Hello Kim,

I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this. It's not enough we go through the complications of living with RSD. When we deal with employers, WC and insensative doctors it only makes us more anxious and our pain is worse.

I remember when I got past denial. It scared me when I understood and accepted I have RSD. That's when I took long term disability leave from my job, it was very hard. Leaving my job was close to mourning the loss of someone I deeply cared for. It took me almost 5 years after being diagnosed before I accepted my condition.
I was miserable during that 5 years. I was determined to keep my life as normal as possible. I was going to work through the pain and keep anyone from knowing how awful I felt. Most of the time I failed at that attempt. It was very difficult to hide the awful pain that this condition brings. The harder I tried the more anxiety I put on myself thus the more I suffered from pain. My RSD started in my right shoulder and arm and is now full body with some organ involment.

I am going on 9 years with RSD the last 3 I have not worked. I miss my job and think of it often. I talk to a couple of my old co workers and good friends via e-mail.

Losing your job is another phase of this illness that we are forced to deal with. Some of us RSD'ers on here are lucky and still work. I pray they continue to have the strength to get through their days. It's a prayer I have for everyone on this forum.

Keep your head up and know that you are not alone. Don't let RSD define you as a person. This fight isn't for the weak and it brings out the fighter in us all.

Good luck in your search for a doctor that has the knowledge to help you. I pray you find the wisdom you need to deal with your employer and WC.

Take care of yourself,
Sherrie