Usually I post when I am having a bad or rough day...but today is actually a very good day (at least compared to what I am used to). The doctor started me on Clonidine patches at the beginning of this month to see if those would help with the dizziness and blurry vision (I brought in the RSD Puzzle on that and that's what was recommended). They seem to be working. I will still get the dizziness and blurry vision...but only when my pain gets up to that 9-10 range.

So...I finally felt after two weeks on these things that it was safe enough for me to go for a (very short) drive. I haven't been in any condition to drive for almost a year now and let me tell you...the freedom I felt even just driving to the bank to deposit some checks was incredible. I will be careful...taking it slow (nothing more than 10-15 minutes) but this is a huge milestone for me.

The biggest thing I am worried about is my ability to get the walker in and out of the car...but it went fine today. I deliberately bought a light one for this reason. But I have to admit to being worried about how well I will be able to do this when it's slippery out.

Add to that the fact that I walked for 40 minutes straight last night and even though I was sore afterwards I was still able to function...and you have one very happy girl right now. I still have a long way to go over the next few weeks if I am going to get myself in shape to go back to work...and I am being super cautious about not doing too much because I don't want any setbacks...but I am feeling VERY optimistic about this.

I have a doctor's appointment a week from Friday...so we'll see where I am at by then. But just wanted to share my joy with everyone and to let everyone know how much help you have all been to me during this last year. It can be so hard to keep your spirits up when you are in so much pain all the time but you all help keep me strong and help me find those little things that help with the pain that I probably would never hear about from my doctors. Those little things really do add up and I now feel like I have a system of things that I can use to help me get through each and every day. Thanks.