There is hope!

I met with the NP at my new pain doctor's office this week.  I loved her.  She was amazing.  I'm always nervous meeting with new doctors.  Ever since I met the one whose first words to me were "I don't believe in CRPS.  I think it's just an excuse lazy people use to not have to do anything," I have been nervous about a repeat experience.  Years of dealing with this condition has taught me it most certainly is real.

The new NP told me they treat a lot of patients with CRPS.  She asked me to take off my shoes and socks so she could examine my legs and immediately after doing so she said "Well, I can guess which one is the problem."  She *carefully* examined me, asked a bunch of questions, and reviewed the document I brought along explaining previous treatments.  She then said "I have a bunch of ideas just off the top of my head."

She suggested a few things: 1) a high frequency SCS.  She says this has been found to be more effective in treating CRPS pain and does so without the paresthesia. 2) an increase in some of my medications, but she says medications can only go so far. 3) A Buprenorphine patch, which I admit I was not immediately in favor of.  She said there are also other options.

Next week I will go back and have my stimulator reprogrammed to a higher frequency.  She said the results of this could help indicate whether or not a high frequency SCS might be better for me.  She also increased my medications and suggested melatonin to help me sleep.  I took the melatonin last night, and so far no dice.  I really think my lack of sleep is linked more to pain than much else.  I never had insomnia until I got CRPS.

Last week I was worried I'd never find a way to decrease my pain.  Today I'm feeling much more hopeful.  We haven't run out of options.  That's all that matters.  For now I'm still in a lot of pain.  we've had some crazy weather and temperature swings this week.  My husband is making me sit on the couch and not do anything.  I found a good one :)