Hi All,

I hope you are surviving the day and managing your pain as best as possible.

I join you with CRPS since 2003 from a hit and run car accident, crushing left arm injury and compartment syndrome. Diagnoses within 3 months by my physical therapist and soon after confirmed by primary and pain management MD.

I injured my left arm during work travel on March 22 and have been unable to work since then. It has since spread to right thumb and toes on both feet.

I have worked full time for past 25 years in clinical research, phases 1-4. I am now experiencing pain hovering between 7 and 8, some days hard to get out of bed. Am back in PT and seeing a Highly recommended MD this coming Thursday.

WC has been a real eye opener, no pay for 5 months and a case manager that I spoke to once, as she would not return my calls. She has since been terminated and I have a new case manager and nurse manager that I have to watch like a hawk! I am back on gabapentin and meds for sleep and pain, antidepressants and two new BP meds. In warm pool therapy and guided motor imagery. Wow, lots of sleepless nights so have found neuro talk to be a great life line. I hope to be able to help others in near future, once I get this all better under control.
Prior to my clinical research profession I worked as a biofeedback and progressive relaxation medical assistant and I also worked in a hospital based psychiatric unit. Meditation, progressive relaxation, Yoga and ROM daily have all been life savers.

I look forward to chatting with you soon.

Cindy

PS I have no idea why I selected rain shower as my online name, other than enjoying sitting on the front porch enjoying rain shower and the way the air smells during rain.

Rain shower...it brings to mind peacefulness and healing. It's a great name.

Thanks for the intro. You have tremendous resilience and grit to have been living this for 12 years, working full time and helping others all the while.

You are doing so many great things for yourself. I know we will all benefit from your experience and wonderful attitude. I am sorry you are having to deal with so much pain and with the frustration of WC. It's hard enough dealing with our illness alone.

Welcome again. I am glad you found us!

Thank you Littlepaw.

I have had to take several months in 2007 and again 2010 off, when the pain, excessive sweating, hot flashes and sensitivity to normal stimuli became too overwhelming and the side effects of the meds made it impossible for me to perform my job. I have also taken two "steps sideways" in my career (less responsibilities), which helped me to make it this far. I received word my job was being posted but that when i am able to return they will assist me in finding another job. Legit.

This flare is different in that the pain severity is consistently a 7, 8 and occasionally 9. My toes are burning terribly during day and gets even more painful at night. I am ready for a break! I am looking at early retirement after this WC case is closed.

Take care.

Rain,

Welcome! What LP said!

I am so glad you found us, but I am sorry for the circumstances which brought you here.

Best,
Bio

Welcome aboard.....what a nice reason to pick that name....sorry for your reason for being here. We are a really neat bunch and will try and help the best we can.

Welcome Cindy,

I am so sorry that you have had to deal with this and other issues off and on since 2003. I always find it strange that so many people seem to have difficulties dealing with WC. I had to deal with them back in 2003 when I originally broke my ankle, but they were very quick at taking care of any medical expenses and missed income for the entire 6 months that I was unable to work.

I hope you are able to find the support and opinions of everybody here helpful. I know I have.

Alaina

PS: I think the name Rain Shower is very cute!

Hi and welcome to the group Rain Shower!

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welcome rainshower. i'm sorry you have crps/rsd and that you're pain levels are increasing. i hope your pain level goes down soon and that you get some relief from your rsd flare. i am glad you found this forum. everyone here is really kind and supportive and they have helped me cope with my rsd better. (i have had rsd for almost five years now.) sending soft hugs your way.