Gabrel

One thing that I find very important in the area of RSD providers is finding a doctor who is KNOWS RSD. That is finding a doctor who has the credentials for not only treating RSD but diagnosing RSD. Keep in mind not all RSD doctors treat RSD and diagnose RSD. Some doctors may just diagnose it or just treat it. And there is not one single medical speciality that deals with RSD. Neurologists are popular, but also are orthopods, rheumatologists, and psyatrists (rehab doctor).

But you ask just HOW do you find a RSD doctor? Well to there is a lot of work to be done here. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE going to the doctor. This will save you time and money. The first would be to ask your family doctor for ideas. Also your local pharmacy...I'm not talking to walk into any pharmacy, but if you have a regular one you go to and a regular pharmacist, ask him or her as remember they are the ones who fill prescriptions from all over your state! Next, if you have a RSD group in your area attend a meeting and ask. If not the next best is to set aside an hour a day and pick up the phonebook and get a pen and paper and look for specialists and make a list. Then call, call call.

But what to ask? Well, you ask:
FIRST ask to speak with the office nurse or one who can answer questions on the doctor. If they won't help or return your call then you're wasting your time. If they say you have to come in, you're wasting time.
1. Does the doctor diagnose and treat RSD patients? One or both?
2. How many people does the doctor see with RSD on a daily basis? You want a doctor who sees people with to diagnose and/or treat each day. Not seeing people once a week or once a month. If they give a BS statement like "how many people who think they have RSD or actual cases" then hang up and run. Keep in mind you want a doctor who sees RSD people on a regular basis as this is the doctor who will be most up to date on current RSD treatments and will be an "expert" in the field of RSD. Also should your case ever need to go to court the doctor will be an expert.
3. Ask what treatments the doctor uses for RSD? And the outcomes? If they use medications/opiates when needed? A doctor who says they ONLY use medications or blocks is not a good doctor. You want a doc who uses both.
4. Ask how much of doctors practice is dedicated to RSD?
5. Ask the doctors training in RSD and how long been working with RSD patients?
6. Finally ask if they feel RSD can spread. IF they say NO then do not go to the doctor.

If your phonebook has nobody. Look at a major city near you call. OR a major city with a major teaching university hospital. Many have RSD clinics.

Keep in mind you may need to travel a bit to see a doctor. It is not unheard of people taking 3-5 hour drives one way. Or even staying overnight. I know for my doctor, people travel by airplane across the country.

If anyone has other ideas in finding RSD doctors or weeding them out, please post!