Hi~Can anyone help me with this? I am scheduled to see a new doctor on December 12th to get my "rating" for disability. I would love any advice, warnings, etc... This is for me, not w/c. (My attorney). I am sure that that will be much more involved and hurtful. However; this is a w/c appointment.

I have RSD in my left hip and leg. Have not worked in over a year. P.T. for that time period and in agony (as you all know.) I just want to have one hour of being pain free. Please; if you have any insight...I am desperate...and would appreciate any advice. This disease has brought my life to a halt and I can no longer care for myself. I can't take care of my kids or my husband. I used to run for miles (track coach) and work at a job in which I loved. Now; just taking a shower each day (not to mention the "shave days") are agony. I just want it to stop. I am truly sorry for all of you; and all of us that live with this monster each and every day.

I welcome each and every idea, comment, thought, etc...Please help me learn from you and comfort you. We all just want to feel good.........

Thank you. Please be at rest....

It's so hard to say something that will help because it's so hard for someone who hasn't experinced this to understand the difficulties. It's hard to understand myself how it has changed my life. Even the mechanisms aren't always apparent. I'm sure it's pain and fear of pain but there seems so much more, so many little unidentifiable things that just undermines one and his desires. It seems it's a process that damages functions which I always have to try to keep at bay. It's the "work" required to divert one's attention from pain.

How does one describe such things to someone who hasn't experienced the pain and can hardly imagine fighting this 24/ 7 (well, I usually get 5 hours of peace at night)( the pain can shut off like a light)

Sorry I can't help. I've pretty much been a victim of whatever is thrown at me but I shouldn't complain since it could be worse.

This thing probably isn't final. It seems there's always another step in the system. If it goes poorly try not to despair.

Good luck.

My only constructive advice is to take your pain med before you go, if you would normally take it for your pain that day.

I've tried to do it without pain meds thinking that might help....let them see me in the pain I struggle with.......but I think it's counter-productive because I am so focused on getting out of there and getting an ice pack and pain med that I can't talk rationally and explain anything to them

Good luck with the appt !