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Posted 10/6/2010 7:45 AM (GMT 0)

Hello out there.

 

I am a new member and wanted to introduce myself.  I am Black Satin Phoenix.  Yes there is more personal information I could share with you, but where is the fun in that? Telling everything about yourself all at once, leaves no room for discovering or learning more about one another. I love having conversations with people about anything and everything. You learn a great deal about someone that way. At least I think so.

 

I am hoping to find individuals who are experiencing the same kind of issues I am & to discuss treatment options, coping strategies, etc. If not that, just to share my life experiences in hope that maybe I can help someone with what they are going through....to have someone listen without judgment. Someone who genuinely cares. I am a genuine, honest, and real individual. I am caring, honest, loyal, and trustworthy.  Above all else, I treat others as I would want to be treated. I am just me. Nothing more. Nothing less.

 

I have on going depression which is getting far too out of hand and I feel like I am going mad. I am unable at this time to work because of my intense pain. I hardly sleep. I pace night and day. I just don't know what to do anymore. I feel like a prisoner in my own body, my own mind. I've had depression for most of my life. But never something this maddening before. I feel like...hard to explain because I can't even figure out what's going on.

 

I also suffer from a nerve disorder called Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome in my right ankle/knee/lower thigh.  I have had it for over 3 years now and it has progressively gotten worse. Anyone else out there have it and how do you cope? Because I thought I had it under control but I can't mentally/emotionally handle it any more.

 

My doctor is trying different treatments and medications. I am going to start receiving trigger point injections to see if that will help dull some of the pain and help start on the road to remission.  I have had almost all of the common forms of treatment for it and nothing has helped. My doctor fears that I may have to have an epidural cathetar (sp?) with a pain medicine pump (with Fentanyl) once again, but with morphine, gradually increasing the dose (pill form I currently take) over time. The last time I had that treatment it started to leak and there was a fear that I had contracted spinal menangitis. I do not want to have one placed in my back again but I am running out of options (and medications to try).

 

Anyone with any suggestions or information regarding this topic or my depression would be greatly appreciated.

 

A general FYI...I currently take Hydrocodone 10 Every 6 hours, Morphine 15mg--1am, 1pm, 2 at bedtime, Robaxin 750mg 3 times a day, Cymbalta 30mg--1 capsule 2 times a day, Lyrica 75 mg--2 capsules every 8 hours.

 

Looking forward to meeting new people & connecting with like souls.

 

~Black Satin Phoenix~

Posted 10/6/2010 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum! While I do not have RSD, I have had depression in the past and my sister has RSD as well. It is great that you have found your way here, but unfortunate for the pain that has brought you. You will find a wealth of caring and supportive family here to help you.

As for your depression, I think anyone suffering from chronic pain or illness of any form struggles with depression. Do you see a psychologist for therapy? When I had major issues, it was a struggle just to shower and dress everyday. The feeling of being trapped in your own body is one I share with you, and am still trying to overcome as well.

Again, welcome to HW. I hope you have a low pain day today and find what you are looking for here.

Mindy
Posted 10/6/2010 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Black Satin and welcome to Healing Well's chronic pain forum. I am glad that you found the forum and took the big step and posted. That seems to be the hardest part is writing out that first post for some reason. One thing you find here is that you are not alone in your pain. Everyone here suffers with pain for some reason or another, some type of medical problem resulting in CP. I am curious as to what happened that caused your RSD? Usually, its trauma or surgery related. I am pretty familiar with it as I remember when PM drs first started dxing folks with it and no one believed them. I do not have RSD but I do know how debilitating it can be for a person.

Many of us here suffer with depression as a spin off from CP as they seem to go hand in hand together. Sounds like you are getting hit from more than one source too. I hope that your dr is working with you on trying different medications to find one that will help you. I know its a real hit and miss type thing finding the right one and the right dose.

I don't know anything about this pump your dr has tried in the past, but it sounds like its something that is temporary. Has your dr ever talked to you about implanting a permanent pain pump? They are using them from what I have read quite successfully when everything else seems to tank out with RSD. I have a pain pump for low back pain and it has given me some life back now that I have a dr that knows all about pain pumps and the medication used to go in them. That is a must when you have a pump. You may want to go to Medtronic.com and read about the pain pump and see what you think.

Anyway, I wanted to pop on and welcome you aboard. I hope you will keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
Posted 10/6/2010 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Black Satin Phoenix

 

I to would like to welcome you to Healing Well Chronic Pain Forum, I think you will find that we have a very caring and compassionate group of  folks here, that are all to familiar with having to deal with chronic pain! So we really can understand what frustrations you may have,  and how difficult "CP" can sometimes make it, just to be able to deal with the every things that happen in life! But  when you come here,  you are nolonger alone with your CP!

 

Again I Welcome you to our forum!

 

White Beard

 

Posted 10/7/2010 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
Mindy,

Thank you SO very much for your kind words of welcome & support. They are BEYOND greatly appreciated. It's really a nice feeling to know you're not alone & on some days that's just the extra push you need to keep moving forward. Pain today was really bad. The new medicine the doc put me on (Robaxin) was causing TERRIBLE spasms throughout my entire body. I also had a fever of over 101 for three days, I couldn't eat & with 5 hours sleep...MAYBE..NOT a good combination. Doc prescribed me another muscle relaxer I was on in the past and I already feel better. Tomorrow's a new day & I plan on spending it wisely with a NEW attitude! Thank you again!!

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/7/2010 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Straydog,

Thank you for your welcome! I already feel like I am going to feel much better taking a step forward & getting the support I need (and hopefully providing some to others) while I am unable to get out into the world much anymore. With pain levels, limited transportation, going to grad school full time online, knowing I have some place to turn already is making a difference.

It is funny you mention posting a new thread as a new member. I thought that was one of the easy parts! LoL. Trying to find the right words to say was the hard part for me. But I KNEW I needed to take a step forward in my healing journey & I find it a blessing to have found this website.

I found out I had RSD after I had extensive ankle surgery in May of 2007. I was a chronic ankle sprainer & one day I was at work, my ankle went one way, I went the other, & I fell. I started having REALLY strange symptoms for just a sprain & the doctors were worried something else was going on. I went in for a typical ankle reconstruction surgery (3-4 hours tops) and ended up being under for almost 8! The surgeon found that there was absolutely NOTHING holding my ankle together any more. Tissue, muscle, cartlidge, ligaments were NOT there. He was surprised I could stand! He also found out that my tibia was 44% off of where it should of been! Needless to say it was a LONG recovery and I am still fighting that battle today. Best believe I'm not giving up!!

My pain management doctor, well occupational & rehabilitation doctor, is working with different anti-depressents to help with nerve pain & to help stabilize my moods. I was on amitryptilyne (I always spell that wrong!) but I was starting to develop REAL bad hostile & angry feelings, plus I wasn't sleeping as well as I was when I first started using it. He just put me on Cymbalta. Haven't even been on it a week yet. I know it takes awhile to get into your system but I still feel nothing. I feel almost numb (emotionally & mentally) which doesn't help with my needing to be focused for school & healing. This is a Worker's Comp case so it is taking a LONG time to get the approval for me to see a psychiatrist. I would really like to because the pain is getting worse & we both know what that means. I don't want it getting out of control (my depression) because I have been at the absolute bottom & had to be hospitalized.

The pain pump I had helped to an extent but it caused me to lose control and completely lash out. I didn't do much of anything but lay on the couch & watch TV.I couldn't concentrate on reading or painting or even having a simple conversation. I think the problem with my doctor then was he wanted to do things HIS way & I had no say in it what-so-ever. I wanted to talk about different options but he swore this is what I wanted & the medication would without a doubt help so I shouldn't worry. I like to take an active role in my pain & my disease. I like doing research & knowing EXACTLY what my options are. So you are absolutely right when you say it's an absolute MUST to have a doctor who knows all the options & wants to take the time to find the best fit for you!

It is really an inspiration to know that yours has been successful & is helping you get some of your lost life back! We only have one life and our time here is precious. So being able to experience it & be out in the world is a blessing!

I am grateful for the information & I will be going to check out that website you provided ASAP!

Thank you SO very much again for your warm welcome & words of support as well as advice. I already feel welcome & I already know this is the start of a new chapter in my life.

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/7/2010 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
White Beard,

Hello and thank for the warm, kind welcome!

So far I am finding my experience here on HW to be rewarding & informative. Being isolated from the world at times takes it toll on you on top of the chronic pain. It's not a healthy combination. BUT...I am taking steps to get MY life back again on MY terms. And because my RSD is covered under Workers Comp that process feels as if it's taking forever & a day. After over almost 3 years of fighting, WC is awarding me money again so hopefully I will be able to move forward again.

I apologize if my thoughts are all over the place. I ramble quite a bit and speak what's on my mind. Sounds kind of crazy at times but hey...if I weren't crazy, I'd go insane! LoL.

I am glad I found a place where I can go to be the REAL me & surround myself with positive, caring people who TRULY understand where I am coming from. I have some AMAZING friends. They just do not fully understand the struggles of chronic pain & trying to live a somewhat normal life.

Thank you SO very much again White Beard for your warm welcome! I am looking forward to being a part of the HW family :-)

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/7/2010 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Black Satin, wow that was some surgery to say the least. I am sure you have been on a very long road recovery wise with that as well. It seems like whenever reconstructive surgery is involved it is such a long, long intensive healing process. Personally, I think a majority of it is is trying to trick the body into accepting all of the hardware and materials that were not there in the first place. I know that is how my ortho explained it to me and what he said made perfectly good sense. I have seen a lot of hardware later have to be removed for this very reason. It is one of those that can be a real hit or miss type thing. A friend of mine had back surgery and last year had to have all of the hardware removed as it was causing such severe pain. Another friend had ankle reconstruction done and the very same thing happened to her, the body just rejected it all.

I was a paralegal over 20 yrs and handled we handled WC claims. I am in Texas and I am just floored at what people go through now on comp claims. I heard all of my working years how reform was going to make it all better for people that were hurt on the job and boy was that ever a farce. Some of the people on here that have been on aa comp claim it seems like they have no rights what so ever. What a nightmare. I do hope that you can find a good psychiatrist to help you along. I had a wonderful psychologist. If it weren't for her I don't know what I would have done, she was so very helpful to me. I was so overwhelmed with multiple health issues and kept getting hit from all sides I just felt like I was drowning.

You are to be commended for pushing forward and getting on with your life even with all of the obstacles you are facing. That is so very important and a big part of living with CP and health issues. It can be so difficult at times but the reward makes it worth it. You are so right about having to take an active role in our care, that is a must. If a dr ever refuses a patient this, then it is time to move on finding a new dr. Yes, isolation is something else, and we can so easily fall into that trap. That has been a hard one for me and I am still struggling with it.

The pain pump that dr used with you is something totally different from what I have. With these type of pumps you do a trial to see if it will work for you. You will know immediately if it works or not. There are a lot of different medications that can be used in these pumps and they are much stronger medications because they are in a concentrated form. Most of the time the patient ends up being on less medication than what they took orally. But you do have to have a dr that is highly educated pumps and the medication used in the pumps, if not then your pump will not be a success. Even with a pump you can still have break through pain and need orals meds.

Take care and keep pushing forward.
Posted 10/12/2010 7:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you SO very much straydog for your kind words of support! They mean a great deal to me.

I honestly feel as if sometimes I do NOT have any rights in regard to my WC claim. It is quite ridiculous how they make you jump through SO many hoops to get what is rightfully yours. It's been over 3 years I am still fighting for MY money. I want to be independent again and knowing that may happen later rather than sooner just tears me apart inside. That is part of my depression issues, on top of my CP and other things. I really do need a good psychiatrist because my depression symptoms are getting worse rather than better. With each passing day I feel more and more suffocated; lost in my thoughts and emotions. I can't even get a good nights sleep anymore. I miss having a normal sleep schedule.

