Karen,
Even in your darkest hour, the times when you feel so alone and lost and the tears don't stop, remember you can reach out to people. Those people who are strong, loving and understanding will be your best support. There are people who can't handle RSD, it's that simple and those people you don't need. You need to talk to your teen, say "Hey, I really need a hug", sometimes that simple contact will get you through. I can't fathom being in a wheelchair, my RSD is in my hands, which is driving me nuts typing this but I do it because I care! I know the feelings that creep up on you, the loneliness, confusion, anger, frustration at this damn disease RSD!!! But, I need to reach out too!
It took me three husbands and the third is the charm, he was 49 when we married - he said he was waiting for the right woman and RSD was not going to be a factor in his decision to love. I am 38 now and could not believe my luck in finding him. I was a single parent for a long time and dated men who could not handle my condition. It takes a strong heart, lots of love, patience and working together. I did not have RSD with the first 2 and I know they would not have been with me if I had this at that time, they were very weak people. My husband of 2 1/2 years, (4 together) is there for me, supportive and researching but there are times he seems indifferent and I need to say "Hey, I am having a crappy day here!" "Hold me". My 13 year old son sometimes is hurtful "You don't work, what do you do" He knows he is wrong and he at other times is the sweetest kid around. Teens are a rough bunch, but get vulnerable with them and they do start to crack. My friends are far away since I moved 4 years ago and so the computer tends to be my link. But, lately I have been just taking a day to stop at the library, sitting outside on warm days, I will find people around it just takes time.
RSD does not need to define your life, YOU define your life. Find things that make you smile, remember there are people who care, you may just need to jump start them. You did not cause this, it happened! Now you have to "happen".
Just remember you can always reach out on this site and you will find a willing ear, warm heart and tons of strength!

septmystic. you said what I was going to say. Kids, hubby and hugs

I get them all the time because the pain is tooo tooo bad certain days. Hurts toerrible to type but that is for Dragon software when you cannot.

Hugs to all !

Rain

Septmystic--that was truly beautiful and so very ENCOURAGING!

RSD KITTIE: PLEASE, keep your chin up, and CONTINUE to post here--you have SO MANY loving, caring and UNDERSTANDING people on this Forum who truly care for you.

Sometimes, I just get so ANGRY at this RSD, and how cruel and insensitive people can be, but now, I find that in some strange way, if NOT for the RSD, I would NEVER have come in contact with what REALLY COUNTS---QUALITY PEOPLE!!

I consider myself extremely blessed to have some really WONDERFUL friends (most of the e-mail buddies) and contacts. It will happen for YOU TOO!!!!
Try to keep an open heart, and keep posting here--that is a real good start!!

Most Very Sincerely, RSD Kittie,

Brokenwings

I want to tell everyone that cares THANK YOU so much..........Thank you to everyone that left me an message, I really need it. I seem to be going through a depression time. I'm trying to reach out to people and I'm so happy that you are all here for me and I'm here for all of you to even through this depressing time.

I was going to use a scooter instead of a wheelchair or both but I cant because it brings out the RSD in my hands more its hard enough typing but its important to be in touch with the great support I get here and the friends I am making and I hope you feel that way about me to. I will be getting back to you all this weekend to let you know how I'm doing and Brokenwings I will be in contact with you this weekend ---thank you so much............REALLY

I am going to try to get my dragon disc so I dont have to type as much when I cant to work this weekend. I brought it along time when my hands started to hurt and burn but I havent been able to get it to work right. So my son and I will try again............... Thank You ALL again THINKING OF YOU ALL ..................

Hi Rsd Kittie! Sooo Glad fto see your Post! I was thinking about the dilemna of the RSD and the wheelchair/scooter problem. Is there ANY way that your Doctor could write a Prescription so that you can get an ELECTRIC wheel chair with some sort of toggles to use for navigating around to make it easier on your hands?

The lady who used to live across the street from me had very bad polio as a child and her hands were SEVERELY affected...she had an electric weelchair that was nice, small and COMPACT for tight corners in her house...she also had these toggles that were really easy to use. She was able to go for outings in the neighborhood in her cool wheelchair! I know that she had to plug it in at nite to re-charge the batteries. She LOVED THE FREEDOM it gave her!!

She also had her VAN adapted and had toggles put in instead of using the steering wheel. She was VERY ADEPT at DRIVING!!!!!!!! It was TRULY AMAZING! She took me out for a little "spin" before she moved---she was better than most of the other drivers on the road, and I would NEVER have hesitated to drive with her again!!

Between her electric wheelchair and her van-conversion, she REALLY GOT AROUND, and even took LONG road trips EVERYWHERE!!

It might be something to discuss with your Doctor!!! It mght be PAID FOR by whatever medical insurance you have--your Doctor just needs to write a VERY comprehensive letter explaining and JUSTIFYING the medical necessity.
Might really be worth a try!

I look forward to your messages this weekend, RSD Kittie!!! Keep hanging in there!

Most Sincerely,

Brokenwings

P.S. The lady also had a SEATBELT for her electric chair!!!!! Kept her from falling out!!

I LOVE MY ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR!!!!!! I have a compact scooter for trips out and an electric chair with the joystic controll for in the house. It is the compact for tight living conditions kind. I was extrememly fortunate because even with my insurance it was going to cost uss several thousand dollars. The chair is 8,000. The lady who helps with my housework knew a gentleman who had one. He got it from medicare but never used it because it went too fast and scared him. He told medicare to take it back and they told him throw it away!!! I was shocked that they wouldn't tell hm to donate it or something. It sat in his basement for 1 year. When my friend told them about me they gave it to me for free! What a humbling experience. My manual chair was too much on my hands. My scooter is a fold n go. I highly reccomend it. It is so portable! I got that at a yard sale for 125.00. Check Craigslist in your area. The free board often has them and the for sale boards do too. Don't give up.
Also, try not to let your old boyfriend get you down. I have never understood the concept of accepting that someone can't handle our condition. I dated a lot of guys who had that song. I found it pathetic really. You get what you get in this life. They could marry a marathon runner who is destined to be hit by a truck in the morning. You are not a disease and never feel like anyone is doing you a favor by "dealing with it". My husband is wonderful aand very supportive. I will always be bonded to him in a special way because he had children with me knowing my limitations. Is he a saint for that? No. DO I feel lucky that some one married me? No, I expected it. I am a good person and a great mother. I am not a condition or a disability and neither are you.The minute we start to feel lucky to be loved we start spiraling into dangerous territory. You are who you are, we get what we get, we all deserve companionship and love. You will find it if you expect it from people. Hang in there soldier!

I just want to add 1 thing -

NEVER GIVE UP HOPE of getting better - it is possible - miracles do happen

Lisa