Hi Everyone.

I need to get an opinion from all of you...

I've just been told that there isn't anything that they can do for my RSD. It went undiagnosed for 3 years so it has progressed. I've tried a nerve block, but was so absolutely painful that I can't get another one. The doctor that I went to does not give pain medication before the procedure so I'm screaming in pain. The nerve block did nothing for my pain. My eye went droopy like it was supposed to, but no relief in my arm at all.

I'm on medications to help with the symptoms. Neurontin, muscle relaxer, depression medication, etc. I tried physical therapy but turned out to be expensive and hard to be away from work. In February of this year, I had a blood clot in my RSD arm. So, I was on blood thinners for 3 months before the clot took care of itself.

So my doctor told me that there is no cure, no research and no definitive treatment. So, where do I go from here? I've pretty much tried all that I can. It's hard to come to a conclusion that there isn't anything and that all there is to do is cope?

I know many of you are saying "well, duh". I guess I'm having a hard time accepting that there isn't anything that anyone can do. My RSD is a result of my TOS rib resection surgery in August of 04. This wasn't a result of a fall or work injury. So, I have no disability to turn to.

I know that I'm lucky to be working at all, but every day is getting harder and harder. I literally come home and sleep from 7:00-9:30 on my couch and then sleep all night. I'm exhausted and in pain. I bought a new car because I couldn't ride in our explorer as it was too bumpy. I am taking no narcotics because of how they affect me. I wouldn't be able to work full-time if I was to start taking them. I try to do alot of deep breathing and try to stay at stress free as possible.

Haha - stress free? I just found out that I'm going to be a grandmother. I know this should be a wonderful thing, but I'm 36. It's my husbands son who is 20 but has no job, no high school diploma...

How do all of you cope with RSD and the fact that this isn't going to go away?