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Originally Posted by velkyn
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I'm exhausted and furious that My life is so effected. I am not able to get out much other than drs appts and high medication doses to walk any length of time. I've spent the better part of the last two years physically in bed, hopeless.
I thought the other painful symptoms I've been having are just related to atrophy but he and I discussed today that it is most likely progression of the RSD. I'm angry and terrified of living this way or getting even worse.
I've decided to try acupuncture and even start seeing a therapist who specializes in chronic pain. I'm not happy about any of this. I feel ashamed, guilty and pathetic because I can't understand why I can't just suck it up and push through and continue to be the major financial contributor I had been. I'm so very angry and ashamed. I feel weak and worthless.
I hope finally connecting with other people who have this miserable condition will help me learn and find effective coping strategies. I don't want to live this way! I want my life back =(
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This. All of this. I have powerfully felt all of these things. I am so very sorry you are going through this. You are not alone. There may be a way to get back pieces of your old self or to come to terms with a new self. I see both an acupuncturist and a therapist and it has really helped me cope. I appauld you for seeking out those resources. There are acupuncturists who help you work through the emotional as well as the physical - mine does. Where I get therapy, they also have peer support. It has been wonderful to have someone to talk to who isn't a friend and isn't a therapist. Maybe you can see if there is something like that for you where you are. Or a group might be helpful. I am doing art therapy and while it has it's ups and downs, it's helped me work on things I've had a hard time voicing or even understanding. I've also begun doing restorative yoga (you lie in poses for 20 minutes - entirely non-weight bearing) and it was the first thing besides medication that moved the pain down a notch for me. Therapeutic yoga is also a nice option - it's essentially stretching. Really any stretching helps, even though it can hurt in the moment. Meditation and mindfulness have really helped me live more in the present and not think about the past or worry about the future. That may be of interest at some point.
I do hope you find support. You are always welcome to PM me. I, like so many others here, understand the struggles of dealing with this condition. Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey with us.
