Hi Steve,
I am somewhat new to this board, (I post on another board as well) but I felt compelled to post a reply to you regarding work as I know what a quandry that is in our RSD lives....
I know that you are at a very turbulent crossroad in your life. Our identity, financial security, the future status of our health are in upheaval..you are the one who will be able to judge what your stamina and ability are..trust yourself!!! You will know what you can do and how to pace yourself...and remember, things CAN get better.. I guess we have to learn to adapt and change more than ever according to prevailing circumstances....
I've had RSD for a year or two ( we're not quite sure when it really started) and I work full time...my work day is from 9 am until 6 p.m. and I have about a half hour commute, so I get home at about 6:30 in the evening...I have a job that is primarliy at a desk but I'm up and down all day getting files, faxing, copy machine. People are at my desk throughout the day..it is a very detailed job...
I worked when I was in a cast and non weight bearing ..I used a knee caddy...that was last year after surgery...I really should have been off work much longer..I was back after only three weeks off......
I have RSD in my ankle and leg but I get burning pain in both legs and in my face occasionally..I take no meds other than Neurontin..I have declined all other meds....(including cymbalta and methadone)the Neurontin makes me feel foggy-headed and even slurred my speech for a short time ...I do use Lidocain patches to quell the forest fire going on in my feet!! I've had lumbar blocks, and loads of shots into my foot, acupuncture yadda yadda yadda !!!
Sometimes the burn pain is so bad it is unbearable..
I walk with a cane to and from my car (handicap parking space) and limp around the office. I have to work..I have no choice..I cannot afford to go on disability..and I would be afraid to lose my health ins. People at work know my situation and that helps..they know I can't walk down the long corridors and they help out with that, such as bringing stuff to the other end of the building for me, etc.
My injury did happen at work three years ago so mine is a worker comp case and I have to wait a long time for things to be approved, such as treatments, etc. neverthe less, I truly wish I did not have to work, but I must ...I pray that my RSD doesn't get any worse!!!
I know those of us with RSD have had our lives and our identities turned upside down!! I try to take each day at a time because if I think into the future I become anxious and worried. Our home is now worth less than than we owe on the mortgage and the economy makes circumstances very tenuous. I have trained myself to meditate and that has been a very great help in trying to take control of the pain, and also in minimizing anxiety.
I hope it all works out for you and that you can trust that things will eventually resolve..
I have read this board for several months and the support and friendship here are strong and genuine.
Hang in there, Steve !
Hope4theBest