Hi Denise,

I too have been diagnosed with both RSD and fibro. I thought my RSD came first (after two failed ulnar nerve surgeries) but then a neurosurgeon friend of mine sat me down and said that I had fibromyalgia and that is probably what caused pain in my arm leading to the surgeries. I don't know, I thought I had the RSD first, but maybe this doctor is correct.

I fought both diagnosis for a long time. I was too afraid of RSD to accept I had it and that may have been a mixed blessing. I am now traveling to see a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic and he has been surprised at my recovery. He thinks it may be related to the lack of medication that I have taken. I was so much in denial about RSD and in so much pain from my surgery, that I could not force myself to get the SGBs or take the medications prescribed. Every time I try, I seem to get so sick from side effects.

I do struggle with RSD because I will tend to get a break from it but then it flares up again. I get so discouraged because I feel so isolated from the world. Like life is going on but I have to sit at home and miss it. I miss going to work, seeing coworkers, feeling vital, having some financial independence, etc. Yes, RSD (and fibro and all these nasty pain syndromes) sure can rob a person of some good years.

Okay, sorry to get down. I have been struggling for the first time in my life with a little bit of depression so I am working through it. Responding to a post is a step for me. I have read these forums for over a year, but I don't write as much because of pain or anxiety. You know, it is like - if I respond then I must be admitting I have the disease. Yes, I think I am still struggling with it all.

Anyway, I hope you are doing well. Also, I wanted to know what you did to get your RSD to go into remission for a while?