When I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS I, the 2nd ortho doc explained to me that my pain receptors had reversed, and these pain receptors are in a hyper state, all to do with my brain; it is in my head. Doc stated," Objectively, I am healed."

I replied," Objectively, I was able to walk, be an active woman, work,play, be touched,etc., before the injuries/2 surgeries to my right knee. I was also able to walk without a cane, and did not need a handicapped placard for my car, so I wouldn't HAVE to walk so far. Objectively, before the injuries and 2 surgeries to my right knee, I was not in this horrid, burning pain 24/7, diagnosed with major depressive disorder due to a general medical condition
(psychologist, seen every 2 weeks), having panic attacks, insomnia, taking many medications, and my body parts swollen as physical therapy made me worse, not better. Objectively, I went from an active person to a sedentary person, proven by an FCE (functional capacity exam),performed by an IME(independent medical examiner), requested by WC and this doc. All of this that I have stated indicates, OBJECTIVELY, I am not healed..I am worse.

I ask the doc if this was all in my brain/head, why do I feel pain in my body?

I pointed out that my pain is in my right knee and leg..reaching into my hips, and spine. This was before the pain had mirrored to the other knee and leg, and both of my hands.

The doc replied that he is referring me to a pain management doc, and released me MMI(maximum medically improved), with a 2% disability to my right knee!
3 months passed, and I finally see the PM doc., hoping I would have pain relief addressed. It turned out to be another IME for WC. That PM doc told me that I have RSD. WC did not like that diagnosis, and sent me to another PM doc(3 months later, still no pain relief). The 2nd PM doc, agreed with the 1st PM doc. Again, I was told that my appt. was a IME for WC., and that 2nd PM doc wanted to see me again ASAP, to address my pain issues and RSD/CRPS I.

2 months passed, and finally WC agreed to let 2nd PM doc be my treating doctor. My PM doc told me that too much time had elapsed for my condition to be reversed, that I would never be the active woman I once was, and all he could do was help me feel more comfortable (pain relief). PM doc told me blocks would not help me, and he was concerned it would actually make the RSD spread.

Currently, a court battle is approaching, this coming Tuesday(5/19/09). My atty., my 2nd PM doc,and me, vs WC., to continue treatment and collect monies owed me via TTD since 1/5/09. I was approved for SSDI as of 01/05/2009, 10 weeks from the day I applied, 01/23/09( first time). Objectively, I am healed; Objectively, I am on SSDI. What could be more confusing???

Is blood flow the only indication that pain exists? I don't understand the term "objectively", anymore