Roz,
I have accepted the theory which seems to be the most obvious. I guess I never really posted "my story" so this may be a novel.

Many moons ago, I was working in the triage area at my local hospital (not the one I work in now.) A woman came in yelling that her brother was "dying in the drive" because his "sugar was low." So, I guess they crammed this huge guy into the back of a king-cab type truck and I ran out to find him looking very crappy. My staff pulled a stretcher to the truck and I, feeling all "ER", attempted to pivot him out of the truck and onto the stretcher myself as there was little room for extra people in the open door. I dislocated my left knee and the guy actually left the ER before me. Did the rehab thing and for many years had absolutely no problem or pain with it. I skiied pretty heavily and always had a physical job. About three years ago, the knee would occasionally dislocate, then pop back in. Yes, this hurt like hell, but in a couple of days back to normal. This frequency increased over the last couple of years until it became a problem (my boss had an issue because I could not forsee when this would happen and one must call off with time to find a replacement or one gets in trouble.) Thus, on 10/15/08, I underwent a left knee arthroscopy and patellar realignment. All went well and I was in the preop area talking to the anesthesia groupies (attending and residents). Anesthesiologist asked if I had a preference between blocks or GETA (generalized endotracheal antesthesia or being put on the ventilator.) Honestly THEN I didn't care. Being a nurse, I'm not afraid of intubation, but I did have a little reluctance because I'm a smoker and didn't want ventilator associated pneumonia. Anyway-told the attending that I didn't really have a strong preference so she should use her best judgement as to what works better for the procedure (this is the beginning of the end of my life-shouldn't I see or hear something special????) So, in her infinite wisdom (more on this later) she did a block on me. Now, I know exactly what she did because I've seen attendings walk residents through this more times than you would ever believe. She's talking out loud about anatomical landmarks to find the nerve and miss the femoral artery and vein (big oops with the artery or vein when injecting the drug and it goes right "downtown") So she was attempting to hit either a femoral block or an anterior sciatic block. Anyway, they stab me in the groin and I sit there. Bit of time goes by and I get scared. Only the lateral half of my leg is numb (outside) and I'm afraid that they are going to take me back only half numb, so I get a bit teary. One of the preop nurses goes by and inquires as to why I am upset and I tell her. She sends over the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist hears my story and leans over to say "don't worry-I'll take care of it" and proceeds to knock me out with Versed (that medicine that makes you all woozy and forget everything.) Fast forward to a couple of days after my OR. I'm thinking that the severe numb/burning/tingling/patchy feeling is the block wearing off. One day three I call my ortho and demand that something is significantly wrong with my leg-like really. Well, I got this ortho through a referral from a friend that I used to work with, so she was both aware of my background and concerned because her doing this personally was sort of a professional courtesy to my friend. So, me and another doctor friend of mine go in to see her in the office. I had never even heard of RSD and they were all around me youching me and asking me questions, but talking to eachother like I wasn't even there. When doctors do that they are either rude, teaching, or nervous. Well, they say "It can't be RSD-it's too soon" like twenty million times. In my own ignorance, I think they are saying RSV (the initials for a pneumonia mostly in premature babies) and think "of course it's not that-I have othing to worry about." So since I don't have RSV, I wasn't really nervous. Next thing I know I get hit up side the head with some out of this world goofball story that I have to see a specialist, etc. Everyone is panicky but me. Slowly it dawns on me. Fast forward to the PMR appt. He examines me and deems that I have all of the "classic and diagnostic" signs of CRPS (he likes that better) and he has no idea when or if I will work again. In his opinion (and this is one of the few things he has ever uttered) I had my operation with half pain block and full consciousness block. So, I don't remember it, but my sympathetic nervous system freaked out because it took the hit of the surgery. He won't go as far as saying she (*@#&$)'d up, but he does in several round-about ways ie "if there is anyone to be angry with in this, I would start with her." etc. Thus began my RSD to the best of my knowledge. So, to anyone who has had the patience to read this whole diatribe through, PLEASE let me know your take on whether I should kill her or if this was a surgical fluke. It is the question which wakes me from sleep. BTW-I got the name of a certain lawyer and he personally has successfully sued her twice before for the exact same thing. I feel like my health care system loves me.
Miss Roz, this is why I think I got RSD.
Lori Lee

Dear Lori Lee,

Before I had RSD I never thought that I would EVER consider suing a medical professional. NOW I feel differently. If you are looking for support in pursuing a case against the person or people responsible for your pain, consider me on your side.

I am so sorry for you. Thanks for sharing your story.

I hope you can find some time this weekend to set aside for yourself. Take a nice hot bath. Sip your favorite beverage (adult or other). Eat some chocolate.

XOXOX Sandy