I had RSD 25 years ago. I say had, but I do not think it ever really goes away but I am stable. I no longer take any meds for it and it no longer controls my life. I woke up from surgery 25 yrs ago from a Mortons neuroma of the left foot in excruciating pain that did not subside for almost 10 years. 25 years ago most doctor did not even believe RSD was "real" and if they did, they were too afraid to treat you. I made the rounds of probably 20 doctors ,numerous drugs and PT techniques, Hi-volt, tens, desensitivity, alternating hot & cold, nothing helped. I had continuous pain, nothing or no one could touch the foot and it would spas. The pain would get so bad my vision would go black and I would see stars. The pain started moving to the other foot. They doctors finally said all that was left was pain management. I did not give up, I was young, so I tried one more doctor, who I considered saved my life, because I did not consider my quality of life worth living. He had experience with several RSD patients and told me we are not out of treaments yet. He put me on tegretol the epileptic med for about 6 month. When I was weened off of it, the pain was not there. I do not think you can consider it a full recovery. I have lost sensation and mobility in half the foot and that whole leg is weak. I can only wear clog shoes because I cannot point my toe to get it in a shoe because it kicks off the pain. I have to wear very thick rubber soled shoes all the time, even in the pool or it will kick off the pain. I can not go barefoot even for a minute. I can not run, ride a bike or walk long distances. But I can walk, and I can live a normal life.

I hope this gives you hope and most of all, I hope they find a cure for this excruciating painful disease.

Now 25 years later I am being evaluated for Myasthenia Gravis a neuromuscular disease and somehow I think there has to be a relationship.

I will keep you in my prayers,
kathie