Hi all, my name is Maree, i was working as a personal carer, when i was hurt by a woman who has demtia.

My left forearm has not recovered, this happend in Dec 08, so nearly 2 years ago. I was bought up to be strong, so i soldiered on , no matter how bad the pain was, continued to go to work , right up until the 23 Dec 08, walking around like a wounded bird, with my arm held up to my chest.

I finally got to the Dr, who put me on compo, i was off work for three months, had physio, accupuncture, exrays and ultra sounds done, these did not show anything, even though i have a lump on underside of my forearm, the treatment only made the pain worse.

I carried on for 12 moths, with the pain, having good days and bad, then in Jan , i hurt my arm again, this time it's a lot worse. I have been to several surgeons, who treated me like im a bung on, and i think this is partly because when they ask about the symptoms, there is so many , i end up not saying much for fear they think im not telling the truth, anyway, i have had an mri done, as well as xrays, and guess what, nothing showed up.

Only one specialist said he would not rule out CRPS, and said i must be going out of my mind, him and my own Dr are the only 2 who have taken me seriously.

I am seeing a phsycologist for depression, not only is it caused from the pain, but also from the disbeleife i have been bombarded with, from my manager, some co workers, and Dr's.

There needs to be more awareness about this ondition, its not fair we have to go through this sort of thing, the pain and the debilitating effects of this condition is enough for anyone to have to bear.

I have not worked since Jan , i cant drive my car much, i have only driven 5 times since Jan, my manager made it quite clear she did not think there is anything wrong with me, told me there would be no light duties, if i came back to work. The pain has prevented this from happening, and even it didnt, i would not be working there anyway.

I am on Valpro to help manage the pain, they tried me on LYRICA, and another drug, but neither of these agreed with me, i also have strong pain killers, but as you would all know, pain killers dont really do much. I am blessed with a wonderful hubby, and great kids, and good friends, and these sites, where i can talk about this , and wont be thought of as an idiot.

Cheers, Maree