Hello there...new to this forum/community. I was recently diagnosed with RSD by my Bone/Joint Specialist. My original injury was sustained, to my shoulder, almost exactly 6 months ago. My symptoms include alternating burning pain in my hand, and, at other times, a cold sensation accompanied with sensitivity to touch in that area (and it, then changing to a purplish color). I have low grade fevers, insomnia (even when I take a sleeping pill), aching pain, dull pain, heavy feeling type of pain in my shoulder, and, intermittent tingling sensations that run to my bicep, elbow, and down to my hand. Just recently, I have been awakened, in the middle of the night, crying, unable to go back to sleep, due to an incredibly intense stiffness/muscle spasms in my lower back that are very debilitating. Seemingly, lately, with worker's comp, in the midst of decided whether to continue to approve or deny continued physical therapy, I have had far more "bad days" than "good days." What I would call, for me, and "average" pain day, would be the pain level at about a 6. However, I think my pain tolerence, along the way, over these months has increased. It has been so limiting to my life...in every single way. I am unable to work, had to terminate one job already due to this injury, and, most days, over these six months, I have been unable to leave the house for more than an hour (just running simple errands) before I have to come home and "listen to my body", and not what every other part of my spirit wants to do, and be in pain for the rest of afternoon and evening. It has been emotionally devasting, obviously as well as a byproduct of this pain that will not cease, nor offer much relief of symptoms.

So, any answers to these following questions, and or any feedback, is incredibly welcomed, as I feel ,currently, very alone in this experience I am only beginning to digest and or understand...
do these symptoms, in your experiences, sound like RSD? How can I be sure?
What medications seem to work well/other treatments have worked well? Currently, I am taking Neurontin(aka Gabapentin), 500 mg, three times a day and Hydrocodone "when needed."....though I feel if I actually took it, "when needed," I would be popping pills all day long. I only take that medication when the pain is nearly unbearable.

I am seeing a pain management specialist/RSD specialist early next week..but, I would love to have insight/input, from anyone out there, that may be useful to know, to take with me to this appointment...even what questions I could ask...

I appreciate your taking the time to read this, and ANY feedback/ideas anyone has to offer/say/suggest....