Originally Posted by CRPSsongbird

One thing to be aware of, though it's really rare, there is a "warm crps". The temperature fluctuations in crps are caused by Autonomic Dysfunction. Basically your body is unable to regulate basic things like temperature, and pigmentation. A lot of the severe discolorations and temperature changes are not only Autonomic Dysfunction but coupled with severe swelling (ie Edema) and can actually be very harmful as it can cut off blood and oxygen supplies which cause a whole lot of other series of problems.
I'm not a doctor, but it doesn't seem like crps to me at all. Possibly a neuropathy of some kind, but maybe not crps. I would maybe suggest you try to find a Crps or Neurologist or Physiatrist specialist in your area. It's never a bad idea to seek out a second opinion before resorting to drastic procedures or diagnoses.
Oh just an FYI, Peripheral Neuropathy can kind of mimic some of the symptoms of crps. They have a list of VERY similar symptoms. However a HUGE key for crps is the "out of proportion to injury or stimulus pain". PN can cause minor discolorations, very slight temperature changes, and swelling.
On another note. The year before my injury that led to my crps I broke my ankle. The ER had failed to find the break in the x-rays. So what would have been a somewhat simple case of 3 months of using the R.I.C.E. treatment (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), turned into extreme swelling for 8 months almost having surgery and very prolonged pain. Because the ER didn't see the break, I was diagnosed with a moderate sprain (stage 2). I kept asking for another X ray, but they wouldn't. I had to argue with the ER doctor to get a "boot" and crutches. Even though I couldn't bear ANY weight on that foot without screaming. Anyways, long story longer, I was told to only use the crutches for 3-5 days. 5 weeks later I was still telling my doctor that I couldn't walk on it, (I was calling or seeing that doc at least once a week trying to get them to take another X ray to prove it was broken as I suspected) and an MRI was ordered the same day. The Orthopedic Specialist who read the results said I was extremely lucky. I had been correct, and had I even stepped wrong it would've broken the bottom of my tibia off and would've had to have surgery. The healing process was extremely retarded since I had been told to walk on it as much as possible. Nice hug? And it was reeeally swollen still. I was even elevating it and putting ice on it when at work. 4 weeks later and even though the bone was starting to heal, the swelling wasn't any better. So I was put on what basically amounted to bed rest, I even had to elevate it (constantly) at night. My point with this story is if you started using it too soon, too often, it can extremely retard the natural healing process.
Again I would highly recommend that you get a second opinion. Neurochic, was spot on when she explained the specific criteria for crps. The reason being that there are quite a few other autoimmune and neuropathic disorders that can present a few similar symptoms. But you MUST fit at least 3 of the defining symptoms to be diagnosed with crps.
Before your doctor does anymore unnecessary procedures or medications, I seriously can't believe he gave you lidocaine patches or a nerve block with no definite crps presentation, Seek a Second (technically 3rd lol) Opinion!!!!
And Good Luck! Let us know what happens even if it isn't (iI'll pray for you its not!) Crps! We care about each other in this community!