My RSD started in my upper right extremity after 2 rotator cuff repair surgeries (May 2007 and April 2008) The ortho surgeon suspected it in June 2008, sent me to PM doc, who did about 25 or so trigger point injections during the summer in my upper back, neck and head. By Oct 2008 the RSD was in my head and my sympathetic nervous system was pretty whacked. I didn't get my first block until christmas eve 2008. I suffer from severe head pain, especially after using my arms for anything strenous.

I'm almost certain I've got it in my right leg too. It burns and stings almost all the time, it just hasn't felt right for several months and I know I'm not crazy. I have varicose veins in that leg, but I've never had my veins bother me before now, and its been over 15 years since I developed them while I was pregnant with a 9 lb baby boy. The leg also gets grossly swollen at times - usually when I'm in a flare - and the knee and ankle get stiff and sometimes get those RSD sparks of lightning in them. I walk at least 3 miles a day, usually 4 or 5 - I figure like everyone else on this board says the exercise is hopefully keeping the RSD in leg from advancing too far if that's what it is. I just had a doctor test me for lyme again (test #5 in the last 6 months or so). Maybe a tic bit me and that's what lyme feels like. Could be.

I like the idea of a "chill pill" like the Ativan. I don't currently take anything like that, and I have a terrible time sitting still, for instance, I can't remember the last time I watched TV. But I'm afraid of being tired all the time, too. Do you end up napping a lot when you take it?

Sandy