Hello rory47,

It is not uncommon to feel pain in areas that you might not notice when one is worried about an unknown condition/disease/syndrome. You will naturally pay more attention to things, this is good to a certain point. My advice would be to jot everything down in detail. Where the pain is exactly, what type of pain it is (being as descriptive of the pain characteristics is very telling to the doctors), what triggers it, what alleviates it (if anything). Is it constant or come and go? Take pictures of your limbs if you notice changes in skin color. Make a list of all the meds you are taking and how they help (or don't) and what you are doing daily to help cope with pain (ie, epsom salt baths, daily therapy, distraction, brain games, mirror therapy, etc.,) in addition to any meds.

As hard as it is please try not to dwell on pains throughout the body.. make a note of them and then move on. When they become constant and not relieved by distraction then you can almost assume it is part of the CRPS/RSD. I would try to remain as optimistic as you can about what is going on and while keeping track and learning as much as you can HOLD ON TO EVERY OUNCE of HOPE you've got that this is not what is going on with you. It's hard.. I know.. but you will only make yourself worse off by worrying too much. Please don't take offense as the words are only meant with kindness and compassion.

Regarding the nails. Yes, it is common that nails become ridged in the CRPS/RSD affected limbs but.. this can also happen due to dietary deficiencies and arthritis, inflammatory issues and even thyroid issues can cause dry, brittle, ridged and cracked nails.

Are you on the cancellation wait-list at your Neuro's office? Making a call first thing in the morning daily can often get you in early. Especially on Monday's and Friday's when people tend to cancel appt's. Worth a shot if you haven't thought of it.

I do hope you get answers soon - in the mean time what are you doing daily to get through this?

Hang in there!