Hi Mark! I'm Renee. We sound like 2 peas in a pod lol. U have 2 try and laugh at something with this horrible disease!! I was diagnosed a little over a year ago. I started with a broken ankle 6 months b4 my life changed forever. I made it through a very long journey with m y ankle 9 months in a full boot. I was so happy to start physical therapy. But my foot and leg started to turn purple and swell. Then I went 2 my orthopedic surgeon and he happened 2 have a co worker who research ed crps 4 two years. They immediately sent me 2 a pain management doctor. I got 2 nerve blockers in my foot and leg and it worked. Little did I know how this disease totally is like nothing else. Jumped to left hand and arm with in 2 week s. Nothing worked gabapentin a total joke. Then nerve blockers no luck. Hand was in atrophy and my doctor booked and immediate trial spinal stimulator implant. I wa s about 2 lose my hand and scared as shit!!!! The trial gave me my hand and ar. Back within 3 hours I was amazed
He booked me for an implant 4 days later. The surgery was tough and recovery. But it was great, until it jumped to other arm within a month. The put 2 titanium leads in so the were able 2 just turn it on. Unfortunately it's now in my spine. But I can control some pain in hands and arms. I also keep a pain journal . My state has medical marijuana which has been a life saver.
U can talk 2 me any time. Keep some faith. I also due allot of medical research I do, so if u want 2 find out anything I can try to help!!! Best of luck..and I am only a few years older than u.