Dear Stressed Out,

Please consider getting a lawyer to represent you. Not the guy on the back of the phone book. Check with your neighbors, friends, relatives, other lawyers that you respect, and find the best WC lawyer that you can. He may have the smallest ad in the phone book because he doesn't need to advertise. I am also a WC case with RSD (now full body). The insurance companies work for themselves, not you, and they will screw you over and over unless you have someone to help you. RSD is a lifetime thing. You are going to need help getting the meds, the physical therapy, the doctors and all the treatments that they recommend. Its all going to add up to a lot of money and the WC company is going to try to run all over you. Even with a lawyer I am stressed all the time trying to get what I need.

There is an enormous amount of medical info regarding RSD on the RSDSA.org website. At the beginning of my illness, I joined the association and they sent me some great info in the mail that I shared with my husband. It gave him a much better understanding of the syndrome. I believe that it is only $20 or $25 annually to join. I urge you to check it out.

I also feel much better in the morning than at night, and when the sun is out versus when it is rainy/snowy and cold.

I tried Ultram for a while - it didn't touch my pain. It may be time to find a doctor that is better versed in RSD if that is all he is going to offer you.

Good luck to you. Sandy