Hi Lisa and everyone who answered her post. I've had RSD 15 years and now full body, so have had various parts sensitive One of my worst experiences was from a Dr. checking my hand- I screamed in pain and he even misdiagnosed.
Like yourselves, until I went thru desensitizing my limbs, I was untouchable and dreaded being around people. Using a Tens Unit-soft glove is helpful. I was wondering if you wrote a letter, say to a friend from the church, 'To all My Friends' Explain how much seeing them warms your heart, their expressions of care is greatly appreciated, but needs to be limited to not touch as your disorder deals with the nerves, which are very sensitive. A smile is appreciate, just words of caring, rather than tough is what comforts you now. You hope to get better, but as of now-no cure. Thank them for their care and you treasure their understanding. If the one friend could pass it around to your friends or even ask your Dr. if a sling would be OK for an hour.
I hope somethings helps. We need our friends. We are alone enough and isolated enough, so any contact that is upbuilding is important to not give up.
Hoping for the best for you. One of your new friends, loretta