G, The person who dx'd my RSD was actually my PT. After that, it was confirmed by my surgeon, and then by my pain doc. From what I understand, RSD doesn't really only occur in a SMALL area, but generally occurs in a limb, or rather it would be your ENTIRE foot, ENTIRE hand, ENTIRE arm, etc. I wouldn't think it would be just the PAD of your foot. But...RSD is a strange monster, and it could be that it's a "start." I'm not entirely sure, and please dont take my word on that. Mine is comprised of both of my hands, my entire right forearm (underside), up to the right shoulder and includes the area where the tos surgery was (clavicular) thru the neck and chest, across to where the hollow of my throat is. I keep an eye on that "hollow" of my throat, and know PRECISELY the point where it stops...because I think it is actually "creeping" over to the left shoulder/chest area. So my left side is only my left hand. At least, for now.

MANY ppl have had surgeries and had a good anestheologist and had blocks done prior to the surgeries and had success. Even had BABIES. And the RSD hasn't spread. The "key," I think, is getting an anestheologist who also works as a pain doctor who is VERY KNOWLEDGABLE in the treatment of RSD. For instance, I wouldl be COMPLETELY comfortable with my pain doc being my anestheologist if I were to have surgery. In fact, they would probably be the ONLY ones I would trust. So if you absolutely MUST have a surgery, that's what I would consider. Whether or not the A is also a pain doctor, with experience treating RSD (and how successful he/she has been with his/her patients, and for how long he/she has treated rsd patients).

That's the advice *I* would give in yoru situation. As for the coldness in your hands post op....what you want to look for most of all is PAIN in yoru hands. It's a very deep BURNING pain. Almost like a sunburn, but more INTENSE. Right now, I am having more and more difficulty MOVING my hands. The pain I am currently havng on top of the burning is almost like an arthritic feeling in the joints. Now, I don't know what arthritis feels like cuz I've never had it, but ti's what I'd IMAGINE it would feel like. Also, when I flatten my hand, I feel a HORRIBLE pain, like a PULLING, in the center of my hand and in the fatty part up top where the fingers start. I believe that is my tendons shortening, which is what they said could happen. In spite of the exercises I do every day,several times a day, I think it is still happening.

So EXERCISE THOSE HANDS. Keep them moving. Look up on the internet "tendon glides" for hands and do them faithfully if your surgeon thinks this may be an issue. The WORST thing that can happen is for your hands to freeze up and for those tendons to shorten, and to get a "claw hand" because of it. It's very hard to reverse that damage, and to lengthen those tendons once they shorten. And whenever you are sitting, either sit on your hands so they are flat, or be sure to keep them flat on your leg. Don't sit with them relaxed into a semi cuffed position. This is just a precaution for you, "just in case."

Hope this was a little help hon.

Hugs
LisaM