well I have had this question asked daily. and my family are the most difficult to teach. as they believe their pain is equivalent . I suffered their injuries to the back long before RSD. so now I just say I'm doing or you don't want to know so don't ask. strangers on the other hand I find it easier. start very simply by saying a I've suffered a very rare type of nerve damage that is progressive and has no cure. then I take it from their cue. if they ask what is its nature i tell them the name of it RSD. then explain it as a computer or car with electrical damage. but its my nerves and it affects all parts of the body. and i go into detail with how each person responds or questions. but the answer to how are you or how do you feel . I don't like answering. my wife and aunt don't like (I'm alive, or I'm doing) but when i tell them what is really happening they feel bad about it. the rest of my family huh,, don't ask. my best friend saw me have a severe flare where it was in my whole body at the same time with my other back and nerve issues. she said why don't i just see the specialist in this field.. so ignorant like a child but some cannot be taught so don't try...