[lexiegirl250]

Hi, I was diagnosed with RSD a couple of months ago. I know that I have had it longer because I have been in pain for over a year. It gradually got worse until I could not work or focus anymore. I have been through some real hard times over the past few months. I went out on medical leave in May and came back to work in early July. A lot of people that I though were my friends don't really seem interested in spending time with me anymore. I don't get invited out to lunch like I used to. They ignore me or barely say "hi" once in a while. It makes me sad that they treat me this way. I feel like a lot of the people in my office are acting this way towards me. It is hard enough to deal with the ongoing pain issues I have (it is still bad) but to have "friends" treat you like this is wrong. Maybe I don't smile as much anymore because I am hurting all of the time, but I am still me. Has anyone else had friends or suppsoed friends act like this and basically ditch them?

[alt1268]

I to lost a lot of so called friends because of my disease. I wasn't invited to go anywhere either. I thought it was because of my rollabout. (which I still believe) Since then I found I only have one friend that wants to do anything with me and the other lives out of state.
I know it is hard to except, but it has something to do with them not understanding our disease. It is not like cancer or a broken bone. Try inviting some of them or even one of them to lunch and talk about crps. They will realize you really haven't changed. You just handle things differently.

[lexiegirl250]

It is hard because it is just so isolating.

[alt1268]

Yes, I know. I got to a point where I requested to be put on an antidepressent

[lexiegirl250]

I am at that point. I am waiting to get in to see a pain counselor.

[happygirlpa]

I have been dealing with crps for four years. I too was left in the dust as far as friends go. My crps affects my right hip and leg which affects my ability to do alot of things. I just cant keep up with them anymore. My family included. We had to really come to terms with this because i cant mother them the same as before. Some days i cook, some days i dont. The house isnt as clean either. I dont go dancing, hiking, or take road trips. I am not the old me. I've had to find new hobbies which led to new friends and slowly i am rebuilding my life based on my abilities. Good friends hold on thru the turmoil and metamorphasis, others just dont. Try arranging something with your friends that you can manage. If not a home cooked fancy meal, maybe pizza or a drink after work.

[Kitt]

Welcome happygirlpa.

[ginnie]

No it isn't right that your co-workers treat you with indiffernece. Sometimes when health issues present, you find out who your real friends are. You will make some friends right here. Ones that won't abandon you, or think bad of your because of RSD and pain. Many of us live with pain and came here for the same reason. Have heart, we care. Keep posting and making yourself comfortable on the site. Talk to anyone you want, and ask all the questions you care too. I wanted to make you feel welcome. ginnie

[lexiegirl250]

Thank you Ginnie. Hug right back to you. It is nice to talk to people who get just how bad it is.

[birchlake]

Lexie:

Unfortunately, what you are sadly experiencing is very common with CRPS.

I have had so called "friends" visit or call less since my diagnosis and struggles and I've even had a few of my friends question my disability (behind my back of course which is convenient isn't it).

That is what many of us are up against here. Those old friends are in the rear view mirror. I have come to terms that I truly don't need them.

My TRUE friends understand and have been there for me since the diagnosis (which took a whole lot of time mind you).

Those are the only friends that matter. We all find out who they are. The others are simply negative energy, and are not worth it. Let them go. I've found that in life you only need a few good friends. And FAMILY.

Good luck to you, and good luck to ALL of us!