Hello everyone, I am new to this chat and am somewhat shy, but I have been referred here by Jim B as I wrote to him last week in sheer desperation, wanting to know if there were any support groups in my area. He then sent me this website, and I read and reviewed and understood many of you. Wow, we are really not in this alone are we. It is very unique and supportive how you encourage and help each other through your days.

I suffered severe bilateral open fractures of the calcaneal, (heel) about 8 years ago in a auto accident that my family and I were involved in. We all survived, except our family pet, however we did not go unscathed. That was the end of the life that I knew. two years in a wheel chair, ten surgeries later, major reconstructive surgeries the last being an attempt to fix the tendons, nerves and multiple bone growths and hoping to achieve some comfort of the pain from the Causalgia.

I was diagnosed with RSD/Causalgia about five years ago, every test came back positive. The doctor knew of the disease and knew I had it but did not treat it or maybe he did not know how to treat it. I just kept going, hoping this would just resolve itself. I did no research, I lived in severe pain daily, I continued working, exercising, raising kids, you know the things that Moms do. I was miserable, I just could not have gone through all of these surgeries and therapy and end up like this. I did. I ran myself right into a hole and the doctor actually was rooting me on.

In May of 2008, I left work completely unable to walk on my right foot and said enough was enough. I could not live like that anymore, the pain was not being treated, the doctors were throwing me around like a rag doll and then of course I got the "depression answer". You have gotto be kidding me. I cried for weeks, I am not insaine I am in pain. Finally, I was standing at the bank next to a lady who had sandles on and severe scars on her foot, we talked (I know she was an angel) she told me her surgeon's name and recommended him highly. He is the best Doctor I have ever had.

So here it is:
My name is Jeanie , I am a mother of three young adult children, a wife, a survivor of a near fatal car accident, strong, funny, love animals, spiritual, hopeful, grateful and...living with this disease they call Causalgia. I appreciate reading your stories, the pain is immense, I am sorry for each and everyone of you, however, your support system is great and has brought me comfort. There is so much more detail and drama but the fact is, today it is what it is. Thanks for listening.