I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago with "probable" CRPS. I had a rotator cuff repair in July 08, 4 months after a work injury. After months of physical therapy, my pain kept increasing. My range of motion was also worse than before the surgery. I developed swelling in the collar bone area and the side of my neck along with radiating pain from my ear down to my elbow, a creepy-crawly feeling across the back of my shoulder and tingling in the fingers. My surgeon said he was not concerned about my pain that he was more concerned with my function(which I thought was odd because I went to him for pain...my function was not very limited before the surgery). At the urging of PT he sent me for a cervical mri and an emg. That showed slight herniation of c4c5 and that I had carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome so he sent me to a pain specialist for epidural injections. The pain specialist did not think the disc were significant enough to cause my pain and symptoms, examined me thoroughly and said he thought I may have CRPS due to my blotchy skin and weird symtoms. He started me on neurontin and refered me to a hand specialist for my hand symtoms. The hand specialist said he didn't think I had CRPS and gave me a cortisone injection for carpal tunnel. That was 4 days ago. Today I have a deep stabbing, burning type pain in the palm of my hand and can barely bend my fingers. Is this normal after a cortsone injection? Also my WC adjuster called a little while ago and said that I needed to go for an IME before he would approve any more treatments. He is setting up the appointment now. I guess the fun is just beginning. I don't want this to be CRPS. I am very greatful that someone is finally addressing my pain and hope that WC does not impeed any progress I may make with the PM Dr. Sorry for rambling I am just tired and frustrated.