kirkpatrick's office today, it is $500.00 for the first visit, the treatment is a 3 time treatment..$2500.00 each time..they don't take any insurance because it is a research center...it sounds great if I could afford it, but it was worth a phone call...thank you..

Hi Pepper,
If that doesn't work for you than another option is to look for a pain management doctor in your area. They usually do take insurance. Many can be found through your area hospitals. Also, try to type in pain clinics in Tampa on your search engine. You should be able to come up with something. I'm curious....what type of treatment was Dr Kirkpatrick going to do that cost $2500. I've had the nerve blocks which were $1400 each (covered by insurance) Would the office give you the paperwork to send in to your insurance company so you can be reimbursed? Also, he might accept a payment plan. It doesn't hurt to ask. Just an idea. Either way, I hope you find someone soon. The sooner you get treated the better your chances. Also, your primary care doctor should know of any pain management docotrs in the area. Give him a try as well. Keep me posted....Jeannie

Hello and Welcome to Neurotalk, Pepper!! I am so sorry that I am a bit late in Welcoming you - I have been on Vacation and am pretty flared up at the moment but I do hope that you have been finding everything OK and that you have gained some useful information!! Everyone is really nice here so don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have - we are all here for you and will help you if we can!!!

I am so sorry to hear that you also suffer from RSD and I really hope you can find something that will help you and relieve your symptoms real soon!! I have RSD in my left leg and right arm and possibly left arm also - I developed it when I was 12 years old after an ankle sprain and am now 14.

I also get the itching and rash that you described. I mentioned it to my Pain Management Doctor and he said that it was a fairly common symptom of RSD, although not everyone gets it. It is really difficult to describe how it feels - the only way I can describe it is as though you have been bitten in a million places by an insect and then you have some creepy crawly walking all over you.

Have you tried Anti-Isthemines (sp?)? When I spoke about the itching to my Doctor, he said that Anti-Isthemines might help. I did try some and they helped a little so that might be something to look into. Also, look at the side-effects of your medications as certain meds can cause itching - I know Ketamine does for me!!!

Are you seeing a Pain Management Doctor at the moment?? They are usually the best doctor for treating and diagnosing RSD and are the doctors that most RSD'ers see. It is really important that you see a doctor who knows about RSD and actually listens to you so if you aren't happy with your current doctor, please go and see another one - I know it can be really stressful and might take time but it will be worth it in the end!!

If you are having Physical Therapy, please do NOT give up on it straight away!!!!! I know that it is really painful but it is extremely important that you keep your RSD limb moving as much as possible!!!! I have had PT for nearly 2 years now and for the first 18 months, it wasn't working at all but my PT's explained that it would hopefully stop me from getting any worse than I already was. In September last year, I went onto an Intense PT Program and it was the hardest and most painful thing I have ever had to do BUT in the end, it did help and I can now walk short distances unaided - I still deal with a LOT of pain on a daily basis but the PT helped me regain some function and become more independant.

I'm thinking about you and hope you feel better soon. If you need anything, please know that I am here for you because I DO understand what you are going through!!!

Hi, thanks for the welcome...I didn't give up on the PT, the therapist did, he just said it wasn't helping, I did get aveeno body wash to try..I take 2 anti-histamines...today has been pretty good so far except for my head itching...this morning I took a prednisone and a benadryl..maybe it will work...I can walk for about 5 minutes and my back hurts REALLY bad so I have to sit down so I do everything in 5 minutes intervels...I do have a scooter I just bought so at least I can so out with the dogs once a day...you sound like you have it much worse than me and you are young...hopefully you will feel a lot better soon...Me