Hi Shandy,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to deal with all of this right now!! I can't imagine how hard it must be to not be able to do all the things you want to with your child because of RSD and pain - it must be the hardest thing in the World!

Please try and not beat yourself up about it too much (easy for me to say, I know). Your son knows that you care and love him and want to do all of those things with him and i'm sure he is so happy to have you as his mom and proud that you went to his graduation event with everything else you have going off right now! You are there for him whenever he needs to talk and that is the most important thing!

I understand completely what you mean about RSD affecting the whole family. My doctor always said that RSD and any illness affects more than the sufferer and it is soo true!! I was 12 years old when I got RSD (now 14) and it is SO hard not being able to go out with my friends and do most normal things because of my RSD.

My illness has caused so much grief in my family and not many people understand what I go through on a daily basis. I'm really lucky to have my mum support me but not many other people in my family understand what RSD is, despite how much we tell them.

Have you ever thought about having like a 'movie night' or something with your soon once a week where you do something fun that you can do? It might be an idea to organise a day a week where you do something fun together that you are able to do. Even if it is just watching a movie whilst eating a takeaway, you get to spend some quality time with your son! I know it's not the same as going out and doing activities but it's an idea.

I really hope you are feeling better today and i'm so sorry you are having to deal with all of this!! Like I said though, your son KNOWS you care about him and that is the most important thing!!

Take care of yourself and know you are in my thoughts and prayers! If you ever need someone to talk to, I am here for you!

Alison.