I suffered from anxiety before my injury, but it became significantly worse afterwards (I've actually been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of it).

Of everything I've done, the therapy definitely has helped the most, along with really becoming proactive in my care. It's still a struggle, though, I won't lie. I have medication I can take for panic attacks, but the techniques I've learned are usually successful in helping me to calm down.

I've also modified my actions, i.e. - I don't go into crowded stores, try to keep my bedroom very serene/uncrowded, those types of things.

I suffer from the "vicious cycle" that Dr. Smith referred to. I've been unable to beat it, but accepting it DOES help me somewhat in that I know I have a good day coming around the corner.

(And if you wonder why I didn't answer before, it's because I couldn't have answered this cheerfully when I first read your post the other day. Trust me, I'm NOT this positive all the time, just keeping it real! )

Acceptance of our illness means taking ownership ...including every each and step of it's spreading... So please, try not to be too hard on yourself... I can hear my sweet departed Mom saying that to me..So, this advice holds a bunch of merit gently wrapped up in a beautiful package topped with a loving bow!!!

Hugz, KS

I'm newly diagnosed and just beginning the nerve blocks (this Friday). None of the pain, nerve meds have worked so it is scary. I live by myself, no money saved and I must work ( I do have disability if I chose to use it I guess). I just recently started doing Jon Zabat Kimm's tapes on minduflness and pain. I find breathing and being in the moment (THE MOST i CAN BE...), helps just a little. I catastrophize alot!! And in the tapes he does mention that labelling it pain...could make it hurt more..and has some suggestions for other names...but he's very kind about it, doesn't make any grand statement about what works or doesn't.

I have also found I'm burning my friends out...so probably need to do more sharing on this forum.

I also have been working with my spiritual minister alot on this..and the prayers plus her belief in healing (heal the mind and body will follow ) are very inspiring to me. I also read a lot of positive, inspirational stories...just have to take some control back and create a new life with CRPS..grieve the old, but find some purpose in the pain.

Hugs for us all.

Linda

I needed to take a year off from my job when my RSD first spread into the occipital region of my head - I couldn't deal with the sudden onset of severe daily migraines. I can truly emphasize with how you feel. My first message above came off a bit snotty, when in truth, I am blessed. after many court battles and with the very significant assistance of my husband and parents and siblings, I have had 34 ketamine infusions since last April 19th. I was able to return to work in June on a FT basis.

If WC had had their way, I would still be home, unemployed, with a combined cost of wages, meds and other less effective treatments in excess of the current cost of the ketamine. They (The Hartford, in my case) are truly evil and that is what is totally unnerving and very, very scary. My approval runs out in early May, and back to court we go... I am 50, and I can't imagine how awful this is going to be when I am 70 or 75...ugh.

Mindfulness helped me a lot. If you google it you will websites at UMass and in California that have recordings you can listen to.

don't ever give up trying to get better... the best of luck to you. Xoxo Sandy