Ah, Annie! Physicians DO know about this disease, and pain isn't "psychological." It's getting a doctor to actually diagnose and treat the disease which proves to be difficult. We had this discussion not long ago, and that seems to be the general consensus. Many of us have been to doctor after doctor, but it seems that once one finally has the guts to say, "Yep, this is what you have!" then FINALLY the other doctors will fall in line and agree. It's just that nobody wants to actually come out and be the one to say it.

As for pain being "psychological" - PART of pain "can be." But ALL pain isn't. For example, we all know that stress "can" make pain worse. And the reason for that is because when we feel icky inside, we feel ickier outside. Our mental health "can" affect our physical health. Just like stress can make you sick, stress can also make you hurt more when you have rsd. However, not ALL of your pain is considered "psychological" and if your doctor is telling you that, then you need to find a different doctor...because your doctor "could be" part of your problem. If he doesn't believe you, doesn't believe how bad you hurt, and that it's real pain, then of course you're going to feel worse "psychologically" which will, in turn, make you feel worse physically. We all have been there, and it's not a nice place to be!

Can you give us a more thorough rundown on what you have done so far? What doctors you have seen (type, etc). And what type of doc you are currently seeing? Do you like your doc? Does he/she believe your pain level?

And why would metlife care whether or not you can go back to work? I don't understand why your insurance company would give a hoot. You're collecting disability, so isn't the ONLY person who should have any say in that be SS?? Why is MetLife sticking their nose in this? Doesn't SS have caseworkers who review your case to see the extent of your disability? If so, then they know better than the insurance company would, right??? Does your dr. say you are totally disabled? Please tell me why the ins. co. would even have a say in your disability so I can understand how it works - cuz one day I will be caught up in this, and I'm soaking all the info up that I can.

I just want to welcome you, and say we do understand, and we've been there, hon. You aren't alone. You found a home where ppl know what you're going thru, and can sympathize with your frustration....very gentle: