I will have an appointment with a Neurologist 03-07 but I am wondering if I might have something else other than CRPS/RSD. I have a lot of similar symptoms. But not nearly that much swelling or coldness. The temp difference was only 15-17 degrees instead of 31 which is indicative if RSD. Also only very very light mottling. There is numbness, tingling, burning and extreme pain. My average daily pain has gone down since I went to part time at work. But still have good and very very bad days. I'm wondering if it might just be some sort of nerve damage and if so what else can present like Rsd crps??? I've been searching but not finding any matches. Any ideas??

It is definitely worthwhile to rule out all other possibilities when it comes to RSD, so I think it's always a good idea to exhaust all options on that front. When my RSD spread I went through a TON of testing to rule out a lot of other things. Treatment for RSD vs. another condition could be vastly different and therefore it is important to rule out those other possibilities.

That said...as I am sure you are aware...you do not need to have ALL the symptoms of RSD to HAVE RSD. I always sort of chuckle when people say they do not have a "textbook" case of RSD. There is no "textbook" case of RSD in my opinion as we are ALL different. Very rarely do I have all my RSD symptoms at the same time and some that I had in the beginning have subsided or occur very rarely while others popped up much later. One example is the RSD limb getting cold. In the beginning this was the case all the time...my left leg was MUCH colder and this was very noticeable by touch. After I had a sympathetic block done...that particular symptom pretty much went away except for bad flares. Just because that particular symptom isn't there 24/7...doesn't mean I don't have RSD.

Coloring is another thing. I don't get the dark discoloration that I have seen in many photos...it's more subtle and in my upper body tends to look more like a slight sunburn than anything else (especially when I have it on both sides and there isn't something to compare it to). It's still there and a symptom of the RSD...but it's not as drastic as it is for someone else. It's more noticeable on my feet because my right (thank goodness) does not have RSD...but you really do need to see them side by side to notice.

EVERY case of RSD is different. I sincerely HOPE you do not have it but don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because you don't have ALL the symptoms of RSD or because you don't have them as noticeably as the next person that this means you do not have RSD. Work with your doctor to sort through this and get to the bottom of things. Take care.

Hi CRPS Songbird, I looked at some of your recent posts and I'm assuming also by your name, you have already been diagnosed with CRPS? It's good you are seeing a neuro soon. I know this is a tough DX to absorb. When I was diagnosed and started reading the paperwork the ortho doc gave me, it was like reading a foreign language-so difficult to absorb. I followed that up with a neuro with same dx.
Like was mentioned, because of the variety of symptoms and varying degrees of symptoms, it can be confusing. And as we all know, we don't want this diagnosis.
I am a huge believer of taking charge of our health. Keeping copies of our tests, blood work etc. and knowing what those numbers mean. I appreciate so much all the info on this site, the reseach that is shared, personal experiences, comfort and support. We certainly all need it. I hope your neuro appt. goes well and you get some answers. Keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. loretta

Talk to your new neuro about that. Discuss that you question the dx and want his opinion on it. Just don't lose sight of your main goal of getting adequate treatment for the symptoms you are having.

In my case, I could list the way my case does not have x.y.and z from the "typical" RSD case, but I always have to come back to my main complaint......"severe burning pain out of proportion to the severity of the original injury" That really only fits with RSD.

I also like Catra's reminder....there is no "typical" with RSD

I do have an appt with a Neuro 03-07, so we'll see what he has to say.
I talked with my new PCP today for CRPS. He wants me to try a 2week run of Prednizone. We'll see how that works out. He basically said there really -0- left for me medication wise. Since I have soo many adverse reactions and allergic reactions to almost ALL of the nerve pain meds, ie Lyrica, Cymbalta, Neurontin, Nortriptyline......ugh lol. I'm having a hard time because I'm only on Tramadol for pain. Still seeing PT and starting with a pain psychologist. We're trying hypnotherapy and boy feedback. Maybe it will help. I know I need something. Part-time work is killing my finances but has proved to help my pain levels....

just thought I'd update all my friends!!

I am curious to hear how the hypnotherapy will work for you. I looked into that a few years ago, but could not find a local practitioner.

so far, because it's just beginning, it's not slowing the pain much but I am more relaxed.SO that's a start...now if she can help me lose a little weight too...lol