People look confused and perplexed when I try to explain RSD...it's so exasperating to try and convey what it is.....
Often I will suggest that they look it up on the 'net for a complete picture of the disease..

Lately, I have been saying it is similar to neuropathy..I also tell them the nerves in my body are short-circuiting, causing deterioration of muscle, bone, etc, along with excruciating pain....particulary burn pain....
they seem to understand this....sometimes

I have tried to explain every way I could and noone really understands. Finally, when I decided to call it nerve cancer people could understand. If someone thinks about it they are similar. Once you have this it can only go into remission. When it decides to spread there is no stopping it. The constant pain is similar, and we all know what the rest of the story is.

We are going to have a real tough funeral to attend. Alot of distant family and people there do not know or understand what is wrong with my hand/arm and give hugs. OUCH! My husband came up with the idea last night that maybe I should where a sling, then I have a visible problem. Do any of you do this? Other ideas?

Freezing your arm is a BAD thing. It was something I instinctually did afrter the RSD kicked in and before I was diagnosed. (It took hypnotherapy to break me of it.) It will just make your pain go up higher to your shoulder, and down your back. And people will be more likely to TOUCH a limb that has signs of injury. Keep your hubby on the side of your effected limb as a barrier. If someone goes to shake your hand, give them your "good" one. I shake with my left to everyone's confusion. I give one sided hugs. Your relatives will have to know sooner or later. If you can't stand to be touched, a quick "sorry, I can't, nerve pain..." works. If lidoderm patches work for you, slap on a couple and wear long sleeves. If you use pain meds, take them beforehand, so you're at a lower pain baseline when you arrive.