Originally Posted by Dono

Hi Everyone!!! I had a displaced R Tib/Fib Fx back in 2003. I had an IM Rodding done to fix the FX. I developed the RSD very shortly thereafter! I had gone through 40+ lower lumbar nerve blocks, an epidural cath. and many prescription meds... My Dr. gave me a few choices after nothing was working. Pain pump, SCS, Sympathectomy.
After a lot of consideration I chose the Sympathectomy! After the Sympathectomy I started feeling better. About 6 months or so later the pain was back! My PMP wanted to do another nerve block except this time it would be on the L side. After the block we agreed to meet in his office. He told me I was a very rare case where the nerves on the L side took over for the R side.
He wanted me to go and talk to my surgeon about having a Sympathectomy on the L side. It took a lot of coaxing but he agreed. He advised me there were some risks to having a Full Sympathectomy but I agreed to have it done! After the last Sympathectomy in 2008 I have been in a "Remission" state.
I am NOT saying a Sympathectomy is for everyone, but I think I am in the 10% group. It worked for me and I could not be happier.
In fact I just had another major surgery on my R leg to take the IM Rod and screws out. Unfortunately the Dr. was not able to get my rod out but instead cut about 2" off that was sticking up into my knee area causing me pain. He was able to get all the screws out including the 3 in my ankle. WoW I have not been able to move my ankle like this since the day of the accident in 2003. I am back doing the things I love to do outdoors. I still have a lot of swelling and some pain but NOTHING like it was before the surgeries.

Best wishes Lupus on whatever decision you decide to go with!