Hi my name is Chris (Cricket is a childhood nickname). I have RSD/CRPS and Sjogren's Syndrome. I have been diagnosed with RSD for 4 years now but have had symptoms for about 5 1/2 years. It originally started in my right arm and shoulder but has since gone full body (except my legs) with internal involvement. I have tried every treatment available that I know of and that insurance would cover up to this point. I am currently on a combination of medication to try and help control the pain. It only somewhat works. I am looking for friendship and support and from what I have seen so far this is the place to be. I am (was) an oncology RN. I am currently on full disability but would love to return to work some day. I am 42. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 22 years now. He is a Minister of Music at the church we attend. We have two boys, 21 and 19. They both are attending the local state university and living at home. (More like sleeping at home--haha.) With school, work and their social lives, we rarely see them. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Cricket

Hi Cricket ~

I'm Lee, and I've been a chronic Pain patient for 24 years. I have a number of things wrong with my spine and have had 3 surgeries , one including a spinal cord stimulator implant and later removal. Like you, I'm on a number of medications, and my doc recently changed my pain medications and they are NOT working. Boy, am I in agony! I see him again on Monday, and he's surely going to hear about it. lol.

I've been a widow since I was 51, and I'm 61 now. My 2 kids, a son and daughter are both grown obviously, although my daughter and her daughter live with me. (arrrrgggghhh!) I too am on disability and a small pension from my husband. I wish I could still work, as I like what I did ~ I was an optician for many years. I miss working with the people.

I'm sorry you have to contend with the pain. I know how awful it is. If I'm not too old for you, perhaps we can get to know each other. God bless, and take care. Hugs, Lee

hi cricket,

welcome to NT.
i have MS and am not familiar with your illness. but, i am familiar with pain.
i know there are forums that address your illness. feel free to look around.

i'm an RN too. 35 yrs NICU.

glad you found us.

Lee and Nancy,

Thank you for the warm welcome. It's nice to meet both of you...just wish it could be under different circumstances not because we all have chronic pain inn common. Lee, I hope your apt went well with your pain mgt doc and you are now on a I originally wanted to do NICU but there were not any openings in the NICU so I took a positon in oncology and thought I would get my basic skills down pat until a spot opened up and I feel in love working with cancer patients. As strange as that sounds to most people-I loved it. There is something very special about cancer patients. I look forward to getting to know you both better.

Cricket

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. There are great number of fellow members here to assist as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene