So I was recently diagnosed with a minor case of complex regional pain syndrome/reflex sympathetic dystrophy in my foot following knee surgery. The pain was so bad it would make me cry. I was pretty devastated at first and, after having spent 2 months not being able to walk, I was ready to accept defeat and my new limitations. Then someone told me something that completely changed me...

This disease will ruin your life...if you let it.

So after watching this video

(I'm a new member so I cannot yet post links so go on Youtube and search ***)

I saw that what worked for her was actually doing the things that caused me pain to "convince" my brain that there was nothing wrong. So I started to take pain medicine and I slowly began by putting my foot down on the ground (no weight). I got a pair of very comfy running shoes and I would purposely do things to my foot that would cause me just enough pain to bear. It hurt like hell! But every day I would push myself just a little further....and a little further....and a little further. I am now happy to say that despite having a gimpy walk, I'm proudly able to walk with a cane!

My foot does continue to get hot, red and swollen at times but even that seems to have improved....just a little. And I still do have a lot of pain in my foot when I walk, but the pain has gone down BIG TIME! I have gone from having trouble setting my foot on the ground, to walking with a cane! I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I just want all of you out there to know that there is hope! I know causing yourself pain sounds (and feels) counter-intuitive, but it has helped other people and it's helped me. With mental strength and determination, I know all of you can either improve your eliminate your symptoms. I still have a lot of work to do but every day the struggle becomes easier.

So good luck to all of you...

Keep on fighting the good fight!