Hey,

I was very lucky to be diagnosed within 2 weeks of symptoms starting. The first rhuematologist I saw told me that I was going to have to have my arm amputated (it was black and totally dead). However, I got admitted for inpatient physio, OT and hydro along with loads of meds helped me to get some use back in it. As my RSD spread and I got worse the doctors told mum that they thought that it would be dreadful for a couple of years and then improve (basically, two years of getting awful, 1 year of bed bound and then 2 years of recovery).

However, I'm now 5 years in and continuing to go downhill - but it might not be due to RSD.... (have since been diagnosed with several neuromuscular issues which don't help the rsd at all!)

I guess in the end no one knows - but physio DOES help... it gave me my arm back... it's a shame that whatever it is has ripped the use of it from me again, but PT and especially desensitisation are DEFINETLY worth doing.

Love

FRxxxxxxx