Al, I have found a PM doctor in Northwest Ohio that does treat RSD and is aggressive with treatment, which is certainly what this disease demands. It is Midwest Pain treatment Center and run through Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay Ohio. There are four docs there and they do have offices in several other towns around. This is an easy web search if it is of interest. It may be too far away but I thought I would throw it out there for you. Lisa

Welcome butterflykisses, I have been away for a couple months-moved. Even though it was just 5 miles, he felt like 5,000! What a beautiful way of describing the detour you have had in your life. I read a beautiful poem about a lady describing her plane trip to Italy and how she packed for it, planned for it, and the plane landed in Holland. She had first felt bad, but looked around and saw the beautiful tulips, scenery, etc and likened it to being pregnant and when she had the baby, had a downs syndrome baby. What a blessing she had in her baby, loving, kind, the special personality of a downs child. That is really how we make it with RSD, staying positive, leaning on one another, supporting one another, I have had it 15 years, but had 3 remissions of about a year each. Take care, one of your new friends, loretta

Hi Buppy 911, Welcome to NeuroTalk- So sorry you are having all these symptoms. They sound very familiar to me and probably everyone here. Although, I wasn't diagnosed for 4 years, did get immediate treatment following surgery and subsequent symptoms needing therapy-frozen shoulder
After many therapy sessions and massage therapy, went into remission. The therapist said at the end, don't be surprised if you get frozen shoulder on the other side. I thought that was strange, as my surgery was just on left side.
After a year or so, I did get frozen shoulder on other side. More therapy and another remission.
While water skiing felt pull in hand, redness, sensitivity, couldn't even cut my own food or peel a potatoe. fingers curled in, shiny skin and swollen knuckles. with the shoulder had stabbing pains. sweating in hand, frozen fingers, couldn't make a fist, burning as like a fire, so much pain. I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist as having RA although tests were negative. I disagreed and went to a sports injury group orthopedic (hand doc) He knew in 1 minute-rsd. Did a dye test on bones of left hand, confirmed rsd. ordered a Tens Unit that helped and started therapy. (I had flown to Oregon to see this group) Came back to Arizona and saw Neurologist and another Hand Ortho Doc and more tests confirmed RSD -This ortho had a therapy group that were very good -They also did desensetizing. Because of delay didn't get full motion of fingers. But can use hand, although strength has dimenished. About a year later-moved to other hand. Started therapy right away and have full range of motion in right hand. Then moved to one foot , then the other, back, full body and iinternal organs.
If you are near a larger City, a RSD group usually can be found. Can contact RSDSA and put in your zip code and find support group nearest you.
They usually know the local RSD Docs.
A site of a 40 year practicing RSD Doc in Florida is rsdrx.com puzzles list
It is 150 questions from rsd patients and his answers. good info.
I agree with a previous comment on psychiatrist help. It is such a life altering event, that we usually need help to cope with our losses, pain, etc.
My Doc is a neurologist, psyciatrist, and pharmacologist. It's not a common combination, but when I found him 6 years ago, I am so grateful. I had already been thru grief couseling with parents death, but that helped me tremendously cope with a chronic pain condition and disabiling in so many ways.
This is such a wonderful group of caring, compassionate friends who really understand what you are going thru. I guess because RSD comes following surgery or injury, a hand orthopedic doc might be a good way to go. Physical therapist also have a lot of insight. Some neurologist might be aware of RSD. Please ask any questions you might have. One of your new friends, loretta