Hi Shelmora,
First, I am compassionate to the fact that you have had RSD for so many years and therefore have experienced pain and upheaval for a very long time.....
My heart goes out to you for living with RSD throughout the years.

I reiterate that RSD is so very different for everyone (different symptoms, different timeframes) it is very unwise to pidgeon-hole RD-ers into a formula of time,spread pattern, and symptoms.

People express themselves differently, and within their ability of technical jargon. The man with "skull cramps, swollen belly and and swollen breasts" may have legitimate symptoms, only his personal descripton might not hold the correct medical terminology. It could be that he has debilitating migraines, visceral organ involvement, and terrible inflamation, in addition to extreme adverse reaction to meds.

While i, too, take offense to anyone who tries to take advantage of a system, I also am cautious not to judge someone who may not be able to express themselves correctly, but who is experiencing genuine pain that could be RSD-related.

My surgeon didn't listen to me and he was the one taking advantage of me by not following the hypocratic oath and truly listening to his patient.

I also hold that not all doctors are the final word on a proper diagnosis or analysis. As I have mentioned before on the site, I had complained to a neurologist that I was feeling burning in my right leg and in my face. (My RSD started in my left foot.)

He said " Don't worry, RSD/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) doesn't spread, that's why it's called "regional", because it stays in one place.

Generally, I have learned more from peers and fellow RSD'ers than the docs.

I am a WC case and have had to fight and wait for any treatment received.
I have written letters and made phone calls and advocated for myself, even though I do have an attorney for my own protection.

Like others, I too, as you must as well, just want my life back..
Nevertheless, I am doing my best to come to terms with this new life.
I truly wish you relief, comfort, and hope.

Sincerely!
Hope4thebest