Hi murgir

I'm so sorry you have this to del with, but there are some very important things you need to start believing straight away I know this is a scary time, and you are dreading the future, but honestly it doesn't have to mean the end of too much.

This is not the end. You don't have to start anticipating dreadful things around every corner. Remember that most online forums are weighted in favour of those who are struggling with spread or other complications - there are plenty of CRPS sufferers who are living their lives, working, holidaying and having fun much like before. They don't have the same need to be part of a forum. Yes the pain sucks, but it is not always debilitating, and it doesn't always get worse. Spread can happen, but again it's not a definite.

You have to stay positive and hopeful. Don't go looking for more trouble than you already have! Thinking positive and making plans for ordinary things will keep you involved in life and will actively help you deal with your pain. Staying in, being scared and worried will just stress you out - and stress is a bad idea. Avoid it wherever you can

The worst thing you can do with CRPS is to 'guard' any affected area. It's vital that you use it as normally as possible keep it moving, keep using it - the CRPS adage is 'use it or lose it' and it's very very true. Don't just do your exercises - keep things moving gently as much as you can.

Epsom salts are great little things Get some unperfumed ones from the chemist and use a few tablespoons in a warm bath, or wrap some in a damp cloth and put it on your skin when it burns. It's honestly well worth a try.

I know it sounds weird, but get started with some relaxation exercises like deep breathing ones, and meditation, they help to relax you and your body, and it really helps with pain. Don't underestimate the power of your brain to help you when it is feeling happier You can download tracks from iTunes or get some online. I use the Mindfulness ones. I also do some general exercises called Qi Gong that are gentle, but work on core strength and stretching. They help to keep things moving - if you stop exercising, it doesn't take long for all sorts of muscles to get very weak and then you are open to other problems.

I'd also advise you to watch your diet - it's easy to eat rubbish when you're feeling low and hopeless (I did it lol), but piling on the pounds is always bad, and meds can help with that too Eating healthily gives your body the best chance to fight against problems, and will help your digestion too - which seems to be particularly under attack when you are on meds... Try to limit junk food, processed food and sugars, caffeine and saturated fat. Veg, fruit and whole grains, olive oil, oily fish, nuts, etc are all good and rich in the vitamins and minerals your body needs. It all helps to make you feel a bit better.

One of the hardest and best things to get is a decent primary care doctor who is willing to come with you on this journey and help you as much as they can. Go by your gut instinct, and if you feel your doc isnt right then consider trying to find another one. You also need a pain management specialist - to be honest meds can only do so much, but they have lots of things that can help. Try to find one with some experience of CRPS... Don't be afraid to ask to see a psychologist if you are feeling depressed regularly. It's common to need to talk to someone about all the feelings that leap on you when you're given this diagnosis.

Stay away from ice under any circumstances, as it's really bad for CRPS. Avoid extremes of temperatures, and instead of giving the things you enjoyed up, try adapting them to suit what you can do, or finding alternatives that still keep you social and fulfilled. It's easy for your social life to shrink right down (been there, done that, it's no fun at all) and being solitary and in pain is not good for the soul!!

Really really good luck. Keep posting and let us know how you get on. There are loads of lovely folk here who have some fab advice and tips, and we are good listeners

Bram.