Hi Adelaide, I'm so sorry you had such a rough week. I completely understand your fears and have felt the same way at times. One time I fell down the stairs because I lost my balance because of the ringing in my right ear (tinnitus) and down the stairs I went. My husband jumped out of bed and came running down and asked if I was ok. I couldn't speak. I couldn't move. I just started crying hysterically because I thought I broke something which terrified me because I know that rsd can spread with another broken bone. I finally sat up and hugged my husband and said I was physcially unharmed, but mentally I was a mess. I must have sat at the bottom of the stairs with him for about fifteen minutes before I could stand up on my own. I thank goodness for my husband and son. I also thank goodness for the friendship and support I've gotten from people on forums like this one. It helps alot to know I'm not alone. I hope it helps you alot to know that you're not alone either. You have two families now. Your family at home and your family here on this forum. I hope that calms your nerves a little. As for being afraid to go out because of fear of being bumped into, I understand, but I try to go out a little as well as keep taking the stairs, because if I don't, then my rsd will own me. And I won't allow that to happen. It's taken enough from me. I hope that your rsd will not come to own you either. Just remember to take it one minute, one hour and one day at a time. And always remember that you have a friend in me. With love, Renee.