I spent some time recently in Texas. Well it was almost a year ago. From the end of October 2009 until mid-November 2009. I have a REALLY good friend that lives in Dallas and helps run a pizza place there, as well as working for a family dry cleaners. It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL down there!!! I felt instantly at home & truly ALIVE for once in my life. I was GENUINELY happy & free. Now it almost feels like a dream. Like the time I spent there never really happened. My friend,or who I thought was a friend (but who is more than just a friend)...if that makes any sense, doesn't really keep in contact anymore. This "friend" sort of keeps tabs on me through Facebook & I do the same with them. But I honestly feel like there is this hole in my life without them there. Another part of my depression.

I must do more research on the pain pumps. I would LOVE to take less oral medication, if at all possible. I will talk to my doctor about them the next time I see him, which is, well tomorrow...seeing as it's after midnight. LoL. I get the first round of my trigger point injections in my ankle as well as in my upper calf. I am quite nervous, yet sort of exicted. I know that is weird. But with all the research I have done on them, it helps alot of people with RSD and myofascial pain syndrome, decrease their levels of pain. Yes it puts you in a little more pain than usual at first, but 7 times out of 10, it lowers the pain levels with subsequent injections. I get these injections over 3 visits so the medication gets in my system. Less spasms sounds QUITE marvelous to me!!

I sometimes feel like a small child when it comes to my pain & depression. The isolation is killing me because I used to be so social & active. Now being forced to be more stationary & limiting my activity level just...is...well...ridiculous. I know it has to be this way for awhile until the right combination of treatments and medications occurs. But still. Isn't there any other way?? There has to be. I fight everyday just to get out of bed or to do ANY kind of activities. Then when I try to do things, I can't focus or put my full attention into them because my of my pain. But like I said before, I am NOT giving up. I am a survivor. I am stronger than strong. It's just somedays, I wish I could tear down my defenses completely and just wallow in my troubles & pain. You do what you gotta do right??!?

Thanks SO much again for your support & advice. It is BEYOND greatly appreciated.

I hope all is going well for you & you're having a good week so far, or are at least trying to.

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/12/2010 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Black Satin, yes I can understand why you feel as you about the WC claim. It has become such a one sided business. Thats probably why I have such a rotten attitude when it comes to insurance companies. I can only imagine what it would take to get them to agree for you to see a psychiatrist. But you know what, I would insist that my drs put that in motion and do whatever it takes to get is approved. It is common for people to become depressed with CP and then all of the other things happening in our lives. Who wouldn't be depressed you know.

I do hope the trigger point injections give you some relief. I have had more of them in my neck and back than I can possibly remember or count, lol. They always gave me temporary relief which was better than nothing. I was able to work several years because I had them done.

I don't really want to sound like I am pushing the pain pump, I am not, it really is for people at the end of the line of things but it can be a excellent tool for helping with CP. Everything comes with its drawbacks and good things but I would do it again without a doubt. Medtronics has one of the best websites as far as being able to understand how the pump works and they provide so much information. There are other companies that makes pain pumps but they are the leader and have been for as long as I can remember.

I can see why it is so difficult for you to get up and move around and walk with your ankle being involved, quite a challenge no doubt. I know some times we do want to say the heck with it and give in, but I have always been stubborn and hard headed and this is something I refuse to allow get the best of me. Oh, there was a very long stretch there where every day I questioned a lot of things, lol. But, with some professional help I was able to get on track some what. I got hit with multiple health issues, 4 auto-immune diseases to be exact and I was drowning, plus CP on top of it all. I needed someone to throw me a life jacket, lol. Now, I can laugh a little about a few things, laughter is something we all need.

I was always outgoing and loved being around people. Now, I don't handle crowds well at all, I make myself get out of the house. It is so easy to just stay at the house all day, but we need a change of scenery so I make myself get out. I also have a 5 yr old grandson that I spend a lot of time with. He makes me feel better than any pain medication could possibly ever make me feel. But, I do pay a price for my time with him, but thats ok, very well worth it all.

