Hi Nancy,
Thank you for letting us all know about your Dad's surgery. Please know we all have been pulling for your Dad AND You. It's so stressful when one of our loved ones undergo surgery, and such a serious one at his age.
Has your Dr. ever put you on anti-anxiety medicine. My Dr. feels as I do, it calms the sympathetic nervous system down, and prevents some of the pain and can help with panic attacks etc. I'm glad you are seeing your Dr. I addended bio-feedback classes at a large hospital. It really helps us to be aware of our body, and ways to calm it down. Most hospitals have an education department that tells us about various group educational aids like that. I also have found diet can play a big part on our health. Foods that have anti-oxidants in them are good. Some good information on the net. Did I tell you about a website from a Dr. in Florida. Dr. Hooshmand is retired, but left his website up. rsdrx.com
Under 'Puzzles' there are 140 questions and his answers. music and waterfall,streams, ocean sounds can be very relaxing. I love scented candles and essential oils under low heat.
Bathing with lavender oils or others can be very relaxing. Journaling and release emotions and help us understand ourselves better. Meditation has long been a method to clear our thoughts. I also use visualization, pictures a favorite beach or other places that bring me a peaceful feeling. I have no problem going into a MRI for an hour using visualization. I personally like massage. I'm sure going thru desenzitization helped in make this possible. I enjoy reading. I just saw the bio of Michael J Fox and want to read his new book Always looking Up. He has such a positive disposition now. It's his story of adjusting to having Parkinsons disease. Are you seeing a phychologist or psychiatrist.
The last 5 years have been so much better with a counselor than without. I also belong to the local RSD support group, but don't get to the meetings like I would like to. Now that I'm sleeping, I should be able to be more regular.
Wish you well and hope the best for you too. Your friend, loretta