Hmm, I've always understood RSD is progressive too. Having said that, you can see some periods where things are quiet, RSD-wise, after you've had it for some time (think 2-3 years - again, it's so individual - some respond well to stellate blocks and get relief sooner, or find a great Dr who won't give up til he finds the right combo of meds - if you find a Dr like that, please CLONE him!)

I'm not doing too badly this winter with the RSD - but I've hardly been out the last month, weather has been just nasty! Staying warm and not doing much to aggravate things is keeping most RSD pain low. When I do get out and about, first thing I notice is the burning in my feet. This pain, and the pain in my right hand (injured arm) have been with me the longest, are my worst areas of RSD pain, and the feet have definitely gotten worse over time.
When they flare up I can hardly walk on them at times. But I am not in an almost constant flare-up as I was for a very long time. I also rarely get "zingers" now, and haven't had any spots of "sunburn" pain for ages. The burning pain, the cold pain and the feeling of acid eating at the bone, those I have pretty constantly in the hand and rt forearm, but they aren't showing up in other parts of my body lately, my left hand is even behaving!

Given the cold and snow we've been getting, I don't get it, but I'm NOT complaining!!

beth