We got a wheel chair just for shopping and school events because many times you have to park so far away. And I use a cane when I'm walking, not because I really need it, but it acts as a signal to those "huff and puffers" that think I'm moving at a snail's pace that I do have difficulties. People seem to go around without making comments when I use the cane. Just don't hang it over a chair in a restaurant and forget it. I also have a mobility scooter that I've used at Cross Country meets, tennis matches. I can go, and not be as restricted as sitting in the car is.

It took me 12 hours to make a 3 hour drive a few years into having RSD, but before I had accepted the limitations it brought. It was for my bf's wedding shower. I'd drive 1/2 an hour. Stop. Take meds. Wait to be not too medicated. Rinse & Repeat.

My bf didn't believe that I had really taken that long or required such extreme methods.

So when our nearest and dearest struggle with our illnesses, what can we really expect from strangers?

People will surprise you with their compassion, and others will surprise you with their nastiness. Many will seemingly take your illness personally--which I don't understand at all. It's as if they think you've done something to bring it upon yourself. They don't want to believe it could happen to
themselves I suppose. Everybody will have a cure after doing a 2 minute Internet search. And yeah, maybe trying some of those things are worthwhile, but there can be an expectation that it's easy to go into remission. If you fail to get better in their expected time frame...

My vent for the month...

I feel so llucky that I found this site. Noone seems to understand just how difficult it is for me to deal with RSD and the discomfort I am going through especiallly now when the weather keeps changing. Rain is the worst so far. Wish there was a way we could talk as I feel close here with all of you. I am Grateful for the wonderful people and everyone needs support and to be encouraged. This forum by far is wonderful and without it too relate to all of you, I would feel alone. Thanks.

I love this site as well. This is a family of people sharing and caring as if we reach out with open arms being understood by those who also fell victim to this monster. A place to chat, ask questions or just vent. People here don't seem to mind listening to the rambles of me (lol)...