Mark,

Thanks for the comments. I saw my rheumatologist yesterday and she is now steering me towards biologic response modifiers, (BRM) which will mean a 1-3 hour IV infusion every 2-6 weeks. This treatment has not yet been authorized by the insurance company. They need to know that all other possibilities have been tried, as this is considered a last resort when more conventional treatment has failed to bring any relief.

I am not looking forward to this. Unlike many other RSD-ers, I have not yet had a bad reaction to needle sticks, but there is always that possibility. Once started, the BRM treatment is usually life-long. The doctor claims she has seen some dramatic results. She also says that very little has been published about RA/RSD combinations and possible side effects of the BRM protocols.

Interesting thought that the RA was lying dormant and the RSD brought it out. I know that RA development is quite common in younger people.

Good luck to you.

Mike