Hi bigsav, I've been thinking about your question since I answered, and thought it might help for you or your partner to look up rsdhope.org McGill Pain Index. The McGill Pain Index ranges from 1-50 and lists causlgia or RSD as 42-above childbirth and amputation of a limb.
There is also some good information on RSDSA-the national organization of RSD. The fact that there is a high number of suicides of RSD patients is evidence to me of the overwhelming pain and hopelessness some feel. Just why psychotherapy is important for us and the support of our family and friends.
Like Daniella mentioned, the importance of expressing how we feel. One of the best books on learning skills for doing this is called' Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet Wolitz. An excellent source of learning skills to express our feelings and how to ask for what we need. And to ask our mate what we can do to fill their needs.
The pain of 42 on the McGill Pain Index shocks many people except those of us with RSD.
One thing that is so very important is to get restorative sleep. It's when my Dr. put me on a trial study along with 200 people, did I start sleeping consistantly 10 hours a night. It has helped with lowering my pain level.
Take care, your new friends, loretta