I too can relate to what you are going through unfortunately, Daniella and i'm sure most other RSD'ers can also!

I have been pretty down lately. Not sure why but I have been in a pain flare so I think that is something to do with it. I haven't been out of the house for over than a week other than to go to a concert on Wednesday and even that took a lot out of me and i'm still feeling the effects from it now. It was fun though so it was kinda worth it!

It really frustrates me sometimes when I see some of the kids from my School doing something fun and I am just sat in the house due to pain. I guess I get a little jealous sometimes that I can't join in and that makes me feel really lonely. I have my mum thankfully and don't know what I would do without her but it isn't the same as having someone my own age to talk to, as i'm sure you know also.

I have a few good friends from the school centre that I go to and they are really caring. They are always getting in touch with me to see how I am doing but most of them live at least 5 miles away so it's hard to see them often other than at school. We do arrange to go out sometimes but it always depends on how I am feeling and i'm always having to miss things due to not feeling good.

Most of my other 'friends' left me when I got RSD and that was really frustrating. It was sort of like they couldn't cope with my illness therefore just left. They are always passing by our house but never think to call and see how I am doing but yet the teachers at school wanted me to try and get in touch with them and force a friendship despite telling them that they obviously weren't interested!!

I'm thankful for the friends I have on here. It's not the same as having someone in person to talk to but it makes a difference knowing I can come on here and someone will understand what I am dealing with.

I think the idea of volunteering sounds good for you to try and get out a little more but I understand what you mean about not knowing whether you would be able to cope with a set routine. I really wanted to get a Saturday job at the local animal centre near us but know a lot of the time I don't feel well so might not be able to go. If you feel that you would be able to cope with it though, I would definitialey give it a shot and see how it goes. Just do something light that you would be able to cope with and don't overdo it too much.

I really wish I had some answers to help you feel less lonely but it seems like i'm in the same situation as you unfortunately. I try and go out the best I can but sometimes, even just getting ready and showered is too much. I was going to go and visit my great grandma today but when I got out of the shower, I was in tons of pain and nearly fainted so had to go and sit down. I hate that RSD seems to want to dictate our lives for us!!!

I hope you find something to help you soon and I will keep you in my thoughts! If you ever need / want to talk to someone who understands, you know where I am!!

Take care,
Alison.