I also have RSD right arm since 12/99. I think that everyone here has given you great information. My symptoms started with a very swollen pad, thumb, writst including forefinger. I couldn't move them at all w/o pain that would send me through the roof screaming and crying. My diagnosis came quickly as RSD. And I atrophied and couldn't move them. Very quickly a Frozen shoulder came out of all this and RSD move on up the arm. I started getting SGB's immediately after diagnosis. This is key w/ RSD. If they happen to work on the patient...it's a wonderful pain treatment.

You didn't mention current treatment? Are you receiving SGB's now for the pain? Stellate Gang. Blocks are given for upper extremity separately. Or epidurals are given to hit both right and left arms at the same time.

GnP hit it nail right on the head. If a RSD patient is given a block prior to surgery, you are at least doing all that you can to prevent further spread or increased pain.

Dana