I sure would love any info you have...

For how long did the acupuncture work for you?

Which teas do you reccomend?

Did you do the massages yourself?


The more info the better. Knowledge is power! TIA.

My accupuncturist removed all of my pain, needle by needle to each body part - starting at my ankle and moving up to my face. It was absolutely amazing! The best pain relief I ever had. Way better than any narcotic I ever tried.

Studies have shown that accupuncture is equal to narcotics for pain relief.
The issue is that you need to find the "right" accupuncturist. The one I went to was at www.newlifehealthcenter.com. I don't know how you would find someone like him. He has been practicing for many yrs(he's got to be in his 70's) and people who have no hope go to him and some get better from cancer and other terminal diseases.

PM me if you want to know more about going to see him. You can actually live there and be treated with meditation, teas, accupuncture, yoga, fasting,...all sorts of alternative treatments to get your health back.

He made me a special tea specific to my symptoms. It wasn't really tea but chinese herbs made into a liquid that he called tea but it was really medicine and tasted like sh..t! But I could feel it working in my body. A very strange experience.

Massages I got from a massage therapist who I would let work on my foot for a whole hour. Then my physical therapist did alot of massage too to my foot and ankle. After learning how they did my foot, I could do it myself but not nearly as good as them. They got in really deep where I couldn't do cuz it hurt and I'd stop before getting there cuz I was afraid to hurt myself.


Peace and hope,
Lisa

My husband did some research on medical research sites and they said to try NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) which is an amino acid. I tried it for 2 months, I saw a slight decrease in stiffness of my joints but was slightly sick to my stomach after taking the dosage. Not sure if it works but some swear by it. There is also DMSO cream, rubbed on my hands but for me this made the sensitivity worse. But there is research and each person is different.

Can you please tell me more about the DMSO cream? TIA!

Welcome here!! I read your other post, and I wanted to say "hi". I also have RSD in both of my arms. I know how that feels... Mine started in my right side and then moved to my left.

Hi Vanessa:

DMSO is used as an anti-oxidant and supposedly helps block pain signals just under the skin. So sensivity is lessened. Some people do react to it and you should always ask your doctor. It also is used as a transfering agent, so you must apply to clean skin, it will take anything applied on top of it deep into tissue so you have to be careful not to touch medication or such with this stuff on you. There is a lot of controversy on this medication but it can be bought online. I bought Nature's Gift DMSO w/Aloe Vera at www.herbalremedies.com. I researched which brand for about a week. This seemed the most pure and best
to try. My doctor approved saying it wouldn't hurt me.

This is something I saved from my searches "When applied to the skin, DMSO penetrates rapidly and will pass into the tissue below. Scientists believe DMSO may produce a wide range of pharmacologic actions, including anti-inflammation (reduces swelling), local analgesia (relieves pain), bacteriostasis, diuresis, cholinesterase inhibition, potentiator of the action of concomitantly administered drugs, influence on collagen, nonspecific enhancement of immunity, vasodilation, and lessening of adhesiveness of blood platelets."

Some online sources of information about this:
http://www.arthritis.org/resources/a...plorations.asp
http://www.medicinehouse.com/guidepages/PRrsd.html

Yes, it also is a type of paint thinner, but so are bugs!
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have more questions. I must have about 25 links on RSD.
Smiles,
Septmystic

Along with other natural herbs, I take MSM. I believe it is in the same family as DMSO. Because it is sulfur based, some people cannot tolorate it. It works very well for me. I read about a 20 year study at OHSU in Portland on MSM and I liked what I read.
Stephen

Haven't tried yet, but this looked like a good site to check out for those with chronic nerve pain. http://www.blessedmaineherbs.com/chpare.html

Hi, I am Tyler, I am 19 and I have stage 3 CRPS... The constant pain every day for 3 years now has been manageable... But, now I really feel like I am losing my composure. I think it has something to do with my recent break up... Struggling to keep the pain in my knee/leg under control and the emotional pain of this is too much. If anyone has anything that WORKS to reduce the pain and sensitivity I feel 24/7, it would be much appreciated...

Here are some facts about my issue:

-Extreme sensitivity to touch, fabric, cold, hot
-Pain worsens with emotion: sad, irritated, bummed, irritated, mad, any negative emotion
-Spasms about 5-10 times a day, more when weather changes

Any questions, please ask. Any advice, PLEASE provide!

I've been taking multi-vitamins, grapeseed extract, vit E, Vit C, calcium, hyaluronic acid and omega 3s for years. I don't know whether they help or not but an increase in pain scares me so much that I'm afraid to quit taking them.

Here is an interesting new article explaining DHA (a long chain Omega-3 fatty acid) and how it works for chronic pain.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0717164721.htm

Marlene from our PN board found it and posted this link today.