Hi Rebecca;  I too am new here and had the same go around as you trying to find out what was the problem. I had the shingles in my right hand and it has left me with little use and the stiffness and pain. I am not currently on a lot of pain meds like I was after I came out of the hospital the  last time.  I know so little about this.. I do know that the last few days have been terrible.. I never know if a new pain in another part of my body is from the RSD or just plain old age.   I really feel for you and the problems and with a small child to care  for also. It certainly is a scarey affliction. I don't know if I am in remission or not as I do not have the severe pain that I had the  last time I went to the hospital.  I was to the emergency room numerous times and to several docs and in and out of the hospital before finally being diagnosed. Some docs actually just plain admitted they didn't know the problem. We all know the feeling of being frustrated about it.Some how we are going to have to make docs more aware of the problem.  Just hang in there. My prayers are with you also as with every one else that has this terrible affliction.