Wow! Many thanks, Catherine, I couldn't have got a more complete answer!

I am a bit confused though - I'm also very foggy at the moment, so could have missed something - because these stories seem to imply that RSD/CRPS in this case is caused by scar tissue and if this is removed it will stop the RSD - i.e. that there's a physical, mechanical cause which is correctible. I don't really know what to make of it, because if that's the case then it's not actually RSD (although she may have RSD on top of everything else...). Very interesting though, I hope she has the op so we can see the outcome...

Thanks again, all the best