I don't understand why the surgeon did the sympathectomy in the first place.
That procedure is generally not done these days by most TOS surgeons because it is such a coin-toss - about half, supposedly, get really good results, but the other half end up with worse pain than before. What makes me really curious is I've only heard of it being done (for TOS patients) when someone ALREADY has RSD. If you didn't have RSD to begin with, what was his purpose for the sympathectomy?

I refused to go with one surgeon because he insisted on a sympathectomy along with the TOS surgery, because I had RSD along with TOS. But the little research I did online made it clear to me a sympathectomy wasn't worth the risks. You may very well want to talk this matter over with a lawyer with experience in this area to see if you have a case against the surgeon and hospital. Just suggesting, as I'm not an expert in medical or legal matters, but what you've posted does seem like questionable judgement was involved.

Having had RSD for 5 years plus, I will tell you depression and/or stress will amplify your pain HUGELY. Try to focus on each day as it comes and take care of those things that are within your control. Refuse to worry about the future or things you can't do anything about - these are the things that will drive you mad and keep the pain unbearable. Talk to your Dr about an antidepressant - when you have chronic pain and sleep is a joke, your brain chemicals become unbalanced, and an antidepressant is usually needed to correct this imbalance It may take a few tries to find the right antidepressant for you, or the first may stop working after a while and a different one will be needed. Don't give up! I was practically suicidal for months, and a change of antidepressants helped me feel more like normal than I had in several years.

A pain counselor or psychologist can also be very helpful, someone you can talk out all your grief, anger, problems, etc to without fear of losing, offending or being ignored by someone you love. Again, it may take a few tries to find the right one for you. Don't give up - it's worth it to have that support and sounding board.

Another thing to ask your Dr about is Lidocaine or Ketamine lotions or creams - rub them gently into the burning areas and you will hopefully get some relief from the burning. I have used Lidocaine patches over the shoulder blades/neck area at times and they also help with the trigger point pain.

I am so sorry to hear about what has happened, and hope your pain improves. Others will be along with suggestions as well I'm sure!

beth