Feather, six to eight months is far too long to wait. Look up Dr. Michael Stanton-Hicks at the Cleveland Clinic. They are very experienced in CRPS/RSD at the Cleveland Clinic and will help guide you to in deciding on the best treatment plan of action. I have CRPSII in my arm due to a failed ulnar nerve surgery that impinged my ulnar nerve farther up the arm. I had a second surgery five months later that spread the RSD but improved the burning nerve pain in the compressed area of the nerve. Had I known about Cleveland Clinic at the time, I would have gone there for help and would have had my second surgery there. They have a team in place that can use the proper blocks, etc. if a surgery is critical to your case. However, if not critical, experts say never operate on an RSD patient. I wish I had gone there sooner. It was only after two other RSD patients recommended I go there that I made the effort. It required travel and overnight stays, but it is well worth it. I am going back in October because I have a bone tumor on my other hand and I need surgery. They will prep me for months in advance before they go forward with it. Like you, my RSD in not "cyto protected" enough to have a surgery. CC is the place for me to get that in place before I proceed.

I hope this helps you.

hello,
I use to live in Storm Lake IA. And I was born & raised in the Sioux City area. What part of IA are you from? I am surprised Iowa City didn't know more than they do. I would guess the Mayo Clinic is a pretty good place to go.

I didn't have RSD when living in IA. I am in North/Central CA. Live about 50 miles east of Sacrament on Hiway 50.

DebbyV

ps btw I have RSD in both feet since '03. Thankfully I have little to no spread. What spread I started to have we nipped in the bud with SGB's. upper nerve blocks for my hands.

Hello

I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa it is about 25 minutes from Iowa City. I went there before the referal to Mayo Clinic. The Doctor I saw for 5 minutes said that she does not know how I could be diagnosed with RSD if I had not had surgery on the tear of the tendon yet. She stated that I had to have surgery as it is a requirement of the defenition of RSD, she told me to go have sugery and then when I need her to come back.

The next day when I saw the nureologist she said that she is supprissed at the response given at the U of I as it goes against everything she has read about this and to go to the Mayo Clinic.

Coffeebean

Thank you for the name of the doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. Last week I asked for the nurse to ask my Neurologist about the Cleveland Clinic and they did not know a lot about it. I was so glad to see your reply that I called the Neurologist to provided the doctor's name so that they can call the Clinic and see what they can do for a referral. I will let you know how it turns out.

Feather

Hey. I go to Cleveland Clinic and saw Dr Stanton Hicks and am going to have a procedure by him shortly. I also did there day pain program well not fully and saw another pain doc previous to him there. I commute from Mi but if you want to email me. I am probably going to be stayng around CC for around a month too for the pt part. Anyhow sorry I am late to this but just thought I would chime in