Hi Momof4,

I hope you Dr. appt. went well on Wed.!!

Keep in mind RSD doesn't act the same for any two of us. It has spread for some of us and I am one of them. Try not to get anxious over you concerns it only makes your pain worse.

My break through pain can be awful my pain is bearable most days. When I am anxious or stressed I can feel the pins and needles increase in severity. When I sit for too long of a time the first few feet of moving are painful then the pain gets better. I try to get up and move around more often to keep from getting stiff and sore.

My shoes hurt my feet. I wear a lot of clogs it depends on where I am going as to which ones I wear. They are easy to slide off and on when my feet start to hurt. If I have been on my feet for too long of a time you can feel the pins, needles and burning take over.
Once I sit down and take off my shoes and socks (if it's colder weather) the pain will increase for a few minuets. However, after resting them the pain will decrease.

I have learned there is a price to pay for what I want to do. I have to ask myself how badly do I want to do something that I know will increase my pain. What steps can I take to lessen my increase in pain? Is there a different way to do something to lessen my pain? Sometimes the answer for me is to take extra pain pills the day before and after I do something that may increase my pain.

Water walking is great exercise and easier to do in the water than on land. We are weightless in the water and for me I don't feel the burning and pins and needles in the water. The cool pool puts the fire out in my skin. Then I move to the theraputic pool the temperature of the water is best for the exercises. I go to my local YMCA.

I wish you the best of luck in finding what works for you to control your pain. I know it's hard and easier said than done. However, try and stay calm anxiety only increases our pain.

Take care of yourself,
Sherrie