Hi Fatcat,

Welcome to NeuroTalk! You will meet many great people here who i'm sure will try and help you in anyway they possibly can so please feel free to ask any questions you may have - were all in this together!!!

I'm so sorry to hear about everything you have been through and are continuing to go through! I really hope you are able to find something that will help you real soon.

I'm 14 so understand how difficult it is living with a chronic pain condition at such a young age. I was 12 years old when I got RSD. It started in my left ankle, then spread to my right arm after I fell and to my left arm in the beginning of this year. Like you, I have tried all sorts of medications and therapies and none have helped that much.

When I was diagnosed with RSD, my doctor did a Guanethidine Nerve Block to try and get rid of the pain. He injected into my foot that has RSD and unfortunatley, I suffered from complications which put me in a wheelchair for 13 months. I lost all coordination in my leg and would keep falling over everytime I tried to walk. I had to go onto an intense Physical Therapy Course to learn how to walk again which was REALLY hard and painful but it did help a little and i'm now able to walk short distances.

Like you, I have difficulty finding shoes that don't hurt me. I went over a year without wearing any shoes or socks. It was only when I went onto the intense PT course that they made me try and wear socks and shoes again. I am now only able to wear Ugg boots as I have Dystonia in my foot (a movement disorder). I still have lots of hypersenstivity but thankfully, it isn't quite as bad as it was.

I'd be careful about wearing the ace bandage. Most people don't advice wearing them with RSD as they can make things worse. Of course, everyone is different though and what works for one person, wont work for another.

Have you seen a Psychologist? They can be really helpful sometimes in helping someone come to terms with a chronic pain condition. My first Psychologist was useless so I stopped seeing him. I now see a lady psychologist who is really helpful. Unfortunately, she is in London which is 3 and a half hours away from us so I can't see her that often but I can email her anytime I feel down or just want someone to talk to etc.

I'm glad you have the support of your boyfriend - I know how much it helps having someone that understands! I don't know what i'd do without my mum - she's been my rock through all of this and never left my side. My dad refuses to understand RSD which REALLY hurts and my mum and dad have had LOTS of arguments over it. I just wish he'd understand and come to the hospital appts with me but he wont - he's only been to the hospital about 3 times in the 2 and half years that i've had RSD!!!!

I really wish I could help you more. I know it's really hard but please, try and not give up hope - without hope, we have nothing, right?

If you ever want someone to talk to, please know that I am here for you always and will try and help you if I can because I DO understand some of the difficulties you face unfortunatley!!

Take care and I hope you feel better soon!
Alison