NeuroTalk Support Groups - Feelings of guilt

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/)

- - Feelings of guilt (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/195943-feelings-guilt.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djhasty (Post 1023503)

http://www.rsds.org/1/publications/r...ummer2006.html
What to do with the guilt?

Since having CRPS, I often feel guilty for not accomplishing those things that I used to be able to accomplish. I also try to hide my pain as much as possible. It is one particular issue that I have discussed with Doc K, my psychologist. She was surprised that I had feelings of guilt. Basically, she simply told me I should not feel guilty. One should not feel guilty for acquiring a disorder and subsequent disability without any control whatsoever of a diseases affliction. But, it is not that simple. Especially when it has been drilled into my head that one can will themselves to overcome illness or pain, and that showing outward signs is evidence of weakness or inferiority. Suffering should be done in silence. Well, I've failed at that. I found this article on RSDSA.org. Surprised that there are others like me who feel guilty for being ill, it revealed to me that I am not alone. Interesting in deed.

Do any others of you CRPSers have feelings of guilt?

Oh yes.. soo much that I must push myself so far past my tolerance levels just to try and prove I am not helpless and useless. but that usually gets me days onthe couch of complete uselessness. or in the hospital.
those who say you shouldnt feel guilty obviously can not relate to what we are going through. aside from others doing things that was ment to be done by us, we have this Idea of who we are supposed to be and anything less is not allowed... you are not alone in this.. if that helps at all.. be well

I found another interesting article on this topic. In it, Linnea Smith Noyles explaines irrational or 'neurotic' guilt. The article is directed at chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients, but I believe it holds true for us CRPS/RSD patients too. "Any guilt or self-blame of this type tends to hinge on the assumption that you actually have control over such matters [as chronic illness], and that there is a relationship between “goodness” and life events." It is a short read. I hope it helps clarify our understanding about misplaced guilt.

'Dealing With Guilt'
Lennea Smith Noyes
The CFIDS Chronicle, Summer 2005
http://www.cfids.org/sparkcfs/guilt.pdf

guilt comes with a lot of other diseases, not just RSD. I feel guilt that I can't work like I did before. Guilt that I wear out quickly, guilt I can't walk right, and need the handicap sign in my car. I feel bad I had to quit work, and that I can't be what I use to be. Pain changes a person. Learning to cope is extremely difficult for most of us. I think the only thing we can do is take one day at a time, one hour, one minute, and do the best you can. ginnie:hug::grouphug:

It's not only guilt about things I can't do and am afraid to do but when I experience the fear and dread before the pain it feels like the RSD itself is my fault causing even more guilt. It's not just paranoia and general fear along with the epression it engenders but also the constant feeling of guilt.

I was supposed to go to see my son in college last weekend with my husband. It's about an hour and a half drive. We were going just to have lunch at diner and see him. We miss him so much. I got up the morning we were supposed to go and was in too much rsd pain and had stomach pain really bad, so I couldn't go. This is the second time this month I've tried to see him, and had to have my husband see him alone. I feel very guilty about this. I miss my son and feel bad having to tell him I can't take the drive. It's just so hard for me to travel too far especially when I'm having a bad pain day. I feel guilt because I'm not able to see my son that much and because my husband has to see him alone. It really stinks. They understand, but I still feel guilty. I feel that I have no life anymore and am just a hermit in a house. It sucks.