i hope you feel better! i am a single mom with family nearby. mine is older and is much more self-sufficient, but i still feel awful that i can't be as "there" or aware as i used to be.

it does make me feel like it's urgent to have peak "awareness" times in between meds. so i stay in a lot of pain for an hour or two most days to try to be there for whatever we might need to do that day. it's become ok now that any errands or anything we need to do will have to be done quickly and on a schedule. family can run longer errands and help with all the household things i can't do.

we've actually gotten alot closer and have wonderful talks, but... my child knows that my meds make me a little "ditzy" and will put off showing me homework (or working on a project with me) until it's obvious the meds have kicked in and i won't be able to figure out if the work is really done correctly.

i hope you have some family/friends nearby who can help. it makes things more manageable. I hope you feel much better very soon!

Keep working with your doc and the reps, I am on my 3rd SCS and as I stated before could not cope without it. I currenlty have a rechargeable unit. The best thing you can do is to talk with your doc, his nurse and the rep frequenlty until they get things adjusted for the right coverage and the right amount of stimulation
good luch

Mom of 3 - I know how difficult it is to be a mom and unable to walk due to RSD. I am thankful you have your SCS. Because you are only eight weeks post-op, the shocks you are receiving are disproportionately high now and causing you pain themselves. Over time, they will mediate and your SCS will be able to function as it is intended - delivering a soft pulse even when turned to its highest level. I can remember the first months of my SCS when I could literally have soap jolted out of my hand in the shower by the shocks! Be patient....it takes a few months for your body to adjust to the miracle that is the SCS.

The SCS, miracle that it is for RSD patients, needs to work in conjunction with a complete protocol of medications. While patients are able to decrease some medications, they still require medications. It is significant that you were able to implement your SCS so soon after onset of your RSD. That may have great ramifications for the long-term prognosis of your illness. In the meantime, make sure your pain is being managed in conjuction with your SCS with medications. Common medications used in combination for RSD include Neurontin, Topamax, Norco, Oxycontin, Oral Ketamine, Prednisone, and others. You may also want to talk to your specialist about whether you are a candidate for blocks to acquiesce the new activity if your RSD is sympathetically mediated. All helpful things to consider for a busy mom of three to supplement her SCS.

Don't worry. Your SCS will calm down in time and will become a tremendous asset in your battle with RSD. Best wishes - from one mom to another.

I am also new to this site: My heart goes out to you. I also have RSD/CRPS from a R wrist fracture 02/09. I have only had the SCS for 3 weeks and the pain is much better. I have been told RSD/CRPS can spread to other limbs. Your story is my worst fear. I agree with others.. you might be able reprogram your unit to reach the other side. What type of unit do you have? Mine is a Boston Scientific. Please keep us posted."J"

Jcompere