Hi everyone, new to this site. I'll start with a question, can a diagnosis of CPRS/RSD be made when you have one conflicting opinion from a pain management doctor who disagrees. A little background, I was dx with CRPS/RSD last May. At the time my PM doctor and ortho's were all in agreement. Since my PM doctor was running out of options for my treatment, my ortho found a Pm dr who is a supposed "guru" in CRPS/RSD, and because I do not have severe allodynia, I do have allodynia, but not severe, he said I do not have CRPS. But he is the only dr. I have seen that agrees with this. I had to wait a year and agree to the fact that I knew my knee surgery could result in amputation if I had it done to have a minor surgery done by my ortho and this was after he sent to 5 consults for this, inter-office.

I ask only because I am going for what I hope is my final step to getting SSDI next week and am seeing a neurologist for my manditory state medical exam. I am assuming because they have chosen a neurologist it is to determine the dx of CRPS/RSD. I am concerned of the impact of the differing dx by my PM dr that it will not turn out well.

I have had surgery in March of this year on my knee and am still suffering from pain, arthrofibrosis, swelling, allodynia and temperature changes in my leg and foot. I was pre-surgery with a lack of 45 degrees of extension which left me without being able to walk for a year. I am now with about a lack of 15 degrees of extension, I am able to bear minimal weight on my leg and now am loosing flexion, since I have been in a straight leg extension brace since my surgery. I am only allowed to take it off for therapy. I just started aqua therapy along with traditional therapy, but have only gone for 2 visits. I was in rehab after surgery for 37 days.

My getting SSDI will drastically change my financial situation at this point an time. I have lost my job last November, but will be able to take my pension early and will be able to pay approximately 70 a month for insurance instead of the 500 I am now putting out for Cobra. If this doesn't happen I don't know how I am going to survive. I am now behind on all my bills, about to loose my car, light, water and cable about to be shut off.

Sorry for dragging it all out, but any idea of my chances of being definitively dx with CRPS/RSD at this point??

Hey, just wanted to give you a big welcome to Neuro Talk!! Its crazy all you have been through at the hands of those that are paid to care for you. I noticed you have been exploring around the forums. We do have a forum for SSDI and also for RSD/CRPS. I have posted links to both....first one is for SSDI and the one below is for RSD/CRPS.Take care you and keep us updated!!
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

silver14,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Looks like tamiloo has given you some great places to check into. Let any of us know if you have any questions.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.