Hi Again everyone,

For everyone who read my previous thread and introduction you know that I have been having very odd symptoms since my attempted blood donation in October of 2006.

The stinging pain around the site which stayed but seemed to be healing seemed to worsen in May or so when my arm became swollen and felt as though it was engulfed in flames and also felt like cracking when moved in certain positions.

I've been to a number of doctors who all agree my symptoms must have come from the venipuncture, because they couldn't find any other reasons for symptoms but also didn't know how to treat it. EMG's and MRI's found very small but "unremarkable" (as they say) findings.

I went back to my Arm/Hand Surgeon today who has been evaluating me and prescribing Orthopedic Therapy for the past few months. Today my arm was still swollen, I mentioned the unbearable fire that seemed to exist on the back of my shoulder and neck last Friday. The swelling has been traveling up my arm and now my nerves are compressed in my cervical area. He compared both of my hands and noticed my left (injured) side was moist while my right was completely dry and had more blood circulation. He is now convinced I have VP CRPS Type II. (Venipunture induced)

He is sending me to a very good Pain Clinic in Boston and is trying to get me in immediately for a MRI of my spine and to schedule a Ganglion Nerve Block. I hope this works...although I realize the relief may not last very long. He seems very committed to helping me. You know, sometimes you go into a doctors office and they haven't seen you in months and while you're sitting there they're reviewing your chart? HE didn't have to...he remembered our conversations, the Cortisone shot, everything. He really seems to care. He even held my hand and looked right into my eyes in a very sincere way and promised he would do everything he could for me. It made me cry...because I've been desperately waiting for someone to say those words for so long now.

While I'm disappointed I have this, I knew I had it all along. Or some for of it at least. I'm glad that I have 'something' as I'm am sick of hearing "clearly there is something wrong but I don't know what" by every other doctor I have seen. Very frustrating, you long time suffers probably understand this frustration better than anyone. Now I am scared!!!!!!! So are my family, friends and co-workers.

For the past two days my lips have been tingling, I feel tightness in my face and even my teeth feel as though I had bitten into something very cold. (That's the best I know how to describe it) I really don't want it to affect my face, and not just for vanity reasons, but also because my brain lives behind there!!!!

Please say your prayers for me friends, it looks like there is a long road ahead for me. And I will probably be seeking your advice and stories of similar to help me along. I've found great comfort in some of your posts so far and I thank you.

This weekend I intend to help rescue more lovely Greyhounds, hopefully they will keep my mind off myself!

Your thoughts on what I should expect, although they may be frightening, are always welcome. I can't deny what's ahead for more than a day or two!

Good night friends. I wish you all peaceful and painless dreams...