Dr. Sears,
Q: I was diagnosed with R.S.D.S in 2002 and until 2006 all I was given to take were pain medications: Tramadol, 50 mg., two a day noon and bedtime; Clonapin, 1 mg, one-half at noon and one at bedtime; and Lyrica (Neurontin before the Lyrica came out), 50 mg. four times a day. All were given to keep me as pain free as possible. In ‘06 I began to take the OmegaRx, which I believe has helped a lot, plus a high-potency vitamin E. These were prescribed to me by a doctor who recommended I be on the Bucci Protocol Vitamin Regimen. Do you know of this disorder? What would you recommend?
Thank You,
Judith B.
Dear Judith,
A:I don’t know about the Bucci protocol for vitamins. However, your problem is one of excess inflammation for which the two best supplements are high-dose fish oil and polyphenols. RSDS has been renamed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I would increase the intake of Ultra-refined EPA/DHA omega-3 concentrates to about 10 grams of EPA and DHA per day as well as adding polyphenols that also provide upstream anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce your reliance on downstream anti-inflammatory drugs. I would also strongly recommend closely following the Zone Diet as it will reduce arachidonic acid levels that are the underlying cause of your inflammation.