Joan,

I very much disagree with your theory on stress. In addition, I think that, if taken in the wrong way, it can be highly harmful to our cause.

I understand that you mean that stress may be a contributing factor in the development of RSD, but the way you stated it sounded like stress *becomes* RSD. This just isn't true. Stress is a contributing factor in MANY diseases, but never does stress alone cause a progressive physical illness! EVERYONE has stress, few have RSD. If there is a link, it isn't scientifically proven...and speculation really *can* be harmful.

I've been on this rant for several weeks now, I know. Please, PLEASE be careful how you speak about stress!

When I first got RSD, I was under no more stress than the average sixth grader. Sure, I strove to be the best at the things I enjoy, but that's a fairly universal trait (as in, I know few people who intentionally set out to fail).

We all find it insulting when a doctor tells us that what's wrong with us is stress, right? So please do everyone here the courtesy of not saying the same thing.

To be perfectly honest, being told that I'm stress stresses me out. We're all different, and we all had different factors that led to our development of RSD. For some, maybe stress contributed, I don't know. I can assure you, however, that there are people for whom stress did not necessarily play a role.

There is NO personality profile that makes anyone more likely to get RSD. It is an insulting idea, and I don't want to see anybody here agreeing with it! We are unique individuals with highly different personalities.