I hafto chime in again.
I was hospitalized back around 1990 by Dr Schwartzman. Back then, way back then, it was in some med. literature that this "sympathectomy" by knife, might be useful.
Well, as I mentioned and I'd like to explain further, they can do a "chemical Sympathectomy", with injections. This way, you get to see if there are any favorable reactions. (There usually are not).
There wasn't for me.
And,
most importantly, you must remember that rsd is progressive!
It can, and most likely will spread!

Someone used the term "Barbaric" for this procedure.
I totally agree.
Your doctor has an OLD book.
Find another doctor, is my advice!
He may want to sell unnecessary surgery, imho.

pete
asb

I also agree with what the others have said and give the Sympathectomy some very serious thought and research before you decide to go ahead with it! From what I understand, it is now supposed to be one of the things that ISN'T suggested for RSD so I would ask why your doctor is even considering it??

I have spoken to a few people that have had a Sympathectomy and for most of them, it made the RSD pain worse and it spread throughout their bodies unfortunately. A friend of mine that had a Sympathectomy told me that if there was ever a cure for RSD, she wouldn't be able to have it as the sympathetic nerve that is affected isn't there. I'm not sure whether that is true or not but thought it was really interesting and pretty upsetting.

Obviously, everyone reacts differently with RSD but I would seriously give the sympathectomy some research and serious consideration before you decide to go ahead with it. There are many medications and therapies out there that might help you instead of going down the route of such drastic surgery. It might be useful to get a second opinion from another dr also and see what they think is the best treatment for you.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon!

i also wanted to comment on this subject .. i have not had this done. and wouldnt even consider this period.. i think like other said this is barbaric at best. there is so much info that this doesnt help at all but usually makes things worse.. like others have said please look into finding another doctor as there are other treatments are so much more effective then this..

carrie