Hello Cheyne,

I am so sorry you are having to join us but it is a soft place to land with wonderful support. I am on the CRPS forum and we do indeed have many welcoming members. The best way for them to find you is for you to start a new thread there with a brief hello like you gave here.

CRPS is a frightening diagnosis to receive but please hold on to hope. According to Dr. Michael Stanton-Hicks of Cleveland Clinic (a CRPS bigwig), 80% of patients improve over time. Treatment of CRPS and any identifiable pain contributors can help. Get the best medical care you can with someone who is experienced in treating this disease. Keep utilizing the limb through gentle exercise and whatever you can do that doesn't cause flare. If you are not currently having your pain managed, do so. Pain gets more pain and increases the likelihood that you will be stuck with changes in how your body perceives it.

Many of us have found the following video helpful. It is by a prominent and compassionate CRPS specialist, Dr. PRadeep Chopra, who is non-doomsday and gives many practical tips on treaments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3LKhOZ8mAM

Come see us and let us know how you are doing. The forum is great for getting feedback on treatments, meds, for sharing and support. You are not alone.

I hope you find relief soon!
Sending hugs and healing love,