I feel pretty late to the conversation...but when I had a lumbar sympathetic block I got the temp changes and color changes...but it was NOT uncomfortable. The extra pain you are experiencing does not seem normal and if you dr won't see you immediately then I personally would go to the ER...just to make sure it's nothing serious and hopefully get your pain addressed.

I also don't really care for your doctor's response. There are MANY reasons a patient might not get relief from a block...it doesn't automatically mean you don't have CRPS. There are NO tests or procedures that can give you that answer. If there were...it would make every one of our lives easier. The criteria for diagnosing CRPS does not include any certain response to blocks...and for good reason.

Just a couple of things I would say off the top of my head that could result in the block not working...1) it wasn't in the exact right spot, 2) it was not an effective mix of meds for YOU to get relief, and 3) your pain may have changed from sympathetically maintained pain to sympathetically independent pain (at which point the blocks will not help). I know there are other reasons...but as time goes on the blocks are less likely to be effective. Also...some people say results are cumulative (though if you have a bad reaction I would seriously consider whether you want a second and if you do if you want it with this particular dr).

I hope your pain passes quickly and that you get some relief. Take care and keep us posted.