Well said Neurochic.

Given the nature of CRPS, the risk of spread and the characteristic symptoms of excessive pain in response to injury and skin problems with poor healing, there is no way a skin biopsy should be used as a diagnostic tool for CRPS. The disease is normally diagnosed through patient history and observation by a trained clinician. It is known and discussed in many research papers that there are very few (if any) reliable tests for CRPS, especially as symptoms are so variable.

Skin biopsy has shown small nerve fibre issues in patients with CRPS, but this has normally been as a result of research (where subjects have the risks explained) or because a procedure was already invasive. I sincerely hope the practice of taking a biopsy to decide a diagnosis of CRPS doesn't catch on.

I hope you get a decision and a good specialist to take care of you very soon. I am saddened by stories like yours where it is such a struggle just to find a sensible and knowledgeable doctor. You deserve better.

Bram.