Early on, I was very focused on what caused my RSD/CRPS. There were signs as early as the first knee surgery I had at 12--temp regulation issues, color issues and unusual pain. My foot is ice cold as I type. I didn't have the same type of burning pain, hypersensitivity, or limbic issues that I developed later.

It was with my 3rd wrist surgery that I clearly developed RSD/CRPS. There were some signs after the 1st or 2nd surgery that something was up--temp regulation issues again, freakish sweating in about a 2 inch band across my wrist. But, my life changed 4 days after that 3rd surgery. Months of pt 3x a week with ice, and icing at home surely didn't help. I had strange hair growth but just kept shaving my arms for years, not connecting the issue. After finally being diagnosed and doing fairly well with stellate ganglion blocks, I underwent a radiofrequency neurotomy that exacerbated my hypersensitivity to the point I had a hard time being driven even a short distance, developed light and sound hypersensitivity along with the vibration hypersensitivity. I had already spend a few years in a brace until I couldn't tolerate one after the 3rd surgery, but ended up likely causing just as much damage, including muscle wasting by bracing it near constantly to "protect" it for a 3 years or so. I was only able to break that bad habit with the help of a pain psychologist and finally taking strong enough pain meds to help--I caused likely permanent issues going up my arm and into my neck as a result.

I rarely go into my backstory anymore, but I ran across someone whose husband may have RSD/CRPS on another board a few days, and described my journey to her so she might recognize similar issues if they pop up, so it's fresh in my mind right now.

Purplefoot, it's impossible for you to ever know for sure, but it was likely the multiple traumas to the same foot that brought on the RSD/CRPS. If you're stoic and didn't complain long or loud enough for the right medical help, that maybe didn't help. In a normal situation you would have eventually healed and not ever had the lasting devastation from this bear. It is what is unfortunately. You'll have to do what you can to fight it, until you don't.