Lisa,

I totally understand what happened to you at the lab. For me, blood work has never caused a flare (so far) but I have had horrible results with larger needles like cortisone injections, bursitis drains, etc. I only allow these if I am convinced it is absolutely necessary.

You have to work up the courage to stand tough and explain to the techs or doctors what RSD is all about and insist on things like the pediatric needle. Never assume they know anything about CRPS/RSD.

I was at the ER Wednesday night and once again, the nurse, med tech and doctor were all blank when I told them I had RSD. The doctor was even fairly young, and my experience has been the new docs have more knowledge.

Stand up for your rights as a patient. You deserve it, it's your body.

Hugs,

Mike