Hi Edward,

I'm so sorry that you've been diagnosed with RSD I hope it didn't take too long; usually RSD patients have to go from doctor to doctor to find one that knows about it and doesn't just say you're crazy. My daughter and I were lucky; our podiatrist knew what it was and diagnosed it immediately.

I don't have any advice about workers' comp issues, but I just wanted to welcome you and say that you're not alone! Boards like this are helpful, both for information and for venting to people that understand. Just start reading through the threads and asking questions.

Good luck finding a good doctor! That's really important. They are out there, so keep looking.

Glad you found this site, they're (we're) great at sharing personal experiences with this horrible condition. I'm really sorry you have to experience it.
I have no experience with work comp. but I agree you should be careful and probably do not use full real name on here.
Do keep looking for the right doctor, get new referrals whatever. Especially look at pain management offices. Be careful of the ones that exist only to dispense oxycodone etc.
The good ones will screen for drug shoppers. Try to ask when you call if there's a doc. with experience with RSD. Who gave you the diagnosis, maybe they can help.
There's no cure, but some drugs can help depending on the person. Definately AVOID ICE on the affected limb! Look at RSDHope.org as well b/c there are many articles and correct information there.

Had it for close to 30 yrs now, early on I got some good advice without a diagnosis. The advice that has helped me beat it into remission several times is fairly standard. Diet, Use It Or Lose It/ Rest when needed, Spiritual Meditation and force yourself to focus on being thankful for what you still CAN do. As most things in life attacking this problem is 90% mental. Good luck and welcome aboard.

I'm a WC TOS that evolved into RSD.

If that's your real name, definitely change your screen name and be careful to not mention your employer, doc's name, or anything else that could be used to identify you.

Something as simple as posting that you had fun at your cousin's wedding last weekend could be used against you by WC if you've told them you can't get out of the house, etc.

This is a great forum. I hope that you will find the help that you need to navigate the system and some friends who understand to help you through those tough pain days.

Hi Edward. I'm a CRPS newbie too. Mine was not caused by an injury though. I developed mine following surgery on my right wrist in December.

I'm afraid I don't have much advice. I would say it is important to find the right doctor. You need someone who understands CRPS and in whom you have some confidence. I don't see how you can have much confidence in a doctor whom you do not feel listens to you.

It can be a confusing and frightening diagnosis. I struggle with not knowing what will happen. Since it is early days for me, I think there is still a chance it will get better.

I have found that no one I know has ever heard of CRPS or RSD and it is difficult to explain. I guess I also just don't always want to explain it. The great thing about this forum is you don't have to explain and you are welcome to vent. Everyone here understands what you are going through.