Welcome Velkyn,

We all understand wanting the old way of life back. And if one of us could just suck it up, push harder and make this go away we certainly would! CRPS just doesn't work that way, no shame there. You are not weak or worthless or alone. Living with this illness requires determination and grit and the support of people who understand when you need to come vent and get encouragement. I am so very glad that your doctor had the wisdom to point you in our direction. I am also glad that you are going to go to a pain therapist and try acupuncture. I have found both very helpful. Not everyone tolerates acupuncture but I find it helps me a lot. Working with a therapist who understood pain, chronic illness and the loss that goes with it made a big difference in my ability to cope and move past a lot of negative feelings. You will progress and find it easier to deal with.

It saddens me to hear that you have had so much time stuck in bed. For me, getting out as much as possible makes a big difference in my mental health, even if it is just outside in the backyard where I have several bird feeders and two small self-contained fountains. There is always joy and activity out there and I find it brings me solace just to sit out there on my worst days. Getting as much exercise as I can safely do helps a lot too. It maintains strength and flexibility as much as possible and I think is part of why I have so far not developed some of the bone issues seen with CRPS. I spent many months on crutches so for a long time exercise meant getting in the pool at the gym. When I couldn't kick yet I just swished around in there with a buoyancy belt. It sure helped stave off a lot of aches and pains. Do what you can and give yourself credit for those things. If it's only five minutes on an exercise bike or even just a few PT exercises at home they are imperative for mind and body. If you haven't checked Vit B and D levels, please do. Vit D is good for chronic pain and nerve health and it is often low. My neuro checked it, insisted actually despite my thinking it would be okay with a multivitamin and Texas sunshine. I was wrong, gonna supplement for life now.

Come check in sometimes and maybe join our "one sock club". Forgive yourself for not being able to do what you used to. Never give up and keep fighting, just not so hard that it hurts!

Take care and be kind to yourself. I am sending Healing Love,
Littlepaw