Hi tos8,

I'm a TOS to RSD'er too.

I wouldn't rule out injections....a series of stellate ganglion blocks CAN be quite beneficial to people with our conditions. For me, the SGB's helped with my L arm symptoms, but the L arm stuff has never been my primary issue. They did nothing for the 'burning golf ball' just to the left of T1 that is my major complaint.

The nerve blocks don't do much for me long term (from the steroids), but I do get a few pain free hours from the lidocaine in them. I wish I could schedule one just before I go to a party or family occassion Even though there aren't lasting physical effects, I find it a positive experience just to 'remember' what a lack of severe pain feels like. Sometimes it gets me angry......if the right shot can make me feel better for a few hours, why won't docs who've blown me off and WC pay for tests or treatments to look for more lasting results. Mostly, it gets me hopeful that SOMETHING out there can help me. Maybe a radio frequency abblation ? Who knows.

I'm laughing a bit, in a sad way, about your comments about knowing you has RSD for years before getting the official dx. I had to play the same games to find docs who knew about TOS and then RSD. That frustration doesn't help pain levels !