You might want to ask your doctors if they are familiar with a continuous peridural catheter procedure (sympathicolysis). I had one post-surgery in Germany this past fall for 7 days after I had some metal screws removed from my rsd foot. The catheter/pump was filled with 25 ml Carbostesin and 1 ampoule of Sufatanyl epidurally as well as sodium chloride 0.9% with a maximum flow of 6 ml/hour. If I recall correctly they did not go above 5ml/hr in my case as they had accomplished the level of pain relief required. I could not get out of bed to walk on my own for risk of falling, nor could I shower for the whole week. Because I've had the rsd for 6 years they were doubtful I would find any any long term relief, they did however think it would help to prevent the RSD from spreading or getting worse from the surgery which is a huge risk. This is considered the gold standard for treating newly diagnosed RSD patients at this clinic in Germany with many patients receiving very good results.

During the actual surgery we opted for the regional anesthesia as it is believed to be more effective than a a general for people like us. The let me take my ipod in with me and I listened to my favorite calming classical music. I turned up the volume when I realized they were working away on the bones.

I have not had spread or worsening rsd symptoms.