Hi everyone!

This post is for anyone who just hurts.


I know the stats, I know the procedures. I know the meds and the side-effects of these meds. I am struggling right now to control all of those. I know that you are too.


I did not create these feellings; nor would I want anyone to create them. I would not wish our feelings upon anyone. Not even our worst enemies. I feel that our suffering is only saved for the strongest of the strong.

I want to thank each of you, my friends, for everything you have done for me in the past few months. You have no idea how much your friendships and advice have gotten me through the hard times.

I could always research the "proven" advice. However, I feel that our "Circle (sp?) of friends" have more truth and wisdom than anyone can ever imagine. Or, have insight to.

Without all of you I would not be where I am.

Thanks, from all of my heart.

Kim

You have always been true and honest. Thank you!

Kim , you have written the words that I think many of us here feel (at least I do) . That is so true that sometimes the numbers and stats are just that - a bunch of numbers , and you need real people who understand to truly get through the tough times . I have received some great advice and most of all a whole lot of understanding , and this from people I have never met but have so much in common with . Take care !

Kim,.... Great thread and I too, really want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all of you...Thank you for reaching out in my time of need..to shrare knowledge, understanding, wisdom, laughs and tears...words could need express my appreciation...How does one thank family??

Much love, Kathy

Thanks for this post though sorry for your struggles and pain.

Definately feeling the same loss of self, especially this morning. Feel like I've hit rock bottom - quality of life is gone and my life's purpose of helping people in a scientific field is gone because cognitive function is compromised by stupid gabapentin that's not controlling the pain right now. Other medical conditions complicating the whole situation and doctors are giving only bad news and making the pain worse. Wondering what I'm gonna do with the rest of my life.

Sorry to vent,
Rochelle

Rochelle,

Im so sorry for all the pain and emotions that have turned your world upside down. I have been there and stayed too long and still go there from time to time.

Please, don't allow this beast called pain that we all live with and deal with in differnent ways control who you are don't let it define you as a person. Lossing my job was hard it was like mourning the loss of a friend. I felt defined as a person by my career. You can still help people find something you like to do and volunteer. For me it is working with the kids in my church and helping the elderly. When you volunteer keep it flexible, for you, so that when the pain is so bad and you need to take it easy you can and not feel guilty.

RSD/CRPS changes so much in our life we need to take control of what we can control and hold on. Somedays it's hard not to let the pain win and thats OK. Try to laugh every day and when you can't go to that person in your life that gives you comfort. For me when it's not my family or friends it's through prayer to my God. We visit every day in prayer and sometimes my prayer is give me strength for the day and cover my pain with your peace that passes all undrstanding God never fails me. His peace doesn't have any side effects like some of our medications.

Only you can control how you respond to the changes we all face through this journey. I hope you can find peace and comfort today.

Take care,
sherrie

Dear Kim, Rochelle, and All,
I hear all of ya loud and clear! This RSD is not for the faint of heart or the weak people as we are very strong to be able to go through this mess. Please hang in there and try to believe that whenever something bad happens to you it happens for a reason. We have no reason why (and wish it would go away fast) but leave it up to God (or whomever you believe in) and try to look at the positive things (I know they are few and far in between). They may not happen right away but as times goes by and you are done grieving all your losses there will be things that you can do even if small and try to be glad you can do them. Take it one day at a time and pray and laugh each day and you will be fine. I don't know why God allows all of this suffering to happen but I know He has something wonderful planned for me...I can feel it in my bones!
Take care,
kathy d

wow -that's exactly what I've said to my husband "I've lost my "me" or this is not "me". I'm the one that was learning to kayak, taught my girls to shoot hoops and play baseball, that played in pick-up volleyball games, and did everything spontaneously with my daughters to teach them to enjoy life and be a part of it....but now suffers when the car windows are open and the wind blows on my skin, or the air conditioning gives me goosebumps and triggers the all too familiar burning.
I am still "me" but it's so much harder to show the world that this bizarre bunch of symptoms is not who I am now - I'm under here still.

This sounds really, really crazy but we have to stay strong with love in our hearts..Be open to eachday as it presents itself and accept that we are who we are...strong, forgiving, accepting and warriors of our disease..As I believe there is a reason why we have this and it is a positive reason, (this is where I will get an arrow in my back) but we must be proud and determined of who we are!! Although our lives have been altered for the long haul we won't and can't not waiver...as one day..it will all make sense..In the mean time, we do what we need to and smile aniouxiosly awaiting the outcome...

I am so proud of each of you, my RSD family... and even prouder to have met and know you!!!

Much Love, Kathy

As always, you are awesome. Thank you!
Kim