Karen,

A lot of what you say is true about some people in any health field thinking they are a doctor, from the receptionist on.

However, I had a curious situation. When I first developed RSD symptoms in 1986, I went to so many doctors looking for a diagnosis I lost count. I saw several neurologists, some of whom thought I had exotic diseases like malaria, typhoid, etc. Everyone was stumped.

After about six or seven frustrating months, I mentioned all of this to a college friend who was an Occupational Therapist specializing in hand rehabilitation. She said “That sounds like something I have seen called RSD, but I have never seen it in a foot.” She discussed it with a respected rheumatologist the next morning and he arranged an appointment for the same afternoon. That was how I was finally on the right road to a diagnosis!

So, don’t just discount the opinions of all non-doctors. Sometimes people like therapists see a lot of different things, and also have the time and/or attitude to really care about people.

Mike