I am 21 years old, trying to look into getting a degree, because im tired of sitting around all day making my brain mush..it SUCKS! and its sad...there is alot i want to do, but i know i wont be able to, with having RSD in my dominent right hand/arm, so im not sure what jobs i can stand to do??? what, if any, jobs do you do??

I think going to school is a great thing and at your young age ,anything is possible .Ihave TOS,so arm pains and icecoldness loss of feeling ect. I think were in same position ,yet I;m double your age.I think counseling jobs or broadcasting ,or radio ,might be a good choice ,the school ,well university have programs for disablity stundents .I think it would be great for you to look into it .I totally know what you mean about sitting around doing nothing as ,for the past 2yrs and dr after dr and more and more pain ,Ifeel the same way .Takecare from michele

Hi. I have often thought of this issue. A lot of what I would enjoy doing I would not be able to with condition. Even if I went into remission I would still be extra careful around my rsd areas and would not choose a job that could flare that up or cause problems.
For right now could you take a class or 2 at a community college or something? This way you feel you are doing something proactive with your time and you never know what doors it could open. Could you make a list of some things you would like to do and then research those and jobs related? You may learn of a job that you had never thought of that you could do.
For myself I really like helping people and would like to be a psychologist or social worker but don't think I could ever go to school for that long with the pain.
Good luck to you

Hi Amyb20,
Hello. I think you are doing a great thing by continuing your education. I am in my late 40's (scary I know) and it took me 20 years to get my Bachelor's Degree...I was bound and determined. Due to life's circumstances (divorce, work, child) I could not go the routine learning of going to class to learn. I had looked into online classes and they are the best. You have to be very discliplined and have good time management skills but you can go online or do your homework at midnight in your jammies. If you live in a cold climate you can stay indoors and not have to drive to places. I know they are alot more expensive than the regular classes but it allowed me to stay home with my child and finish my education. There are many programs to help disabled people with their tuition costs so check out your local community college for online general education classes. You have to start somewhere. Unfortunately, I am unable to work at all (I have full-body rsd) but I try to read at night when my mind can focus. I have found that keeping your mind active is the most important thing with rsd. If you can read a good book it at least takes you out of the moment of pain and gets your mind to escape away from the pain. I also want to write a few different books someday but the main book being on living with chronic pain. I want to be able to help others on their journey. You are very young and need to look forward to your future...who knows by the time you finish school there may be a cure for rsd and then you can be cured and get a great job!! Keep positive and set your goals high!

I have heard of a job someone had working from home which was awesome. They read books into their computer for blind people. She worked an 8-hour day Monday thru Friday and was able to work the hours she wanted to work. Also, I've heard of paralegals doing research at home for lawyers. There are home-based jobs you just need to look but be very careful. Watch out for the ones that want money up front. You could also volunteer your services at a church. There are so many people hurting out there that need help. I saw a man last week at the scene of the tornadoes in MO with only one arm unloading a truck. It brought tears to my eyes. The news said he worked tirelessly for hours. So no matter how much or how little you can do just doing it will improve someone else's life as well as make you feel better too. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose to do. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Take care,
kathy d

Dear Amby,

I also have RSD in my upper right extremity from a rotator cuff tear in Nov of 2006. I am a CPA and a certifed fraud examiner and after a year's leave of absence because I was so sick with my RSD I was able to return to work 11 and a half months ago.

If you have a dream of becoming educated and getting a job, don't ever give it up. Instead, focus on how you are going to make that dream come true. I know that I am not always the same worker that I was before I became sick. But my determination and dedication to my job in many ways makes me even BETTER than those that take everything they have for granted. I try very, very hard to do the best job that I can and I work a lot of extra hours for which I am not compensated.

I have a desk job, and I can use the mouse with either my left or my right hand. The RSD is primarily in my shoulder, neck, head and right leg. I walk at least 3-4 miles a day to keep my body and mind in decent shape. It really helps. My biggest problem is migraine pain...my head hurts to some degree every minute of every day and it is truly awful. Work helps takes my mind off it.

Try to find a treatment that works for you so that you can function at the highest level possible. I get ketamine infusions every month, and take a cocktail of meds that are tweaked periodically to maximize their effectiveness. It takes a while to find out what works best because everyone is so different. Get to the best RSD doctor in your area if you can. Do you have a local RSD support group? Many times its members will know who the better docs are and who you will want to avoid.

The best of luck to you. Let us know how you make out. XOXOX Sandy

Sorry to hear about your troubles with RSD, Amy. I hope you start feeling better soon!

I'm 16 and have RSD in my left leg, both arms and possibly back. I'm from the UK and we leave to go to College when we are 16 so i've just applied for courses and will start in September.

I've spoken to my teachers and explained my RSD and back issues. I always wanted to work in Child Care areas but unfortunately because of my back issues I can't as can't really lift little children etc !

The course I am starting in September is in Travel and Tourism. I've always wanted to work in travel agents etc or abroad and my teachers told me that those courses aren't very physical so should be better for me It's a 4 half day a week course but the college are aware of my RSD so hopefully will be understanding

I'm also going to do Psychology and Sociology on a night at home. Psychology has always interested me and I feel because I wouldn't have to move around too much it would be manageable, especially if I can change positions etc.

I'll keep you posted as to how I get on at college ! I know at times it's SO hard not to lose faith but there are jobs out there suitable for you, you just have to work round them. Most jobs nowadays can't be discriminatory so that should make it easier to get one

Best of Luck to you!