You have RSD and they're planning surgery? I'm confused.

IF you have to have the surgeries ask for blocks. Talk to the Anesteologist when you go in for surgery to do the blocks and that might keep it from spreading.

I have had 8 surgeries on my right arm and hand and 2 on my left plus some in other places and I did ok when I had the blocks. They did mine after I had been sedated for surgery every time.

I have had 2 rotator cuff surgeries and I will tell you, a lot of my pain was coming from the rotator cuff problems. I knew it though. I could actually tell what was the RSD and what was causing the other pains.

I also had a 1st rib removed. Now that is a hard surgery to heal from. The rotator cuff won't be as bad. It took me a year to heal from the TOS surgery.

Don't give up. It will get better and I know what you are going through. It's not easy but as time goes on you will feel better.

As far as the SS. Have you written to any State Reps, Govenors, or Senators? You might try that. That's how I got mine.

I am glad you found the forum. You will get a lot of good support here.

Ada