My RSD started in my left ankle when I was 13 and stayed there for about 5 years. It was bad but it was contained to that area and I was still able to do most of what I wanted if I really pushed myself. I didn't know what I had during those 5 years and I didn't understand why it hurt so much...I just wanted to live my life the way I wanted and to live it fully. My RSD was so much of a problem that I didn't have the chance to do that. I realize now that they were just stupid and stubborn attempts that always ended in tears and being told it was all in my head until I almost believed it. I don't know what made things suddenly change after that. All at once...within 2 months it spread 'like wildfire' from ankle to calf to entire leg to hip to lower back and left arm...9 years later it's now effecting my entire left side and recently my right arm. Nothing can be compared to the helpless feeling of it spreading and steadily getting worse without knowing when or if it will ever stop. I have seen mentions of the Ketamine coma in this thread and it reminded me of the weaker 'safer' Ketamine infusion alternative available in Canada. They give you enough to put you into a deep monitored sleep for about 5 hours a day every second or third day. The doctor was hoping that in waking up after one of these episodes the pain would be lessened or shut off and it wouldn't spread anymore. The first set of infusions were scheduled during a 30 day hospital stay and they were very successful in terms of getting me out of the wheelchair and walking with a cane. The second set of infusions weren't so successful and neither was the set after that and they were ended. Ketamine in general did help bring down the pain for a time and also I was able to do more than ever before directly afterwards but in my experience it's results were not lasting enough to stop the spread and I am back to square one now. I have heard success stories with it though...it can shut off pain in some if you can handle the brutal side effects. Anyway I wish you the best in your search for what works for you.