Hi CHOP,

I'm SO sorry to hear that you are in so much pain right now but as the others have already said, you simply CAN'T give up!!!!! I know it might not feel like it at times but there is always hope and without hope we have nothing!!!!

I have had RSD for 2 years now. It started in my left leg when I was 12 years old after an ankle sprain and has since spread to my left and right arms. Many times I have felt like giving up and kept saying that life isn't worth living but trust me, it IS, you just have to find positive things to focus on and things that make you smile.

I still want to give in at times now. I am going through a rough time right now and no treatments have helped me really so my doctor is having to seek further alternatives but they all have risks involved BUT I am not giving up hope and always remain optimistic that things can get better.

Do you see a Psychologist/Psychiatrist?? They can really help you focus on things and prescribed medications to try and help if neccasary. My first Psychologist was horrible and didn't help at all but I later found another one that is lovely and has taught me different breathing techniques etc to try and help with the pain and stress etc, thats not to say that I still dont get stressed and angry, I do but I can "cope" with it a little better now. It might be worthwhile looking into seeing a Psychologist if you don't already - I know it sounds a bit scary but they can really help if you find one that knows what they are talking about!!!

What sort of treatments have you tried so far?? Don't ever give up hope that nothing is going to work for you - there is always something being invented that could help you!! Have you tried anything like HBOT etc? I have heard from quite a few people who have had positive results with that (all though of course it is different for everyone!).

I agree with what the others have said also, exercise is an absolute must!!!!! I KNOW it is extremely painful but it is probably the one thing that will help you in the long run!! I have a hard time doing PT and exercising but as my PTs said, I other use my limbs and try and keep mobile or dont and lose them altogether!! My Doctor also has a good way of looking at things - he says that we are in pain whether we are sat around doing nothing or doing something so we may as well try and do something!! I never thought of it that way but it does make sense and I think a lightbulb went off in my head when he said that!!!!

Please don't ever give up hope - there is always hope, it might take a bit of time for things to start getting better but they will!! Your family need you and so do your friends and us so please, stay strong, even though I know it is hard at times!!!

Take care of yourself and know that we are here for you and care about you! If you ever need anyone to talk to, please know that I am here for you because I DO understand what you are going through!!!

Alison