It is necessary for me to speak instead of type. I am unable to type very well due to the pain.
10 years ago after a surgery on my right elbow, my right hand developed CRPS. A pain clinic near me was recommended. After the first attempt with a ganglion block, the doctor declared I did not have CRPS and walked out of the room.
In the meantime, I was doing a lot of reading and research. This is when I discovered the Mayo Clinic website. The information it gave was more helpful. But I could not afford to relocate to the clinic. That is when I reached out to a university medical center about a half hour from my house.
Ganglion blocks did not help, but the physical therapist located at the Pain clinic was very good. She understood the need for continued mobility. but she also understood the necessity of not making it worse. For the next year, I followed a daily regimen. I also began to wear compression gloves that seemed to help with the pain and especially kept other things from touching my hand.
I’m a pianist. I no longer play. After about a year, the symptoms began to subside, and one day I no longer had to wear my compression glove. Little by little I was able to live without pain. I was in remission. Unfortunately, my range of motion was compromised enough that I still could not play. My hand was stiff. But the pain, the constant pain, was gone.
Two months ago, I fell very hard and broke my left wrist. Almost immediately I was certain that CRPS would return. Because it involves a broken wrist instead of no injury to the hand like my right hand, it has been much more painful and physical therapy much more difficult. I feel like I still have a broken wrist. A nearby physical therapist made it much worse. I am now trying to return to the university medical center of ten years ago.
A back surgery over two years ago has also left me in pain. I’ve wondered if it, too, is CRPS. I’ve been back to the surgeon, then on to two other clinics. None believe it is CRPS. One said it is my SI joint. Perhaps. I’ve been to so many doctors that I gave up and just try to remain mobile. Walking and not much sitting. Lying down when I just get tired of it. Now, my left wrist and hand.
I cannot take Gabapentin. I’ve taken ibuprofen and Tylenol. I’ve been on a depression med for many years. Also meds for epilepsy and osteoporosis.