Greetings all, I've nothing to hide so I'm not going to beat around the bush. My name is Keith, I'm 38, Live in Denver, CO., I'm married for 15 years, have 2 children and I have CRPS/RSD. When I was 15 I was hit by a van crossing the street on a dirt bike. I broke my left leg intially in 7 places. 2 breaks were compound fractures and one of those was caused by the foot peg going through my calf. The othe compound fracture left an 11" scar on my inner side of my left leg centered around the knee. I spent 3 months in the hospital and 3 months in a rehab center learning to walk again. In 2005 I re-broke the same leg, giving myself a Tibia Plateau Fracture. The surgeons graphed cadaver bone to the site and screwed three screws into my leg. 4 months later I had an arthroscopy done on my knee (spelling?) an Achilles tendon lengthening and a release and fusion done on my left foot. I sat around for 2 years and found a really decent job, in my field of work and right before they were going to hire me I was pulling a lousy pallet jack and tore something in my left knee and haven't worked since. I managed to make that job last 2.5 months, if that.
I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS, Type I on Aug. 7, 2009. I am quite upset that with all the symptoms and all my complaints of unyielding, mind-numbing pain, as well as a color changing leg, no doctors would tell me what was wrong. Instead they chose to treat me like I was some pill popping junkie. Yeah it's all in my head, right? That's what some of them remarked. In any case I'm happy to have found what seems to be a supportive site. I look forward to chatting and debating things with all of you, take care......

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Hi Keith.

And welcome! Yes, you have indeed found a wonderful place with the most caring and supportive friends anywhere. I wish I could adopt all of them as my real family! It sounds like you've been through hell. I'm glad you finally have a starting place for your treatment of RSD. I think that most, if not all of us have felt the same way about the treatments we receive. This disease is hard enough on us and many doctors and professionals have no idea what we deal with every day. THEN we also have to cope with the emotional stress.

Please feel free to say anything you feel. Grammar and spelling don't really count. You will be surprized and amazed at the support you will receive.

Take care.

Kim

Hi keith. Im Barbara.. recent diagnose last year as well. sorry to hear your pain is so bad.. Glad you found us.. kind of like to adopt this place as family as well. always here.. can also read this on my phone.. i always have ? so feel free to ask away.. im the nosy one.. welcome to the family so to speak...

Welcome Keith
Wish it was under better conditons tho,,Like Kim said,,dont worry about the spelling,,typos are common here,
Judgeing by your screen name ,,and your accident,,Im guessing your screen name is refernced to either a Motorcycel{harley] or 1972 hot rod,,chevelle,GTO ,Lemans.mustang?? Im a motor head,,Me and my wife have a camaro, a vtwin,and a hayabusa,,,,all the bases are covered,,welcome,theres alot of people here,ask anything,,no question is out of the question,,its good to compare notes,,,,,,,bobber

Hi Keith,

Welcome to NT although I'm sorry that you had to find us.

I think most of us have been told directly or at least had it implied that we were drug seekers or it is all in our heads. Frustrating to say the least.

Hi Keith,
I'm glad you found us! I am sorry you have gone through so much and that it took such a long time for your diagnosis...
I hope you re getting the care, understanding, and the best of treatment that you deserve..
With such intense injuries, I hope your pain is being managed now so that you are somewhat comfortable.
I have RSD in my left foot/ankle and lower limb with spread of burn pain to my right foot/lower limb..Ankle injury in 2006 ..surgery in 2008 and RSD diagnosis a few months later..
Welcome to the site

Hope4thebest

Wow, you have been thru so much. I hope you have a good RSD Dr. that will help you keep mobile and care for the challenges that come up. I, like yourself, went undiagnosed for 4 years. Mine started with surgery and now is spread full body, generalized, along with internal orgn involvement.
Many of us have been helped with psychiatric help. When I was diagnosed full body, I need some help to cope with the pain and growing difficulties.
RSD is known by the government as an acceptable disorder for disability. I've had it for 15 years, but now with meds, and spread, I've decided to apply for disability.I've just lost my health insurance-will be 62 in May-and have my Drs. support.
Welcome again, and please feel free to join right in. One of your new friends, loretta