[typicalfam]

I have dealt with Chiari issues for the past 8 years and now.. Out of nowhere , am having horrible RSD like pain which is being addressed this week with my doctors..

Questions: #1 How do I know if this is RSD or another Chiari related issue like compression of my nerves in my cervical region?

#2 How do I learn to say no?? I was able to do so many things before and now I can barely take care of my own needs ?? It really frustrates me... I am usually such a positive person and I felt like I was a good advocate for others who were struggling to not focus on their illness whenever possible and to use what you gain ( yes.. I am a strong believer that for all of us who can work THROUGH our pain .. We will become a bigger, stronger person because of it).

The problem I have is that I don't want to say no to others because I feel it is a sign to myself and others that I am weaker or giving in to this condition.. Then what happens?? I do things that I shouldn't and suffer for it.. ..( Although this year our family's Christmas time together didn't even happen.. I couldn't feel my hands and felt so loopy I was in bed for the whole New Years holiday .. This is NOT ME !!

I wish you all a blessed and pain free New Year !

[AintSoBad]

Typical,
I wished I knew more about Chiari.
Can you direct me? Us?

Since I know nothing about it, all I can comment on is rsd, tos, discs, tbi, apnea....

So, if you help me, I'll try to help you!

YOU have a Blessed New Year!


Pete
asb

[loretta]

Originally Posted by typicalfam

I have dealt with Chiari issues for the past 8 years and now.. Out of nowhere , am having horrible RSD like pain which is being addressed this week with my doctors..

Questions: #1 How do I know if this is RSD or another Chiari related issue like compression of my nerves in my cervical region?

#2 How do I learn to say no?? I was able to do so many things before and now I can barely take care of my own needs ?? It really frustrates me... I am usually such a positive person and I felt like I was a good advocate for others who were struggling to not focus on their illness whenever possible and to use what you gain ( yes.. I am a strong believer that for all of us who can work THROUGH our pain .. We will become a bigger, stronger person because of it).

The problem I have is that I don't want to say no to others because I feel it is a sign to myself and others that I am weaker or giving in to this condition.. Then what happens?? I do things that I shouldn't and suffer for it.. ..( Although this year our family's Christmas time together didn't even happen.. I couldn't feel my hands and felt so loopy I was in bed for the whole New Years holiday .. This is NOT ME !!

I wish you all a blessed and pain free New Year !

It's wonderful to be of help to others, but only if you can help yourself first. Remember what the airline attendant says, Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then help your child or neighbor. When RSD comes into our lives, a lot of things change. We have a responsibility to ourselves, our marriage mates and children, parents, etc. If we expend energy we don't have, we are left depleted to possibly get better or go into remission. We can gradually build strength-swimming is good, then we can get stronger to help others. Listen to your body, or you will find yourself getting worse. We are in this for the long haul-not short sprints. I hope the best for you. your friend, loretta with soft hugs

[vannafeelbettr]

Because you have been forced to "suffer" with RSD does NOT make you a weak person!! This is your battle, not anyone else's, so the heck with what others will think! RSD is tough.... there are no "winners" with this thing, so first off you need to get out of your head that this is a game. What RSD does is force you into a lifestyle change.... like it or not! Respect the illness and go with the ebbs and flows of it, and you will be a much calmer person for it, I guarantee it ( I said calmer, not content ). You need to come to terms that your pre-RSD life is not your post-RSD life and draw out a new daily routine for yourself. And like Loretta stated, you need to listen to your body and give it what it needs. No amount of mental willpower or telling yourself "I can beat this" will change anything. The number one thing that WILL help you is to give your body the rest it needs when it needs it

Hope I didn't come across to harsh.

God bless and good luck!!! Vanna