I'm also grateful that my RSD isn't worse. I think about that every time I come here and read the stories of people who are dealing with more severe symptoms, spreading, etc.

I would have a problem with someone else telling me that I have to be grateful for that though. Fine with me if friends and family aren't trying to think up comments to make on my health/pain issues. I don't want to be the focus of all of my interactions. If they do feel the need to make a comment though, either because they are happy to see me up and about or because they can see I'm having a tough day, I wish they would give a moment's thought to making it a comment that helps, not hurts.

If my house were to burn down, but my family and dog all escaped/weren't home, I would be grateful. I would appreciate a comment from a friend that said, "Thank God your family is safe, but still it must be awful to lose all of your belongings. I'm sorry for your losses. I can't imagine not having the outfits I took my babies home from the hospital in, their photo albums. Some items can't be replaced. How are you doing with that ?" I would not find it helpful if someone said, "Well, no one was hurt. Your family is fine, so you didn't really suffer a loss."