[Jennybean]

Hey, everyone! This is the same Jennybean from John Lester's BTC. I'm so glad to have found this new site, you have no idea!

Anyway! I was diagnosed with RSD almost a year ago and it has been one hardship after another. I even lost my job and am unable to work because of this, but cannot get any SS assistance. The doctors around my area don't know enough about RSD to know how to recognize, treat, or deal with patients of RSD. Thus, I cannot apply for disability. Since it is my right foot/leg that is affected, my mobility options are strictly limited to relying on others to transport me to the seemingly endless doctors' appointments. I feel like such an inconvenience! And then when I see the doctors they just look at me as if I'm crazy, like there's no way I could be in such pain from such a minor accident. Since my diagnosis I've had at least eight pain block surgeries that were no fun at all and didn't make a difference. I've been stuck, poked, scanned, and X-rayed to the point of feeling like a radioactive pin cushion! However, none of these tests have proven the existence of RSD yet my diagnosis has remained the same. Physical therapy turned me away, saying I was in too much pain for the therapy to do any good. One doctor even referred me to a psychiatrist...I truely believe he thinks I'm either crazy or just making it all up. In the mean time, I'm sinking into depression and beginning to wonder if maybe I am crazy. Or maybe it's just the pain that has driven me to insanity! Friends have suggested that I try going to Vanderbilt to see some of the best neurologists, but I don't see that as an option because 1.) it's so far away, 2.) my mom would have to take off a lot of work to drive me and we can't afford that, and 3.) my COBRA insurance is running out.

Maybe I'm just throwing myself a pity-party, but it does help to vent out these feelings. Anyway, thanks for listening. If you have any comments or advice, feel free to share.

Jennifer