Welcome, Cassmom. I believe you will get a lot of good "real-life" information here. We are all speaking from personal experience.

Yes, it is very common to get flare-ups where the symptoms are at their absolute worst. Likewise, many people find they have periods of time where the symptoms are quite mild. This can sometimes be frustrating. When I begin my day, I never know how I will be feeling by the afternoon. A flare-up can come on extremely suddenly. I might feel good enough to be doing something physical one minute, and the next can hardly stand (my RSD is mostly in the foot/leg.)

I hope your daughter is reading through the posts here as well. (Hi, Cass ) The more she reads she will realize that she is not alone or some type of freak. This can also be a place for any of us to get on and RANT when we are having a bad day. We are willing to listen, to have an electronic shoulder to lean on.

Best to you both,

Mike