Debra,
For some people, RSD goes into remission but NO it never goes away. Once the sympathetic nervous system is comprimised it does not regenerate or heal itself... it is permanant. The symptoms and level of pain can vary, have different trigger points and for some, disappear for time periods. I have heard of people who had bad times for years then it slowing changed for the better and have been in remission for years. Also, have heard of bad times graduating to worse and they never reaching a good point which disables them. This is one reason RSD (CRPS) is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed medical condition out there!

Part of my severe Meniscus damage was because of my job... I was Admin Manager for a large big box retailer and I was on my feet (on concrete) 14 hours or more a day. I walked miles and miles around that store, climbed, kneeled, you name it - My Ortho feels this played a huge part in completely wearing my meniscus down basically to the bone. I did this on and off between surgeries for years. Never wanted to abuse work comp or desert the store who depended on me. Now, I am completely disabled and have limited use of my leg and have been told I will never be able to work again. Even if I could find a way to function at work I am on so many narcotic meds that I am not allowed to drive (Illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs). Not sure that I could have really done anything different cause I had to work... we needed my income to survive. Now I am left with small monthly comp payments and fighting SSDI for my disability.

Make sure you modify your daily "On Your Feet" time while your knee is healing and work with all of your doctors to make sure you don't do more damage. Reqest medical note for light duty or limited duty to make sure your employer is onboard. It is totally possible to work with RSD and knee damage if you can manage meds and modify your routine to take special care of your knee. You have some tough decisions to make and only you can make them. Listen to others, gather your options, do your research and then make the decision to have surgery or not. Take care of your knee and remember that if you make your knee worse by overdoing it (at work) you can run the risk of not being able to work at all because your knee will be worthless like mine.

Hope this helps. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!! If you need anything just send me an email! Continue to pray for all of us that suffer from this terrible monster!!!