Hi Su,
Welcome to HW. You have come to the right place, there is lot of us peeps out there dealing with chronic pain for one reason or another. I am so sorry to hear about your injury. Most people I know of personally, that has your condition was in excruiating pain. Back then, drs really did not now anything about it and getting treatment was nearly impossible. They have realy come a long way in treating it. We called it RSD back then too.
I do not know of anyone thats had the stimulator for this condition. Back in the old days they used TENS Units and some people got relief with it. Everyone is different, but I think I would have to give the stimulator a try, simply because I would hate to miss out on something that may help me. But, I am just one of those kinds of peeps, lol.
I have a Medtronic Pain Pump, mine has been with me since June of 05. It has been a life saver for me. I had too many complications with oral meds and this was the last ditch effort. Oh, when my pain dr talked to me about it, I was stupid, I dug my heels in the sand and said no way, I am not to that point. Little did I know I had been to the point for a long time. Three months later I am begging him for the pump. He said he was not surprised when I turned it down but knew I would change my mind. Best thing I could have ever done.
You really sound down in your post, are you by any chance on an anti-depressant? If not, please talk to your dr about trying one. You may have to try several ones till you find the one that suits you best & helps. Chronic pain and depression seem to go hand in hand. We experience so many changes in our lives immediately in some cases. There is nothing wrong with needing a little boost to get you thru the day in a better frame of mind.
I have a very high pain tolerance that use to get me in alot of trouble. With the pump we have pretty much eradicated that problem. I am not pain free by no means, I have oral meds for BT pain, but again, I prefer to not rely on pain pills. Most of the time I am able to get alot of relief with my muscle relaxer, it works the best for me.
I am sorry I am of no help with your situation. Someone else may jump in here and give you better insight than me. Have you googled RSD to see if there any sites with peeps using the stim? May be worth a try.
Hang in there and do not give up or in to your condition. You are a very strong person, otherwise you would not have made it this far. It took alot to post on here. Many hugs soming your way. Susie