Jim and Suzy,

I think you hit it on the head, that stress is a huge contributing factor to pain. That is one of the main reasons why biofeedback therapy works. Other things that seem to help are meditation and other, similar practices like yoga.

I always notice that my pain levels increase when I have a lot of stress at work. A nice, relaxing vacation will often help to reduce the pain. This is not to say that “it’s all in my head” by any means. But certainly, added stress aggravates the pain and puts it at a much higher level. The 50% estimate is probably pretty fair.

I have been dealing with RSD for 24 years and now have added RA in the last couple of years for some extra fun. As time has gone on, I have learned that trying to keep calm, cool and as stress-free as possible is the best way to deal with all of this. …Plus a real good rant every once and a while!

Good luck to both of you,

Mike