I have symptoms of crps in all 4 limbs. After reading all these helpful posts (thanks!) & consulting with my PM doc, I got the flu shot this weekend in my best arm with a pediatric needle and used a lidocaine patch over the tiny bandage immediately after, and contine to put a fresh lido patch on each day - so far so good. I plan to do the lido patch for 2 weeks.

She told me they could use the ped needle on me as I do not have body fat on my arms (I am pretty petite). Otherwise she said the injection would not go in deep enough due to body fat.
I could not imagine getting the flu on top of all this pain!

I was told by my doc (Dr. Schwartzman) that I wasn't allowed any innoculations, included flu shot. I'm an odd case as I have CRPS, MS, and Transverse Myelitis. BUT, I know other CRPS patients without multiple neuro-diagnoses that have been given the same prescription.

I'm immuno-suppressed, and in the past 4 years (since TM onset) I've only been normal sick twice, both following travel. I no longer work, avoid crowds, use hand sanitizer religiously and ask people I'm with to share in the joy, and I wash my hands every time I enter/exit or pass a sink... and most importantly probably, I stopped touching my face and stay away completely, or keep at least a 3 foot perimeter from someone who's sick (nurse's advice).

But it sounds like there's a lot of different opinions on this subject, so the best thing is always to get 1 or 2 opinions from doctors you trust - who are treating you for CRPS.

Best,
Melanie

I got a flu shot and I bruised up real bad, but the shot itself did not hurt. My doctor advised me to get one so I hopefully don't have to deal with the flu on top of RSD.

I go ahead and do the shot. My immune system isn't so good. I did contract the flu a number of years ago. You don't want the flu, gurantee that.... I would rather risk the shot in any case, and have less risk of that happeneing again. Took Relenza, and was sick for 6 weeks. Shot in my opinion is better. All of us are different however. ginnie