On my way to work yesterday, I bumped my wrist trying to get off the train (trying to dodge someone who was going to bump into me). I didn't bump it hard but you guys all know the story; it doesn't take much. Well, I pushed through the pain to get to the end of the day but it was clear that I was going to need to take tramadol last night. So, I explained this to my manager and arranged to have today off as a sick day because if I take tramadol at night, I am really groggy the next day.

My manager said it was fine but I am so worried. Between two surgeries, I missed about 16 weeks last year. I also have physio every week which means missing half a day (though I more than make up the hours through the week). I am so worried about what my manager must be thinking. He was nice about it but I'm still worried.

I know that many of you have had to give up work so this probably seems really whingey. If it does, I'm sorry. Obviously, I don't want to have to give up work and, of course, we need the money.

I wish I could have just relaxed today but I have been stressing out.

Have you explained your condition to your manager and human resources at work? They might understand completely. I know a lot of places if they have a person that is hard working and doesn't whine and cry about every tiny thing they will work with that person. It sounds like they are trying to work with you so they can keep a valued employee around. If you worryand stress about this then you might end up in a flare. Call them in the morning and remind them that you needed a sick day due to your condition. Its not much but it will help. I know what its like to worry about your work when you hurt so bad. If you think they are not taking you seriously then take them some info about crps and also a Dr's note saying that you have this condition. Im not where you are so I can't see how they reacted when you told them. I hope this helps. Im not a dr or psychiatrist. Im just a sufferer like you. Keep in good spirit and kkeep smiling.

Thanks. I have explained the condition and my PM doc wrote me a really good note for work. They have been good about it. They have gotten me a special keyboard and mouse as well as voice recognition software.

This is the first sick day I've had apart from time off for surgeries and procedures. I don't really talk about my condition unless someone asks me. I work loads of extra hours to try to be as productive as I was before.

I'm sure it will be fine. I think I'm just afraid of what CRPS might take away from me.

If they have gotten that stuff for you then they WANT to keep you as much as possible. If this is the first time you've taken off since those initial 16 wks then you aremdoing awesome. Its hard to think that there are times you have to take off for this. It's not an easy condition. I hope you feel better soon. Try an epsom salt soak. It might help. I did one the other day and it was wonderful. Relieved a bit not m6ch of pain but enough to let me function a bit better. Also relax. Don't let the weight of the world rest on you. Or the weight of your employer. Do what you can not what what they want you to. If they are as good as you make them sound then they will work with you and help you.

Thanks. I really needed to hear (well, read) that. I will have a soak when my husband gets home. I may try to get in a wee nap before that.

There is no job worth risking permanent RSD spread. And remember, you could develop new symptoms along with new areas if you're not incredibly diligent, and even that isn't always enough.

The fact that you're able to continue working is great. It sounds as if your employer is supportive, so don't risk your health because of unrealistic pressure you're putting on yourself.

I think its awesome your employer is trying to make it as easy as they can for you at work. They sound like a really good company to work for. The bad thing about rsd that Lit Love pointed out is thatnit can spread. Thats the sucky thing about it, besides the pain. All I did was bang my pinky toe on my left foot and now its going down there along with being in my knee. Keep thinking happy thoughts and I hope you feel better soon.