Karen,

Even at the darkest hour, your son is reaching out to you! I am sure that he feels helpless and frustrated that he doesn't know how to help. Open communication will be key for your relationship to flourish, remember that he can't help without being asked and told how. Reach out to him, yes, he is the child, but he can also be the greatest source of strength. I remember when I first had RSD symptoms (but was not diagnosed), my son was very young - 6 years old and he did not understand why "Mommy" was crying a lot, dropping dishes and going crazy in pain. I sat him down and said "Honey, you know Mommy had an accident, and I just need you to be a big boy and help me" his response - "Mommy, I will take care of you". He did, when I would collapse in pain on the couch, he would cover me up with a blanket and curl next to me, he would say "Drink tea, it helps" that always made me laugh. I had no other man in my life, he was it, but through him, I saw the kind of man I wanted. Kind, generous, loving and most of all someone to simply accept!

Hang in there, smile, talk to your son and remember that love comes in all forms! I am also adding a story that has been a favorite of mine for a long time.

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived. Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge and all the others, including Love. One day, it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so they all got their boats ready and left. Love was the only one who stayed back. When Love was almost sinking, he decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a beautiful boat. Love said, ''Richness, can you take me with you?'' Richness answered, ''No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you.''
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by, ''Vanity, please help me.'' ''I can't help you Love. You are all wet and can probably damage my boat,'' answered Vanity.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help. ''Sadness, let me go with you.'' ''Oh...Love, I am so sad that I prefer to go alone!''
Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not listen when Love called her!
Suddenly, there was a voice, ''Come Love, I will take you.'' It was an elder. Love became so happy that he even forgot to ask the elder her name. When they arrived in dry land, the elder went her way.
Love asked Knowledge, another elder, the name of the person who had helped him.
"It was Time,'' answered Knowledge.
''Time? But why did Time help me?'' asked Love.
''Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is,'' replied Knowledge.