Dear Stephanie and friends, Yes, I am kind of somewhere between still being depressed over the diagnosis and acceptance. For one, when I was told by a orthopedic specialist, I didn't have a clue what he was talking about. He had seen me for 2 minutes, (I had flown across the country) after going from Dr. to Dr. for 4 years. After, I had testing, he confirmed it and gave me a stack of papers to read. I started physical therapy and flew back home. Continued phy. therapy, but needed more help mentally. All the life changes and losses was just to much for me. My phychiatrist is a wonderful person, also a neurologist, and pharmachologist. So he has me on tract with very little pain meds, really on just one, and was able to reduce that after changing to lyrica. But I still find myself in this dark hole, with my life and missing the energy I used to have. Discouraged about the weight gain. I'm on a program for exercise and a goal ofo 5 lbs a month, but it is so hard. My daughter is a huge encouragement. We used to play tennis together, hiking, snow ski, water ski, shop, trips together, I truly am grateful for the memories. She is visiting here now. I just want my life back they way it used to be. I've had other tragedies in my life and have recovered, like my mother dying at 46 from cancer-neglect of a DR. My father dying 8 years later of heart attack.. 3 yrs. counseling. I have many close friends, but as you know it's hard to understand only pick a couple to talk to. I have been also diagnosed with fibro. Swimming is the best exercise for everything. so that's my next goal, getting back into the pool. It's warm and only a few blocks away- health club. I know there is so much suffuring of other kinds and I really try to comort others in their pain. I have two very close friends that each had a child die. One a daughter 28 and other a son 33. My own Dr. lost a daughter suddenly at 23 I believe. Another thing I used to do was journal, and I think I'll start that up again. I forget your name, but I think Marla, how did you find out you have MS? Does that often come behind RSD and Fibro?
Thank you for listening. I hope something in my writing is of encouragement to someone. It really is hard to accept, especially when it is discovered after two year window. I've been thinking about trying to get more information in the medical communityl I have two neighbors that are Drs. One is a teaching professor and actually my Dr. teaches monthly in about 3 neighboring states. Just think if RSD was in each medical college at some point, so young Drs. could recognize the symptons! that would be wonderful, and one the lecturing circuits, if even a brief description and photos shown.'
Well, I wish you all comfort your friends and family and compassion from your Drs. and nurses. If we don't get it , just maybe, we should ask for it with a smile.

Soft hugs to all,

Loretta jewell