Originally Posted by bobinjeffmo

Good morning,

The odds regarding RSD is that 90% never go any further then the stage you're at right now, and those who only have RSD in phase I will find they experience what most doctors call the 2 year burn out. Only 10% ever see RSD go into phase II. Then of those who go into phase II only 10% of those unlucky people will ever see phase III so if I was a betting man, I'd say you've still got a very good life ahead of you and the odds are in your favor.

Regarding your hesitation about medications. These are prejudices we all have in the early stages, but please listen and do what you're told because if you don't, then why go in the first place? While we're all guilty of playing doctor a little since "we" always know what's right, but the truth is we haven't gone through the years of draining education these people of medicine have so we really have no other choice than to do what we're told.

The care and the steps you take right now are the most important steps you'll ever take no matter what it is. Do the patches. They'll ease up the pain at this stage which in all likelihood which will make you more comfortable ad will keep you moving which is darn important. While the doctor might lack in bedside manner, so long as he's worthy of your trust, then follow his orders be it therapy, medication or standing on your head pointed toward the north during all solar eclipse, do it. Trust me, while you might not see the turnaround results you're wanting today or tomorrow, down the road you will. RSD is all about time so just stay patient - patient, and let the RSD run its course under the care of someone who knows what he's talking about.

You might have a year or two ahead that won't include the lifestyle you use to enjoy, but trust me - the odds are that before you know it, you'll be looking back on this whole ride as being just another glitch in life that you handled well so you could make a better tomorrow for yourself and those you love. Best of luck, Bob.