Hi, please call me Blue. I am 46 and I have lived with chronic pain for almost two years. It started after my hysterectomy. My pain is in my lower right abdomen. The pain was always intense burning, from the time the nurses had me up and walking after the surgery. After months of telling my doctor (who was dismissive and mostly indifferent) and no relief, she referred me to a pain management doctor. Unfortunately, the lidocaine injection or increase in Gabapentin did not help. After a year of horrific pain, I reached out to a former classmate for his advice. He referred me to his colleague who specializes in pain management. I was diagnosed with CRPS. I had an epidural, but with no relief. I qualified for a DRG trial and after eight days, of the trial, I had experienced less pain. I understood that even with the DRG implant that about 50% of my pain would remain, but I was still interested. I had my surgery in January 2025 to get my DRG implant. I definitely have more good days than bad; however, I still live with pain and the flare ups remind me of just how awful my life was prior to my implant.

My PCP suggested that I use a topical cream or lidocaine patches to provide more relief. I’m also on a clonidine patch (usually prescribed for blood pressure, but has been know to help people with CRPS). I’m here because I want to learn more and find ways to reduce my pain and have a decent quality of life.