I think it is hard for all of us to accept the changes RSD/CRPS brings to our lives. I have had full body for 9 years. I tried to work for 5 years after being DX. It was hard I was determined like all of you to work through the pain and not let it show. I would go home at the end of the day not able to enjoy my family.

I was sure I would get back to work some day. I went to see Dr. S in Philly. He asked me what my long term goal was "I want to get back to work". I loved my job I worked in customer service for a manufacturing facility. He told me that day he would do everything he could to get me back to work. I went back the next day to go over the results of some tests he had ran and discuss my options for treatments. He told me I would probably never get back to work. My goal needed to be focus on the quality of my life.
Every Monday for the last four years I get up in the morning and wish I was getting ready for work.
Letting go of your job is like mourning the loss of a good friend. I told my doctor it's not my ability to do my job that was the problem it was my dependability. See, I pride myself on be able to be dependable. With RSD you never know when it will knock you off your feet. The day can start out OK but go down hill fast with pain.
I identified myself with my job. I felt a sense of self worth and accomplishment. It was hard to walk away. My employer was really good about it. It's been 4 years and my code is still good on my pass key.
I have moved on. I do volunteer work twice a week for about 2 1/2 hours a day. It's working with kids something I love. In addition to letting my job go I had to resigned my position on the local school board after 8 years. That was really hard, I felt like I was letting all the people who voted for me down.
There is no doubt RSD changes our lives in many ways. Some changes are worth it even though they are very hard to make. We need to think of what is best for our health. We have to look at different ways to do the things that make us happy.
We can not be defined by RSD and we must continue to control what we can control. I have chosen to keep control of my attitude. I will admit some days are difficult but a smile no matter how hard always makes you feel better. Take time to laugh and enjoy something about your day. RSD for me likes my body and will be with me for a while. I will not let it define me as a person.
Sorry to ramble.
I wish all of you days with less pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!