Lisa,

I just saw your post last night. I will try to give you a call today. Bless your heart. I just can't address the RSD very well since I don't have it. I can only relate to something similar...neuropathy and radiculopathy. It is just sad that you have to live in fear of a needle stick. What I have done in the past since I know neuropathy can spread it just to call my Neurologist and ask her opinion before I have anything done. I know this probably isn't very helpful but I didn't know what else to do except to check with her first. As it turns out, I didn't have a spread of small fiber PN after this one particular procedure. But it was a fear that I had. I have to agree with the other posters though. You just can't live in fear like this or rather live in a bubble. I know the neuropathic pain is bad since you know I have it too. I am not sure if counseling would help or not. It might but you will eventually reach an acceptance stage. You will come to know what activities or even medical procedures you can or cannot have done; same holds true with the meds. As usual and as we have talked about, there are good days and bad days. I have also been reading about pre-emptive measures. But mainly dealing with my own central sensitization. I just believe there are ways around it without worsening things. All I am really saying is that I always ask the docs before anything is done and get the "go ahead" if possible. IF, I ever need another fusion, I run the risk of worsening the PN or central sensitization. But I can't live in fear either. I would hate it. But what could I do other than to get it corrected. I run more of a risk by NOT treating it. So, you see what I am saying? And, girl, get that MRI done! Anyway, I will try to call you today...my heart really goes out to you.