You probably know by now that one side of your body will mirror the other side that is affected.  In my case the left side is always worse than the right, but it still is bad.

 

My md told me that nothing would get better if I didn't stop working.  I believe his words were" you can't take a pig out of the pig pen, wash them off, put them back in and expect the pig to stay clean".  Less than eloquent, but sure enough he was right.  I also found this pig story in the Bible, too.

 

My plan had been work smarter, not harder, and  did.  My will just wasn't enough, and I am about as stubborn as they come.  Being unable to work carries so many self esteem issues, but that may be the easy part.

 

My mds started with an aggressive series of bier and stellate blocks at two to three a week for two months.  Hard on the body, but not much choice.  

 

My personal experience would encourage you to pursue aggressive blocks, get some physical therapy.  My md said to walk and walk to increase blood flow.  I did have an epidural for about 5 days, but didn't really help.  I was told that only about 20% of people get much relief from these, and most mds opt for other methods.  There are many rxs' as you well know, and for some the lyrica or neurontin help.  They made me sicker.  

 

I pray that you are just going through a flare up that can be quieted.  But, it may be that you are in for a rough ride, and you may experience some serious life changes.  There are just so few treatments out there, and some of us respond to different ones. 

 

You probably know the list of treatments: counseling,exercise, stellate and bier blocks, lyrica or neurontin, pain medications, bio feedback, enjoying your good days to the fullest, don't feel guilty when you have to make adjustments to your life that mean others have to make adjustments to theirs,  I think the newest treatment causing some excitement is ketamine infusions, or drips.  Most can be done on an outpatient basis and relief of symptoms varies, but what I have read is encouraging.

 

I think that ketamine is the most encouraging new treatment that I have read about.  Hopefully I will get a chance to try that.  Has your md discussed ketamine with you?

 

Sing your heart out woman and keep your passion growing.  You can do this.  I know you can.