You keep your chin up and keep up the fight, you have made it this far and there is a reason that you have too. Let us know how the trigger points went and take care.
Posted 10/12/2010 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I hope the injections will give you some relief. I will be looking forward to your posts,
wish I could add more but Straydog covered it good...If the depression gets worse keep
the suicide prevention numbers handy,,,and don't be afraid to call them if you need
help, but I sure hope you can get a good psychiatrist and get seen soon, keep us posted on
that. I see a psychologist seems to help me best.
I'll also be interested if you go back and get a different pain pump, I'm seriously considering
asking my doctor about that as I either throw up most medicines or have other reactions
which keep me from taking them by mouth, it's been hard , nice to meet you by
the way, but sure wish it was under better circumstance than chronic pain..
Sure hope you can get a low pain day soon, and don't forget the ice packs for the first 24 hours after
the injections...
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Black Satin Phoenix)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Healing Hugz
Posted 10/13/2010 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the site!

Im so sorry you are dealing with all this! It is never easy for anyone with CP.

I was dx. with RSD about 10 yrs ago. It has been a long road, but i am now able to "mostly" keep up with my life (husband, two young kids). My RSD is in my left foot as a result of an accident with a lawnmower that ran over my foot/leg. I lost a toe, and had several compound fractures of the foot/leg. I had numerous surgeries and complete reconstruction of the left foot.  (the accident was 30yrs ago tho).

For treatment of RSD, we have tried all the nerve related meds, to no avail. I do get some help w/ the lidocane patches (there are also flector patches) and i take percocet 3x a day. I have been getting lumbar sympethetic nerve blocks for yrs, and they help and we have recently moved to Raidofrequency blocks which work great for me.

As for depression, I also suffer from that. I have had depression spaning most of my life, but after having a total hysterectomy and a horrible recover w/ 4 surgeries in 18 months and my weight dropping to 86lbs, i was very sick and very depressed. (really to the point that if i had not had children, i would have just given up and let fate take it course).  Howevr, i sought treatment with a very good shrink, and have been seeing him for a yr now. It has saved my life. I have chosen not to go the antidepressant route, tho we did agree that if "talk therapy" could not help that i would then take meds, but i take so much stuff, i really didn't want to add MORE....

I really hope you can find a good doctor to help you. You really should be seeking therapy! It will help.  I look forward to hearing how ur injection goes and if you have any relief from it.

Best wishes!!!!

Posted 10/15/2010 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Straydog,

On top of the WC stuff, the pain, the life style changes, family & friends isolating themselves from you because they don't know how to handle or DEAL with what you have (sick of hearing you say you're in pain one more day, etc.). You're right. Who WOULDN"T be depressed? ITs like if one more thing goes wrong I am gonna just BURST. LITERALLY! I saw my doc yesterday and his office had to call the mental health agency I used to go to before for my records for the THIRD time. They are BEYOND frustrated with the process & my doctor even told me I am a TOTALLY different person than I was when I first saw him in March. I feel like it & he's scared for me. I am scared for me.

I did check out the medtronic.com website you recommended and I was SO impressed by the products & the demonstrations they provide. I am SERIOUSLY considering getting one of the pumps. Well talking to my doctor first and THEN seeing how I need to go about getting one. If I can get a temporary one at first to try it and see how it goes from there, I am MORE than willing to give it a shot. I don't think you are pushing them at all. They have REALLY helped you and you want to see others get relief. That means a great deal to me that someone cares to help...a complete stranger at that.

I am stubborn like you. I am Italian/Irish & part English. So I am a fiesty woman with one HECK of a temper. LoL. I am NOT about to give up that is for sure. But I just wish someone would open up their arms & let me just let it all out. Even us strong ones need that...been awhile for me. Anyway....I watch alot of Jeff Dunham, Little Rascals, stupid teenage drama movies to make me laugh. Keeps me grounded but being couped up in this house gets to you after awhile. Like LORD help me! PLEASE!

