For me, phantom pain manifests itself in 10% real pain (usually a sensation of someone driving a sharp blade through my nail beds, or unpleasant electric shocks) and 90% itchy toes. And occasionally, I have insane plantar cramps to go with it.

I get the itchies maybe 4 times a year, and the cramps maybe once a year, and they usually last 6 hours - so basically I got to work in the morning, try not to think about them, and by the time I ride the bus back home, thankfully it’s over.

Not this time: my toes have been itching for 3 days. 3 solid day with nothing to scratch! And the cramps are so strong I have trouble walking, and I wake up with bruised muscles in the morning.

I’ve tried all the tricks: gabapentin, muscle relaxants - pills and topical - creative chemistry, massage, meditation, sauna, my own anal special… there’s nothing for it. I can’t take anymore, it’s driving me up the wall. And I’m thinking of going to sleep at the hotel tonight because I’m starting to take it out on my loved ones and I don’t want to do that.

If you have any suggestions, I’ll do anything.