[DejaVu]

As much as I love to offer support ... in so many ways... it is difficult for me to ask for support. I imagine many of us here can relate to this.
I have been ill, with various autoimmune conditions (a collection of them) for over 20 years now. Faith has brought me through it all.

I am very used to chronic pain... lots of it... everywhere. Some exacerbations are worse than others. All are quite severe.

Briefly I'll mention I'd had a surgery on an arm last July, in an attempt to save a hand from further atrophy, by moving a nerve. The surgery was very straightforward. It is usually a very successful procedure.

However, I've never fully recovered from surgery. I became increasingly ill and increasingly debilitated. I'd started to have even more neurological issues. I was rapidly becoming more and more physically impaired. None of my doctors could figure this out. A couple of my "older docs" had a suspicion; however, the surgeon and others had disagreed at the time.

Just over a year later, I am more impaired than ever. The surgery did not help. It had seemed to set off a bunch of reactions that have been very painful. My hand is "dystonic." My hand has also been swollen and painful for over a year. My entire arm has been swollen, off and on, for over a year.

Now...my entire body is in excruciating pain. My entire body is "on fire!" All four limbs are swollen, to varying degrees. One foot and ankle are suddenly huge! (No blood clot.) I have severe muscle cramping all over my body.

When my limbs (all 4) blew up two days ago, I was in touch with my neurologist. He'd returned my call even though he was on vacation. We had been working very closely together. I'd asked him if he now thinks I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome now, in response to the surgery of last July? He's a very bright, yet gentle man. He'd replied , "I'm afraid so." He feels he needs to refer me out to someone else for help, as he feels we have exhausted all treatment options and has now come to the conclusion that this additional condition is likely RSD/CRPS.

Many here deal with chronic and severe pain, I know. It can bring one right to the edge at times, can't it? I'll admit, it has me right on the edge... far too often right now.

I have not been able to get the immediate help with adjusting pain meds and am very aware of what we all go through with pain (of all types) and in trying to get help. Ugghhh!

I am suddenly (and chronically) brought to my knees, pleading for relief. My DH is in pain simply knowing how much pain I am experiencing. My dear dog is staying very near to me and she whines when she knows I am in severe pain, even though I utter nothing to let her know. She just knows. (My mother cries, my stepdad get stir-crazy. He is trying to beat cancer right now. I know they feel helpless in what they can do to help me. I am sorry they feel helpless.)

No doctor in this area is sure of just what to do with this yet. I will likely have to go to travel to see a specialist for this. (For an expert opinon and for any treatment.) In the meantime, we are trying to figure out how to treat the pain. (I have severe adverse reactions to many of the meds used for treating neuropathic pain.)

Please remember my husband, my family, my sweet dog... and me, in prayer. Everyone is hurting badly just now. Very badly.

I am grateful, beyond any/all words for your friendship, your support, your positive thoughts and your prayers.

I'll be remembering you and yours in prayer.

May we all continue to uplift one another?

May we all feel the work of the Divine in our lives?

[redtail]

Hi DejaVu,

thinking of you all at this time, and sending you very gentle hugs.
Kate

[honeybear]

Dejua
I will keep you on my prayer list and your family.
strange how we do that pray for others and keep our hearts filled with their needs and forget to ask for ourself.

I knew I had to have a circle of friends to hold me in prayer to help me. I felt strange to ask for prayers, it is easier to pray for others then to ask for myself.

I am so sorry that the surgery ended in such a mess. Something so routine and the body seems to attack itself.
I have you close and hope with all the prayers that you find a reduction in the pain and regain function...

A hug always helps too
so hugs a heart, and prayer
honey

[BlueMajo]

((((((((((DejaVu)))))))))

Uff, these days is difficult for me to talk to God... ha, I dont even know how to start... So, like you say, it is easier to pray for others, like you my sweet friend

Im so sorry to read you are having difficult times It is difficult huh ? specially because the ones who have a "normal" life dont get it.... they cant imagine...
But I suffer of pain in my whole body too, so, I know what you mean... I too have conditions that docs just cant deal with coz they dont know how to... and, medicines, gosh, they are full of side effects...

Anyways, I was rambling... sorry, I tend to do that....

But, what I want to say is, that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and, that you know Im here anytime you may need me...

Take care, talk soon. XOXO

[Alffe]

Sending prayers dear lady for better tomorrows very soon.

[DejaVu]

I am very grateful for you many kindnesses!
This has been a very difficult time and it has helped to know others have been "on board!" Please forgive my delay in responding, as my computer's hard drive had blown at this same time. A friend is letting me borrow a laptop for a few days. Thanks again, I pray there are some better answers/options soon. May all be blessed.

[billie]

There will be better days and answers. I feel sure of it - through Jesus Christ our Lord. billie

[DejaVu]

Thanks Billie!

Thanks to all!
Really just "hanging on" in hopes of finding some relief!
My love to all!

[Doody]

Oh (((((((DejaVu))))))) you know you are in my prayers. I'm so very sorry. Weall worried so after your surgery last year when you didn't come back and no wonder! It surely is hard on family to see their loved one suffering. Your family obviously loves you.

Much love and hugs.

[SBOWLING]

Hello DejaVu,
I am so sorry that you have developed RSD. I have had full body RSD for 9 years. I understand how bad your pain must be. It's like having a sunburn all the time. The smallest of sensation hurts when it touches you. Sometimes the wind hurts when it blows across my skin. The shower water can feel like needles and sometime spikes hitting my skin.
The pain can be managed it took trying several medications before I found what works for me. PT is so important. Mine is done in the water. We are weightless in the water and it doesn't hurt as bad. The cool pool water helps but the flames out on bad days. You must keep moving your limbs or they get stiff and the pain is worse. It's the use it or loose it thought process. I also have a wonderful pain management physcologist, an activator chiropractor, PM doctor and my general practisioner.
All these people came into my life as a result of the POWER OF PRAYER.
I reached a point in my life over 7 years ago that I surrendered my health to God's care and HIS WILL FOR ME. I stopped trying to handle it on my own and gave it to him.
The Bible tells us he will meet our needs and not give us more than we can handle. He is so true to his word he promises a peace of mind. I ask him for it every night so I can sleep at night and for his strength to get me through the day. He has never failed me. Ask him to cover you with his grace and peace.
Dealing with RSD is tough on the body and mind but GOD is tougher. As children of God he wants us to come to him in our time of need. He has helped you move other moutains in your life and I am here to speak from experience he can move this one. RSD is complex thus the name but it is not too complex for our mighty God.
Lean on the father and find peace,
Sherrie