Thanks ladies! Bram and Syl, I know you are right. I am certain the wheelchair assistance made a big difference to the condition I was in when I arrived. And because I'm doing okay (not fabulous but manageable), I am able to participate in the final arrangements for the wedding.

It is such a big help to me to have you guys here telling me it is okay to have assistance. It is odd because I swear I have never been one to judge anyone else. I know if I saw me getting wheelchair assistance in the airport, I wouldn't think anything of it; I would just assume the person had a disability that wasn't clearly visible. Why is it so much harder when you are the person in the chair?

And Syl, you're right, the rest of me isn't 100%. And walking does hurt my arm. I guess it is the movement? I know standing in that massive customs line would have kicked my butt.

I can't tell you how much it helps to have you guys tell me I'm not being silly. I was raised to tough it out. When I was a kid, if I was sick or in pain, I was expected to not let it show. And if I did, then, well, I was in pain AND in trouble. So, I am struggling with it being okay to make any concessions to this stupid disease. Of course, I have no choice. I simply cannot carry on as if nothing is wrong because that just isn't physically possible.

I know I'm lucky though. I know the CRPS could be much worse than it is. I don't know if it will get worse, but I am so glad to be able to be here helping my sister sort things out for the wedding and to be her (aged) matron of honour.