Hi Caroline,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. You will find a lot of great resources here to answer a variety of questions. There is section dedicated to just RSD Information. If you scroll down on the front page you will see itl.

So sorry to here about your car acccident. I also had a accident, it wasn't a car accident, but I did major damage to my arm/elbow. I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS II after my first surgery. First let me start by asking a ?, you stated you where in a car accident. Did you have car insurance? I only ask because you said you have no insurance, but most car insurance policies have a portion call PIP(Personal Injury Protection), this covers you for any medical situations from a car accident. I know it's not a mandatory provision required by all states. I thought I would just make you aware because this provision if you have it can really help with medical bills.

As far as the PT goes I find that quite a lot of PT. "Everyday for a year". I'm not a doctor and don't know the condition of your arm I can only share what my experience has been. I know keeping your range of motion is important.
My only bit of advise is to try and get a second opinon. I found out the hard way that the right doctor means such a difference in the final outcome. I would also try and contact some of your state agencies to see about getting onto a state health insurance plan. In NJ it's called NJ Family Care.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Gabbycakes