OMG what a terrible roller coaster ride they have you on. I am so sorry. My case is similar although not exactly the same. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc at C4/C5 and told I needed surgery by a neurosurgeon. At the same time my neurologist diagnosed me with RSD in the right arm and right shoulder (where all my pain was) and recommended that I not have surgery. After much debate I opted for the surgery hoping that all my symptoms were from a herniated disc. After all that was an easy fix. Six weeks and I would be as good as new and back at work. (I am a RN and was in big time denial that I had RSD. Nurses and doctors make horrible patients.) After surgery I knew I had made a mistake. Not only did I still have the pain in my arm and shoulder but it spread to my neck (where the incision was) as well. Just a note**I did have a severely herniated disc that had entrapped the C4/C5 nerve root for so long that it permanently damaged the nerve and that led to the RSD.** I was able to return to work for a few months (3 or 4) but then the RSD spread to my rib cage and chest wall on the right side. The pain became so severe and the hospital I worked for had a no narcotic policy. I took short term disability and during that time had a spinal cord stimulator placed and again was able to return to work for another 4 months. However, the spinal cord stimulator stopped helping my pain and as before the RSD continued to spread to my left arm, my sternum, my left chest wall and rib cage. At that time I had to go on full disability. Since that time the RSD has continued to spread to my spine and internal organs. It now affects my heart and stomach as well. The only places not affected so far are my legs and my head. I am in no way saying this is the course that your husband will take just warning you that if it is RSD be very careful of any type of surgery. RSD is a very individual disease but it is a MONSTER. I pray for your husband's sake it is TOS and not RSD but if it is RSD please know that there is a lot of support here. I will keep you both in my prayers.

Cricket