Hi and Welcome,

I am so sorry that you have come to join our club, but you will find support, info and companionship here.

It is important to learn about RSD from a reputable source. There is a lot of misinformation out there. 80% of people improve over time per Dr. Stanton-Hicks at Cleveland Clinic. RSDS.org is a good source of info and I am perpetually recommending CRPS specialist Dr. Pradeep Chopra's video "CRPS Diagnosis and Management" which is available on YouTube. It has loads of tips on treatments, nutrition and therapies.

I find your doctor situation concerning. Why wouldn't the other two surgeons see you? Are they in the same practice? not wanting to get involved in someone else's procedure? Getting a second, follow up opinion to your surgery could be very important. There needs to be certainty that something did not go wrong in there that needs to be addressed in order for you to heal. Have you had any post-op imaging, MRI, ultrasound, etc.? Make sure everything is as it should be and nobody left their car keys in there . Your doctor can order this, just call if you have not had any and ask for it to be done before your next appointment.

What type of doctor are you seeing? If they do not routinely treat CRPS then get in with someone who does. Options are neurology, Physical Medicine, or the most likely, Pain Management. You are very early in this process and that is a good thing, but I don't see an advantage in waiting. You can start rule out testing and imaging with your doctor now and if nothing in there is a problem then get on with more specific treatments with a specialist. keep in mind too that you are not that far out from surgery. post-op swelling of the normal variety can take months to resolve and can put a lot of pressure on nerves in the meantime. This alone can cause some itchy, numb, achy sensations. CRPS will make the swelling worse. Be sure you elevate adequately.

Exercise and PT is recommended as one of the number one things to do for CRPS. The fact that you are not progressing with it is another reason to make sure everything is okay in there. In the meantime, you might find swimming helpful. It is the place to be when you can't walk properly. It will help with swelling, strength and circulation.

On depression, it goes hand in hand with chronic pain and illness. What happened to you is traumatic and a loss. It is hard getting through that. Get support if you get stuck. I waited too long to find a therapist who dealt with chronic pain and traumatic life change. Silly me! She was a tremendous help to me with sadness, anxiety and coping skills to deal with pain.

Come here when you need info, to vent or get a virtual hug. You are not alone. There is always someone around.

Sending Healing Love,