Hey Lori Lee --

Stress makes the pain in my foot WAY WAY WAY worse -- I take Valium in advance (if possible) whenever I know I'm going into stressful situations. The problem, of course, is that I can never really foretell WHEN or WHERE I'm going to encounter stress -- ARGH!!

I am experiencing a jump of symptoms right now. My RSD started in my right foot/ankle last June (2008), and now it's jumping into my left foot. I'm scared to death. For the past two month, I've had "zingers" in my left foot. Now they're coming more and more frequently. I pray and pray it doesn't spread to my other foot.

My pain is back full throtle right now because I'm switching pain meds from Neurontin to Topamax and OMGosh it's killing me. My doctor said it's because I've decreased to much on my Neurontin, but I'm not on enough Topamax -- OH NO!!!! It's awful!!! I can't wait to get up to full strength and hopefully get some relief (please, please, please some relief!!!).

I don't smoke (I quit 1.5 years ago), but there's something about being hurt that makes me want to start again. I won't, but BOY OH BOY I want to!!!!

Finally, I'm wicked depressed and each day is a challenge to get our of bed. I DO get our of bed and try to live as normally as possibly, but it's not easy. My foot is at a pain level 8 most days and it's so hard! Fortunately, I have great faith in Jesus and He's really helpful.

Blessings!