Hi Angie,
I agree with advice that has already been given but will add my 2 cents. In the almost 4 years that I've had RSD, I've panicked many times. I know the feeling and it's awful but we have to try & calm down because the stress makes the pain and maybe the symptoms worse. Do whatever to make yourself feel better.
Someone suggested to me that I get a med alert bracelet with no BP/VP on left arm (where my RSD started).
The docs keep checking me for MS since my sister has MS. They do MRIs and I get regular eye exams since I have "weird" eye problems. My sister has had it for 20 years and is still not in a wheelchair. MS, like RSD, doesn't affect everyone the same way, so please don't panic that even if you do have it that you will be in a wheelchair. (Montel Williams has MS & look at him.)
My pain doc told me that my nervous system is so ramped up that something that wouldn't cause alot of pain in a "normal" person causes me much more pain. So, I'm sure you're in alot of pain from that needle poking. I also have a permanent red area on my left hand where I got a cortisone injection before the RSD was diagnosed. I never used to mind needles before but am now scared of them.
Hope you are getting the help from the doc today.
Wish I was there so I could drive you or babysit for you.
Linmarie