[InHisHands]

I have finally decided to go ahead and get counseling to help me deal with the RSD. I had felt that I have been dealing with everything fine, and have been able to work through it, but am feeling real down and really worn out from dealing with this lately. Perhaps it's because I am in a bad spell, but either way I have made a decision which will hopefully be in the best interest of my well being. I feel like I need to get counseling, and hope to avoid full blown depression.

I was wondering if any counselor would do or if it is very important to see one who works with pain. I don't know how I'd find one who knows RSD specifically, but I am sure I could find someone who works with pain.

Any thoughts?

Also, I am looking for input from those who've received counseling, and wondering what you felt was the best thing that came from getting it, and why you think it is important in treating RSD.

Looking for a frank open discussion.

Thanks!

[carose]

is a great idea if you find the right person. Because I had PTSD and RSD I was an emotional mess!! The first counselor I went to was not a good fit,was not understanding of my pain- either phyical or mental. Because I did not know I had RSD I sought out a counselor that had knowlege of PTSD and how to treat it. She also understood pain, told me almost anyone in pain is depressed. When I found out I had RSD she spent a lot of time looking up professional information so she could better help me with it, as well as the PTSD. She helped me to understand that it is OK to tell people not to touch me when I am having a bad day. Also that I am having a bad day, please not to take it personal. I am not the person I was before my accident and am still trying to find out who I am At least I know I am not crazy, so will not have to worry about how to pay for that padded room!! Good Luck in finding that special person that fits your needs. Carose

[junk4myemail]

Your PM doc should be able to help you find a therapist or help you look in the right direction for one.

[Desi]

[COLOR="Blue"] Hi.. had to respond to this pain or not Hey sweetie, I too am going to see a therapist, am armed with all kinds of liturature on RSD . my app. is this July. I am just going to "get it all out"! I need to rant, and see a good therapist face to face. At this place where I am going, if I don't like or feel like I am being helped as I should, I can see another therapist.(same place) take care, sweetie.. all will work out for you, yo will see! Desi] P.S. I was asked if I wanted to see a female or male Dr. (I said a female) I feel more comfortable with a female, maybe you would too??)

[dawn3063]

Hi InHisHands,
I am currently seeing a therapist and have been since April of this year. I had been so depressed since my initial injury caused me to loose my job and many other aspects of my life about 6 years ago. But I had thought that I was able to handle it on my own.
Then time passed and I realized that it wasn't working out so I spoke to my primary doctor who prescribed anti depressants more than a year ago but she didn't refer me to a therapist. My depression grew more and more to the point that I would just lay in bed for days and not even go outside. One day I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist and asked him if he had anyone he could refer me too and luckily he did.
Mind you this was before I had begun treatment with my pain management doctor. My appointment was scheduled for mid May and I had no idea I would be referred to a neuro phychologist with them.
In the mean time I had started seeing this wonderful lady therapist. At first it was difficult for me to speak of my difficulties to a stranger but after awhile I was able to vent my frustrations, fears, anxieties and difficulties to her among other things. My depression remains I still am angry and sad about my injury and the recent onset of RSD but I feel I am able to cope with it better than before. I don't lie in bed all day because of depression. I take many naps because I am worn out and tired from the RSD and meds but that is different and I do go out when I am able.
When I started to see my Pain management doc he had me start seeing a neuro phychologist. She does thing differantley. She has me working on biofeedback and relaxation. She teaches me how to relax my entire body and place my mind in a peaceful safe setting which helps me to lower my pain levels and relieve stress.
I highly recommend seeing someone. When you find the right trained professional it definitely helps you overcome your emotional conflicts whatever they may be...
Many Hugs
Dawn

[dreambeliever128]

I think it's the best thing you could do for yourself.

Like the others said, you might not get the right on on the first try but don't let that get you down either.

I actually went to 2 before my PCP said he'd just take over doing my councelling. He's helped many with suicidal issues. He was taking care of a 12 year old boy with suicidal issues when I became a thorn in his side. He has councelled me for over 8 years. He saw how bad off I was and it scared him so bad, he jumped in and took over. He councelled Bill for the last year or so before he passed. Bill just loved him.

You will find a councellor that will help you through the pain and the mental issues. It just takes time.

The first one I had was worse off then me in some departments. She was going through a divorce and she proceeded to tell me her life story and you soon realize also that some can have book smart but no common sense. You want someone that has both.

You are very young and although you are very smart and have a lot of common sense you have enough to know that you can't get through this alone and that's good.

They will help you get through any bad past you have had, help you to understand what you are going through now and help you deal with things in the future that you can't deal with.

It's great to have someone you can talk to and you know they are not going to tell anyone else what is going on with you. You also can get input on each issue you run up on that you don't know how to handle along the way.

Good luck with finding that right one and don't give up.

Ada

[JOAN_M]

it is great to see people share on what some may feel is a delicate subject.
i saw a therapist a few years ago, and then thought i could handle it on my own. i was wrong. i am back with the same person who works with several chronic pain people. i had quite a bit of trauma as a child also and so those issues have come up. she said when a person is in pain everyday, that person often needs to go back and heal other wounds. it is as if there is no more space left inside the heart for any more pain, and you have to purge it. i think it is true because i am so much better. those of us with rsd are dealing with a grieving process. we have lost so much and we cannot ever get it back. i have used antidepressants but the therapy is much better.
also don't give up on a therapist too quickly, sometimes they are getting to a nerve and you may feel like not going back but it is then that you need to go most. good luck. joan

[RSDmom]

Hello--
Just a thought on where you might go to find a good therapist. My daughter has been with a couple of different people. The connection we made with a person who worked with pediatrics in the oncology area. She seemed to understand the hugeness of chronic pain and children. It was a different area than RSD but was probably the closest the clinic could get for pediatrics. This last therapist she is seeing is a psychologist(not just for pediatrics) rather than a psychiatrist. I am sure there are technical differences, but it was based more on personality for us.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by JOAN_M

it is great to see people share on what some may feel is a delicate subject.
i saw a therapist a few years ago, and then thought i could handle it on my own. i was wrong. i am back with the same person who works with several chronic pain people. i had quite a bit of trauma as a child also and so those issues have come up. she said when a person is in pain everyday, that person often needs to go back and heal other wounds. it is as if there is no more space left inside the heart for any more pain, and you have to purge it. i think it is true because i am so much better. those of us with rsd are dealing with a grieving process. we have lost so much and we cannot ever get it back. i have used antidepressants but the therapy is much better.
also don't give up on a therapist too quickly, sometimes they are getting to a nerve and you may feel like not going back but it is then that you need to go most. good luck. joan

"Great Post, Joan... Thank you! I needed to hear this!! Love, Desi

[dealingwithtos]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would let everyone know what has helped me.

I went to see a very good physical therapist recently. She was very good because she brought to my attention my body language that I have developed since being in pain.

She talked about deep breathing - and sort of meditating for a few minutes. I have found that this does help with pain. I do this twice-three times a day. Just closing my eyes - I have downloaded relaxation music on my ipod and just relaxing my shoulders, jaw (I was clenching my jaw because I was in so much pain), everything...

I have unconsciously altered my posture because I'm in pain. I have RSD mostly on my left arm - left side. I lean to my right when I sit - either I put weight on my right arm or I lean to the right - as to try to lean away from the pain. Just by being conscious of my body posture it has helped. It doesn't take the pain away by any means; if nothing else, it calms my nerves if for a few minutes...

I try to do this religiously. I'm working full-time still so I have an alarm on my computer to remind me to do this 2-3 times a day.

Hope this helps.