I had one IME doctor who ended up helping me out a lot...confirming the RSD diagnosis. It was so damaging to work comp that they did not submit it at my trial...but my attorney did. Every once in a great while you actually DO get an IME doc who really is "independent"...next one I had didn't have any actual evidence to say I didn't have RSD...just a lot of "patient alleges this" and "patient claims that" and "I wasn't able to see it but SOMEHOW she managed to get onto the exam table while I was out of the room" and "My view was obstructed but when she got in the car she didn't have to be lifted by her mother"...all loaded phrases meant to IMPLY that I was some how in the wrong or dishonest. No mention of the lack of hair on my RSD limb, no mention of how when he was IN the room I fell of the exam table and he had to catch me, or that I was in a wheelchair and never once stood or walked and when I tried...fell immediately. No mention of the discoloration in my RSD areas, the clawing of my hands, etc. Definitely NOT independent by any stretch. But I was incredibly lucky with the first IME and wish that guy could have been my treating doctor...but he unfortunately bases in FL and I live in Chicago...so that never would have worked out.

I hope your consult at Johns Hopkins goes well. Sounds like there really isn't any doubt about what you have and I hope they are able to offer you some better treatment. I'm sorry things are so rough right now for you. Take care and good luck.