V-Rae,

Nice to meet you; sorry it is under these circumstances of course....

Lots of information and support here, and a good place to just "vent", as we all need to do from time to time.

I was diagnosed in 2008 after multiple surgeries in my foot. Took about a year to diagnose, and another year of research and trial and error for me to develop a management routine for my CRPS. I am luckier than most on this forum and for that, I am grateful.

Who is your "primary" doctor handling your CRPS? It is so important that you have full confidence in this person. I have seen many, many doctors......some good and some definitely not so good! Keep searching until you find the right mix of "meds" and professionals. I use chiropractic, massage and physical therapy, along with my GP, my Podiatrist, and my Pain Management Doctor.

But my life is completely different than it used to be. I used to be a competition water skier and now I train kids from the boat. Not quite the same, but it keeps me in touch with a sport that I was so passionately involved with. I used to golf and now watch it on television! And so on, blah, blah, blah. I need a full knee replacement in the other leg, and another foot surgery, but am holding off as long as I can for obvious reasons. Like you, my shopping trips are carefully planned out and working in the yard is done in 20 minute segments. We've all lost so much with this disorder.

Movement is very important, but overuse aggravates my condition. My mantra is "use but don't overuse".

I try to focus on relationships and family now, as that is what provides a big payoff to me when things are rough. Stuff just doesn't matter to me any more. I live a way more "minimalist" lifestyle than I did before CRPS.

I see that you are a film maker. What city? I had my own communications company, where we primarily produced corporate product and training videos, along with a few infomercials and commercials. I have been doing voice over talent since the 80s. We should get together on a CRPS project! It is so misunderstood, even by professionals. I agree that more awareness is definitely necessary!

Good luck!