I was 25 when my RSD started...it's been almost 5 years now that I've had this. I agree that the hardest part is the first couple of years. I've grieved for the things that I have lost...for the person I was...but I've also embraced the person that I have become.

You CAN fight this and beat this. For me the key has been thinking about a key phrase from one of my favorite book series, "Think of the solution, not the problem." It sounds cheesy...but really that has been my approach to everything. I can't do things the way that I used to...but I have become very resourceful when it comes to figuring out how to accomplish the same tasks even if they are in completely different ways (usually more difficult...but manageable). It's allowed me to return to work full time and take control of my life again.

Just remember that YOU are not your CRPS...you can't let that define you. Sometimes we have to change the definition of who we are...I don't think any of us are the SAME person we were prior to this monster...there's some self discovery in there to figure out who we are NOW...but the answer cannot be CRPS or pain.

I am very sorry that your girlfriend abandoned you...that is one thing that I have not had to deal with thank goodness. My boyfriend has been frigging amazing through everything. The biggest thing though and the greatest gift he's given me (and I've said this so many times that I know there are people reading who are rolling their eyes)...it's that he doesn't treat me like I'm broken...not ever. He supports me and helps me when I need it...but not once has he ever made me feel like I am "less" than I ever was. Even when I was in a wheel chair and couldn't walk or stand at all for almost a year...he never treated me like I was broken. That made it so much easier to do the therapy I needed to get where I am today.

We're expecting our first child now...and that's scary...but it's also exciting and I just filled with so much joy. I know that I won't be the mother I would have been before I got CRPS...but that doesn't mean I won't be a good one. Will I be able to play catch in the backyard with the little one or chase them around or run around the park with them? No...but we'll have other moments...other things that we can do together...and it will be great.

I still get twinges from time to time where I remember the old me...and it's not even the old me but the things that the old me could do that I miss sometimes. I actually love the person I am now...I feel so very blessed to have wonderful people in my life and I don't take for granted any of the good things in my life. I wish I didn't have to be in pain all the time and I wish that all those activities that I used to be able to do hadn't been taken away from me...but I'm definitely at peace with my life as it is now.

Every day is a constant struggle...it's about me making a very conscious decision to get up, get moving, and live my life. It would be so easy to give into the pain and just give up...but the fight is SO worth it. My life is nothing like I pictured it would me...but I am genuinely happy. It IS possible...you will get there. Life is not over...don't give up on yourself...you will be amazed by the things you can accomplish if you really commit to them.

I'm so sorry that not everyone has the amazing support from their loved ones that I have had though this. It honestly breaks my heart and I wish for all of us to know the kind of love and support as we struggle with this beast that we need to make it through to the other side.

I don't know where I would be without that...and I don't know where I would be without you guys too. I needed the support of the people on this forum as much as I needed the love and support from my loved ones. I honestly think we all NEED support from people who know what we are dealing with. The members on this forum were so much more helpful than any of my doctors ever were...I learned most of my adapting tricks from the people here. YOU guys gave me the ability to make it through each and every day with your tips on what works for you and how you adapt to live your lives. Not to mention just the ability to vent to people who REALLY understand...that is something that has been SO helpful to me. I've learned so much from everyone...

And now that I've rambled on for a good 30 minutes or so...I think I need to stop before I get WAY too blubbery to even see the computer screen...