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Hi- My name is Carol and I have had RSD for 5 years now. I was very upset and angry after watching Paula on Dr. Oz, but after reading your post I am sorry to say that I now am livid.
Allow me to explain: The national average shows that it is taking a patient 6-8 Doctors to get a diagnosis. It took me 15 and almost 1 year!!!!!

Perhaps if your "IDOL" Paula had been in your words "honest about it" and not so "tight lipped" this statistic could be lowered.

Oh and in your words she has CHOSEN to be this way because "people wouldn't hire her" And you want our sympathy-I think not! Have you ever considered the thousands of RSDers (myself included ) that have lost their careers to this monster and not only can no longer work but are denied Social Security benefits, lose Workers Comp cases etc. because no one knows what RSD is!!!!!! Thanks Paula for being tight lipped!

Oh and that is just the beginning of our losses-Try spouses, homes, health insurance, family members, friends, life savings not to mention our self worth!!!! Thanks Paula for being tight lipped!

Again I quote you "Paula tries her best" Really!!!!! Where is her voice when what we need the most is AWARENESS. Has she advocated Legaslators to pass bills requireing Doctors/Nurses just 2 measley hours of training to be able to spot RSD symptoms???? I HAVE!!
Has she started a Support Group and mentored others -Fielding hysteracal phone calls at any hour to help another who suffers????? I Have!!!!

How much money has she contributed to the RSDSA Assoc. for research????
I HAVE !!!!! and proud of it

Has she sponsored any "WaLKS" BALLOON RELEASES for awareness????? I HAVE!!!

Believe me I am not here to toot my own horn-only to open YOUR eyes as to your misguided hero worship by being a "MASSIVE PAULA FAN"
Perhaps you should get your priorities in order and spend your time helping some TRUE HEROES because my heroes are ALL of my fellow RSDers!!!!

You came to OUR forum to seek sympathy for Paula-why not come back to seek awareness and fight for ALL of us!!!!!

Oh and please pass this on to Paula- It is better to stay tight lipped than to mis represent RSD as she did on DR.Oz.

Gently Hugs-Fondly -Carol