I have went for a few pain doc opinions and the range of treatments I have gotten from each have been a huge difference. Each one too had a negative view of the other pain docs direction. My point is I often feel doctors will do what they do a lot of and not look at the individual often as everyone with rsd is different. I am not saying this for all doctors but just some. I am confused at who told you to go to another pain doc about the scs? So that pain doc felt it was a no or he wanted to see what another doc felt? I understand as when I feel worse I am very reluctant to try the treatment again. I wish I had an answer for you but if it were me I would ask the doc if this block goes bad like the other what will you be able to do to keep me comfortable and then what would be the next step? I asked that to a pain doc about if the procedure they had suggested went bad which was more then a block but not the typical rsd treatment course and my fear was being in worse pain cause that was a possiblity. Also I would go for another pain doc apt and if possible to really see if they work with a lot of rsd patients. Feel better

gm.i am going to seek out another doc.i cant do another block today.i want another opion thank you for the help.i live in the boston eara their must be someone here

Hi.

I just wanted to jump in here and let you know that I agree that you need to find another doctor.

Treatment for this disease also includes pain medication when we have flares. It just is that way.

I also wanted to mention that I also had a block for the RSD in my arms. The block didn't help me at all - so it was my last. It's completely individual whether you will get relief.

I know that other doctors do blocks differently - not in pain like where I went. That doctor was cruel. I found another doctor who handles pain differently and isn't afraid to give you the medication to take the "edge" off.

Good luck to you. I hope you find somebody that is experienced with RSD and will give you the treatment that you deserve and is beneficial.

Blocks dont work for everyone. I had my first one just knowing it was going to take away my pain. I had so many side effects & absolutley zero pain relief. And my stupid doctor wanted to do another. I was so afraid of saying no I let him. It was worse the second time. The next time he wanted me to keep doing them week after week for at least 6 more weeks. I was traveling over 250 miles to be tortured by him. I finally said no. He found me a new doctor closer to home. One who didnt believe in blocks for someone who had been diagnosed or who had potentially had RSD as long as I had. He said it was too late. Why were they bothering? If you dont feel comfortable with the treatment or have had dangerous side effects I say dont do it. Its not worth it. I have a wonderful doctor now becuase I stood up for myself finally & said NO! Good luck to you. I hope your okay.
Hugs, Denny

PS Also you deserve pain medication & hes sadistic if hes not giving it to you

How's your search going?

HI everyone.i now have a appointment at a clinic in burlington may 8.i had 2 days no painbut can feel it coming back today.i have a tens machine witch helps.i just want to thank everyone for respond to my post.went to ot today last visit till they fix my torn tennet in my elbow if they can.the doc said pain meds will not do anything for my pain just fog my brain and he said to get another opion on spine stemuless he said by waiting on the the blocks would hurt me in the long run.he up my gabupentin to 1200mg per day.said it will help with rsd pain.i hope everyone has a good day

Hi rtmcmahon631,
Im so sorry you are going thru so much. It sounds like a good move to change Drs. Have you heard of the Cleveland Clinic. It is one of the best hospitals in the country for RSD. I'd have to do some research to the the RSD Dr. name. I was wrongly diagnosed for 4 years and flew across country and correctly diagnosed in 1 minute and followed up with confirming tests. Came backhome, took a while , but have a great Dr. for the last 5 years. I attended the RSDSA annual conference one day for patients and one dat for Drs. It was here in Scottsdale AZ There was a scientist and 4 Drs. They all support medication to stay sane. Besides opiods, there is anti-depressants that help nerve pain. Neurotin helps nerve pain. I was on 3200 mg. Then switched to Lyrica for a year. It does cause weight gain. Ifound the Lyrica more helpful in the pain area than the Neurotin for me. Everyone is so different. One med that has helped me as much as pain med, viocin, is an anti-anxiety med called Lorazepam. 2 mg. 3xday is what I take. I do a lot of of things to relax. like meditation, prayer, music, exericse and stretching. swimming has kept me walking and mobile.I have had 3 limbs totally freeze up and thru p.t. and massage therapy, got two of them 95% plus back and one hand is about 50 percent, but able to cut my food and dress my self. Also went thru desensitation with therapy and I do something every day, Stretching is good. I've had full body 13 years, and it takes a lot time to emotionally, mentaly get thru the dark days, months, years. The last 5 years have been so much better,because my Dr. is a psychiatrist, neurologist, and pharmacologist. I'm so much better than if I had not had the skilled guidance by this Dr. and support and knowledge from this forum. Stay with us and READ READ READ. It helps so much to be informed about this disorder and developing a grateful attitude. Skills like biofeedback, and guided imagary are helpful too. There must be a support group in Boston. Looking up the national organization RSDSA and giving them your zipcode, they'll give you the closest support group near you. That helps so much. I have a good friend who has full body rsd from a car accident with 5 children, can't imagine. On a side point, I've not had the blocks, I've heard of good outcomes and also spread from the blocks. It's really difficult to make decisions with the risk of more pain. I'm going to try HBOT as soon as my Dr. gets his new clinic constructed. I read some good results about it. Talked to a couple of people who bought used ones for their home. The mechanics of the equipment make sense when it comes to our need for better circulation and oxygen to our limbs. Please take care, and let us know what you find out. If you would like name of Dr. at the Cleveland Clinic, I 'll get it for you. There are people on this forum that have been and like this Dr. Take care, loretta

thank you for the info.I guess that sometimes I come on here on let go all anger and frustrations.the meds make me lose my memory.So sometimes i am all over the place.I am in boston but would love the docs name.You are in good hands sounds like, that must make you feel good.I have 6 kids two are grown up 1 teen and three are small I am now a stay at home dad.Again thankyou

Hi I saw the mention of Cleveland Clinic and I saw 2 of the doctors who deal with rsd there. I think Loretta you are thinking of Dr Stanton Hicks who I saw but I could be wrong. I also did the pain clinic day program well for 4 days because my pain was too high. If you or anyone wants any info you can email me.
As for meds we all respond different to different ones and amounts. I have just restarted some new though am not seeing any benefits but am trying to give it a chance. These can take awhile to work and to get to the right combo.

Hi - I live south of Boston in RI. I have been using a wonderful team of doctors at Caritas St. Elizabeth's in Brighton for my blocks. They see a lot of RSD. If you don't want or need a block, they won't push it (that is not their style). The phone number is 617-789-3100. I see Dr. Reyes. When I needed them they fit me in for an appt on Christmas Eve.

Good luck. Sandy