Hi Lori Lee,

You are just too funny! smile. That's the best way to get thru this disaster we find ourselves in. I love your questions and all others. That's how we all learn, from a collective group of friends with lots of experiences, and collective Drs. some not so good and some genuine researchers. So..............no more apologizing!!!!

1. Yes, being emotionally upset does effect our pain level. When we know a certain person affects us negatively, just thinking about them coming over, starts the chain of events, like anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating, increased blood pressure, pain. maybe spasms. The Limbic System is part of our brain that influences our emotions, judgment decisions, depression and naturally because we are going thru a huge loss of not just our physical health, but loss of work, which is very rewarding for a lot of us, a means of security, helping other people, brings self respect and a sense of accomplishment. How much does your sister know about RSD? Does she believe you? Does she think your imagining it? You might ask her to do some research and show her how and where. If she doesn't want to do that, there is not much you can do. But, if she is difficult to be around, you might explain the part anxiety plays on our pain level and emotional health.
As far as spreading, anytime our sympathetic nervous system stays fired up and we can't get is calmed down, I would think it was contribute to spreading, but I don't really know. I know if we are going thru a rough patch, we can go into a flare. I take anti=anxiety meds three times a day, and it really helps me stay calmer.

Crying is natural and I feel good for us. We can't keep the emotional pain bottled up, that hurts us. Just think of all the losses we experience,quality of life, physical exercise and sports, social events with our friends and family. Traveling, The saddness our family experiences seeing us suffer so much. Grieving the loss of a loved one in death, is very much the same process in grieving the loss of our former life. We all miss it, but learn to
accept where we are, and try to stay positive and grateful for our blessings and life itself. I'll write more Lori, it's really late.

Do you have any kitties or dogs? We have a sweet main coon cat. She sleeps with me and she's like a valiuim to my system. Take care, Oh, back to your sister, have you tried talking with her before about your health and it is affecting you? Does she ask questions?
Or get after you for all the meds you are on? Sometimes, if talking hasn't worked before, Finding a nice 'sister' care of how much she means to you and how this health issue is getting in the way of your relationship. Sometimes, when someone reads a card about how much you care and don't want anything to hurt your relationship, they can reread it a few times, and think about it. There are some good information on the net, maybe you could make copies of and past on card. Anyway, just thinking outloud. Sleep well, Loretta