[RichS]

Hey all, new member and found this site after being diagnosed. A little about me. I just turned 50 a couple of weeks ago, and very physically active still. I was into Bodybuilding when I was younger for many years, and up until recently still worked out 4-5 times a week. I'm into Road Biking, and occasionally Mountain Biking. I had a degenerated disc at L5/S1 for a long time, and decided to have it fused in September since it was starting to hurt more and more after anything physical. Surgery went great as far as the back is concerned. About a week after surgery, my Sciatic nerve hurt down through my hamstring,calf, shin and foot. At first the surgeon said it was normal and would settle down with time. For about two weeks the pain was so bad it was almost unbearable. Real life torture was about what I would compare it to. Eventually it all went away except for my foot. My surgeon was concerned and had me checked for Gout, and a blood clot, which both came back negative. He seemed to be baffled, but said try walking more and it should clear up. After 12 weeks I had a follow up, and he was stumped. He said by then it should be back to normal. My foot felt like Neuropathy, but stays swollen, with nonstop extreme tingling, and shocking. I can barely wear socks, much less shoes. Even socks are too tight. He told me that he thinks it's RSD and wants me to see a specialist, and released me since the back issues are fine. I have no idea how to proceed from here. First I'm scared out of my mind. I've read alot, seen pictures here, and terrified at how far this can possibly progress. I keep thinking it can get so bad that I will loose my job and can't support my family. I've been very depressed since finding out what I have. As far as what to do next, do I start with a Pain Doctor, or a Neurologist? I've read that taking action early can possibly result in remission, so I don't want to wast time. My first thoughts were to see a pain doctor, but then I started thinking that would just be masking the pain, and not really getting to the issue. I'm totally lost here. Can you all point me in the right direction where to proceed? I want to get on this as soon as possible.