I will write a message for everyone asking about the trigger points! Let me reply to everyone and I will post one for sure!

Thanks again straydog. I hope all is well in your world & that you had a pain free day. Or a LESS pain day.

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/15/2010 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Chartreux,

Thank you SO very much for your kind words of support and welcome. They are very much appreciated.

I definitely am keeping the suicide hotline numbers handy & have had to call unfortunately last week before doc changed my anxiety/depression meds. Hopefully they help & I can get some REAL sleep from now on. I have only been on the new meds for a couple of days. And get REALLY jumpy and down sometimes. I am clausterphobic & being couped in the house does NOT help that. Feel like I am going out of my mind.

I am hoping that I get to see a psychologist soon. My doctor is REALLY fighting for my healing in that department. Told me yesterday that I am a TOTALLY different person than I was when I first saw him back in March. My moods have changed DRAMATICALLY & without me saying much he can see the pain in my eyes. That's more than my parents who I live with can tell. My mom is too caught up in her own depression BAD BAD depression & the world is ALL about her at ALL times. So trying to talk to her is like talking to a brick wall.

I can already tell that you rock Chartreux! I have been taking it easy. Still today was REALLY sore so I couldn't get much school work done. I am getting my Masters degree online...in case you didn't know. Got some MAJOR bruising. But Ok. I promise I will write a reply about my trigger points! Ok. LoL.

*BIG HEALING HUGS* back. I really needed that. Thank you :-)
Posted 10/15/2010 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
P.S. Chartreux...It's nice to meet you as well!!! Sending positive vibes your way for a low pain day for you too!!!
_____________________________________________
Hi Shannon1!!!!!!

Thank you SOOO very much for the kind words of welcome and support! I am also SO very sorry to hear you have to experience the horrors of this disease along with the MANY surgeries. You are such an inspiration to someone who is just starting out on the long journey to healing. Really you are.

I have to have another surgery on my ankle. A total joint replacement, muscles, tendons, cartilege, everything. The RSD is RAPIDLY eating the muscles in my foot & lower leg which scares me. But I am trying not to think about it until I actually have to have it.

I've been on EVERY medication in the book to to no avail as well. There are some biologics (I think that is what they are called & calcium blockers the doc hasn't tried but doesn't want to go that route yet). I am currently on Valium 1x per day up to 2 in a wk & same with Paxil, Hydrocodone 10mg 4x a day, Morphine 15mg 1X morning/evening & 2 at night, Lyrica 150 mg 3 X a day. So we'll see how this mixture helps.

I have been dealing with depression my entire life as well. I was hospitalized 2x for suicide attempts. Police came knocking down my old apartment door & took me to the hospital. Friends called from out of state to make sure I was kept alive. It really is a constant battle. Each day you have to fight this warrier inside of you that you try NOT to let get to you. But it ultimately does if you don't keep constantly keep up your defenses. I am SO very glad you have those children around you to keep you alive & pressing forward. They truly are blessings! I am not blessed with children yet but I know sometime in the future, because my maternal instinct is kicking in BIG time...LoL...I would LOVE to have someone around that is MORE important than myself.

Best wishes to you as well. Thank you SO very much again for the warm welcome & words of friendship.

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/15/2010 12:01 PM (GMT 0)
Black Satin! I'm so sorry I didn't see your intro!! Though our illnesses are quite different, we all have chronic pain and that's what has drawn me here. I am so very glad that you made the decision to join us! We are a big family on HW and I love these people for each and every difference we have and for the common denominator...pain, not just any pain...chronic pain. I've gotten so many wonderful ideas and much support from the group and I hope you will too. Reach out and there will always be someone who reads and cares about what is going on with you. So, a belated welcome from me.....

Stac/Catz4 smilewinkgrin

P.S. If you read Chronic Pain 101, there are sheets you can fill out and rate your pain at different times etc. I would highly recommend it. It changed the way my pain management group looked at my pain level! Just a suggestion.  I'm so glad you are here!

Posted 10/16/2010 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Stac/Catz4,

Thank you for the belated welcome! You're so sweet!

