Okay...so I've been pretty proud of myself these last few months...working full time, on my feet for long stretches, etc. I felt like I sort of had a balance between the medications, how much I needed to rest, and how far I could push myself. Then...Thursday night...literally just STANDING there...I got one of those instant flares where I went from my normal 6 on the pain scale to an 11. I had a physical flashback to Feb. when I had to hold on to fixtures to make it from one side of the store to the other. It was BAD. I lucked out (if you can call it that) and had the weekend off. I spent it resting and by this morning I was feeling more or less back to normal (meaning 6/7 on the pain scale). But after a full day of work I'm suffering again.

I guess this means that it's time to go back to the doctor and see where to go from here. I'm just so incredibly disheartened to feel like I am back peddling so fast. And it couldn't happen at a worse time. Guess that's just how it goes sometimes...

Just needed to vent a little...get it off my chest...

I'm sorry that this is happening to you...Maybe you should slow down a little, your body is trying to tell you something. Try some epsom salt baths after work. Are you feeling more stressed that can put you into a good flare as well. Listen to your body, slow down. I hope you fell better soon.

Sandy

We know your frustration! thats what is great about this board. It drives me crazy too when each day isnt the same and it is impossible to plan anything. I applaud you for being able to work, especially standing all day. I work from home and its a battle to roll over and turn my laptop on some mornings. This may be time to adjust your meds and it might work out for the better too. I hope you have a great doctor who listens to your needs, if not find a new one. I hope that your body adjusts and levels out right now!
Your in my thoughts
Lori

We all go through it at times and venting is good. I don't know about you but I know that for me, stress is normally what will bring a really bad flare like that on.

Try to relax, take a warm bath, calming music, whatever works for you but most importantly, try not to stress out worrying that you are getting worse. Think positively, put it in perspective and rest. I find the biggest help at times is to convince myself that it is temporary and it will be better tomorrow. I really do think the power of positive thinking can be a tremendous help.

That said, I feel your pain and I know, it sucks. I'm sorry you or anyone else has to go through it but at least know, we all understand and we all survive it as bad as it gets and you will too.

Dawn

Thanks everyone. Every day is a day where it's hard to get moving...but so far I've always been able to do it. I definitely think stress was the big bad for me this time...we were getting ready for a big corporate visit when the flare started and I was in the middle of what ended up being a 12 hour shift...stressful to say the least especially after the flare started (which I'm sure created a snowball effect with the stress/pain).

You're all right though. I need to just take it easy and know that it's just a temporary thing. I'll spend today just stitching and listening to music...maybe a little tv in there. I'm definitely going to be fitting a nice hot bath in there somewhere with some epsom salts.

You need to rest as much as possible. You don't want this to get worse. I have RSD in my right foot, leg and it seems it is spreading to my right hand. The Pain Managment Doc i go to said it it would be another 2 years beforethey even thought about me going back to work. I have only had it for 6 months or so. This is a very seious disease, too little is know about this to push yourself so hard. You are a tough person, working a F/T job with a 6/7 pain scale, obviously a high tolerance for pain. I must say, you are strong, but allow yourself time...Yuki

It must be the weather. I can do so well at keeping the pain and stress low then it hits like a ton of bricks as soon as the weather cools off.

I need to find some way to cope with the cooler weather in advance but nothing seems to work. I have great Octobers and Aprils but the rest of the year is a more constant struggle.

That was probably part of it too. The cold is the most awful thing in the world for me these days. I tend to wear a heating pad on my ankle any time that I know I will be going outside at all. The weight of it causes me some additional pain...but anything to keep the cold from knocking me out completely.