ToePain.....give yourself a major break here. You have as much and more to offer somebody else than so-called 'normal' people. Everyone has problems that they carry around with them day-to-day - its just that yours is something you know about and is a physical limitation. There are plenty of folk out there who look 'normal' but have all sorts of far more relationship-damaging issues, like an inability to commit to one person, a nasty temper, a childhood problem that they dwell on and can't get past, selfishness, a belief that women are only useful behind a kitchen sink , a cruel streak, and many many more... Each one of those is more of a problem to a relationship than your CRPS will ever be.

You seem like a decent guy. Have some belief in yourself and don't ever let your CRPS stop you from something like this. Do you know what women want most of all? A guy who is honest about themselves, who hides no dark secrets, who has an open heart and a sense of humour, isn't critical of us, and who will be faithful and true. All those cliched old-fashioned values lol We just want to be loved and valued. Same as you.

I'm not saying its not going to have an impact, but for the right woman, that impact will not be the brick wall you imagine. Obviously don't bombard a new date with all the CRPS stuff within the first ten minutes lol, but you can certainly mention it briefly and then see how things go before letting her have the full picture gradually over a few dates. If you talk about it so much that it seems like a major deal to you then yes, of course it will be a scary thing for someone new to hear, but if you talk honestly but show her that there's a lot more to you than your CRPS, she won't think of it is as such a major issue either.

Health issues come into relationships at one time or another anyway. Yes of course you might get other health problems over time, but so might anyone. Don't dwell too much on what might happen....now is precious and here to be enjoyed where and when we can.

Sorry to go on, it's just that I can't bear to hear you say those things!! Give yourself a chance here. Don't close that door.

Good luck. I know it's not easy, but life is out there and you deserve it as much as anyone else.

Bram.