I will most DEF check out the Chronic Pain 101 Thread & find the worksheets you are referring to. Anything that will help me manage the pain, depression, and symptoms so I don't have them constantly brewing in my head is something I am VERY interested in!

I am SO glad I stumbled (no pun intended) onto the HW website. It has been a blessing so far. And I have gotten so much useful information already.

Thank you for making me feel like part of the family!

*BIG HUGS*

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 10/16/2010 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Black Satin I don't know if comp is causing grief for you to get in to see a psychiatrist or not, but my thoughts on this are, if you have private health insurance possibly going that route, just a thought. I do hope your dr's office will stay on top of this and get you in to see someone and soon too.

As for the pump, yes you are given a trial to see if the pump works for you or not. Usually this is done as an outpatient. You will know then whether or not the pump helps or not. The ideal range is a 50% reduction in the pain level but that is not always the case. That would be awesome if this is something that could help you.
Posted 10/17/2010 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
Straydog,

It is WC that is giving me grief about seeing a psychiatrist. Major Depressive Disorder & Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks WERE on the claim before, but I don't know what happened. I am HOPING to go see someone & SOON. I think I may call myself to see if they will send the records to my doctor to possibly help speed up the process. Since I currently cannot work I do not have private health insurance. Unfortunately. I tried for Medicaid but they said I didn't qualify because of my Worker's Comp status.

I have done more research on the pumps (thanks SO much again for the website info!) & am going to talk to my doctor the next time I see him. I would LOVE to not take as many oral medications as I do right now. I feel like a walking pharmacy at times. I would like to just see how it goes. Try different medications. And know once and for all if that is the route I need to take to FINALLY get some relief. Because the dosages of all my meds have been steadily increasing & I know sooner rather than later, am going to hit a brick wall again with where to go for treatment options.

Will keep you posted.

~Black Satin Phoenix~
Posted 8/8/2012 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first post t this site and anywhere else. It has taken me quite a while to read through so many posts that are so strikingly similar to my scenario. I had a diagnosed ulnar nerve issue, had surgery in 1995. It did not help a great deal. I was a senior in college and was imature. Other things were more important. Fast forward to 2007 (having changed career paths due to pain) I began to seek help for the elbow and hand pain. Many thoughts, many tests and many doctors. In 2009 I finally met the first hand specialist that really saw the pain. I had a submscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. From surgery no 1 there was tremendous scar tissue and the nerve was kinked in muultiple locations. Surgery was an easy recovery.......but 6 months out the pain was back. Fast forward again, met a PT who is amazing who made no promises and said he would try to identify the root cause. 10 months later and a few emgs later, no relief. As a type a over achiever I was doing as best I could to modify my behavior. Work less than 50 hours per week and work at Pt. Ultimately my work product was suffering and I was at risk of losing my job. I took short term disability to work at finding a diagnosis. 10 weeks in to a 12 week window we are calling it crps. Still no pain relief or plan other than PT, taping the shoulder up (more later) and acupuncture. So, do I go back to the office and try again while on 50 micro oof fentanyl path and antidepressants......or do I take long term and lose my career and possibly sanity. Really could use help from other pain sufferers...some folks just cannot read me and I really want to work to maintain independence. Thanks for reading and more so thanks for all of the posts. First time I do not feel crazy about what I am experiencing.
Posted 8/8/2012 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nnej and welcome to the forum. I am sorry to read that you have been given the dx of RSD. I would not wish that one on my worst enemy. We do have a few members on here that also have this. Black Satin who had written the above post is no longer an active member here at the forum

When a new member comes on here and posts on an older thread we always ask that they start their own new intro post so that all of our members will see it and be able to give you a proper hello and welcome aboard. Otherwise not many people will see your post.

If you want, you could probably cut & paste this so you don't have to retype it. Thanks for your help....Susie
Posted 8/9/2012 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the education about hoow to post. I will cut and paste to start a new thread. Learning how to do this, slowly.
Posted 8/9/2012 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
You did great!!!! Thank you.....Susie
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