Originally Posted by Dubious View Post
I am sure that this is not an original question. I had shoulder surgery, developed a real mean case of CRPS (what case isn't though?), got REAL lucky in that it got diagnosed 1 month later, started stellate blocks at 6 weeks post, have had 4 now. CRPS is moderatly controlled now but feel #5 block isn't far off.

Ortho wants to do another surgery to fix the mess created by the first. Says pre and post-surgery blocks will not allow spread or flaring of CRPS. Can anyone tell me their experience of what a second surgery did to them?

THX

This was posted last night by a new member. I am reposting it with a flag because I just didn't want it to get "lost" in an old thread as I think there is a lot of feedback out there from experienced members that could help!!! Thanks to Letstalk for replying to the original thread!! That was valuable information!!

This situation sounds eerily familiar to mine. I too was diagnosed early with RSD and have had a series of 5 blocks. I think that the surgery question is one I have avoided asking because I am so hesitant to even consider another surgery. I am fearful however, that this may be inevitable. I have rsd in the left knee and have come to know what the rsd symptoms are and am able to pinpoint the effects. I have other issues with my knee and have had a couple doctors say that surgery may be the only fix. I am looking forward to some responses as to what happened with people who have actually gone through this 'surgery with RSD/CRPS'. It honestly scares me to death just to think about as I type those words. J.

I sure don't want to sound like I'm giving medical advice but doctors have repeatedly told me that surgery is to be avoided. There are cases where there's a problem that's causing RSD and it needs to be corrected to give you a chance of its going away. I'd strongly recommend a second opinion if the doctor can't convince you that this is the best course or if he has misgivings. You need to know just what he wants to fix. There's probably no point in some operation to increase range of motion if it's going to cause a worsening of symptoms.

Talk to the doctor and try to get a feel for the risk vs reward. If in doubt get a second opinion. The time to act is when you haven't had the disease long but rash moves can be detrimental.

I know this is pretty wishy washy but I'm wishing you luck and fearing the worst.

I've considered a couple operations. Luckily I refused the carpal tunnel even before they told me what the problem was.