I was diagnosed with RSD in early 1992 after sustaining a traumatic knee injury during the first gulf war. *In short, after a year of hospital admissions, blocks, epidurals, and more meds than I can list, the VA doctors recommend a surgical*Lumbar sympathectomy. *Being*a young newly married 19 year old all I wanted was for the pain to go away, so I agreed to have the surgery. *

This wasn't just an outpatient type surgery, they sliced me open, and I think I was in the hospital recovering for a good week or so. *I have a nine inch scar as one of the many daily reminders of what may have been one of the worst decisions I've ever made. In the months following the surgery, the pain actually increased; but then after several more blocks combined with more medications the pain subsided enough to where I was able to walk again. *

I was ultimately medically discharged from the military; and again, being young and dumb, I just took what they offered me, which was very little monetarily and a disability rating of 0. *I did however keep all of my medical records, and about four years ago I finally went to the VA and received an increase in my disability rating. *

For the past twenty yeras I have never been pain free, but up until about a year ago I have been able to lead somewhat of a normal existence. Within the last year, I have noticed an increase in my pain level, and the bad days seem to come around more frequently; but what I am really concerned with, and what brought me to this form is my mental state. *I have had some pretty severe issues within the last year, and they just seem to be getting worse. *I am being treated, but so far nothing seems to help on a consistent basis. I am almost to the point of not being able to function at all, which I'm really trying to avoid.

I'm try to figure out if RSD; and more specifically, the Lumbar sympathectomy*is somehow a contributing factor to the rapid decline of my mental state. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Detpas