I have been so frustrated this past week with issues of RSD that I have become a bit negative, this is so unlike me.

So I was thinking today of things I have learned and benefitted from since being Dx'd with RSD...

There have been a few:

#1: My faith has been strengthened.

#2: I have learned to let go of the things that are little...like dusting, cobwebs, etc. Does it really matter if my house is perfectly clean? Don't get me wrong, it is neat & picked up but there is dusting that needs done, lol!

#3: I have learned how to depend on others & to ask for help. I have always been stubborn and hard headed, now I am able to let some of that go. One example: I do not need to do all of the grocery shopping, it is OK for hubby to do it

#4: I have learned to appr. the little things in life: coffee with a girlfriend on a good day, hanging out at home watching movies, snuggling with the kids,I could go on & on.

Sure, the pain sucks, I hate hurting all of the time, I do not like the side effects of the meds, I don't like having a handicap parking permit, nor do I like walking with a cane but I know it could be worse.

Thanks for reading my rambling

I must say, I think this is a fabulous perspective! I agree with everything on your list and could probably add a few of my own. I think that having RSD has made me more aware of other people and more sensitive specifically to people with disabilities. I also believe that I have been given a mission that automatically came with my diagnosis to help raise awareness of this disease.

Pain has become a part of my daily life. It has altered who I am and what I am capable of doing physically, but only negatively so if I allow myself the indulgence of self-pity. I used to be a perfectionist and have had to let go of that.

I may not clean or cook or look exactly the same as before, but I can still love and feel and empathize. I'm finding NEW traits about myself to love that are far deeper and more significant than what I had before. And, to your first point, God's Grace is always sufficient for me. Never before have I been more aware of that since RSD!!

*So far i have learned RSD makes you immortal to drugs, oxycontin 80's are worthless and all the other higher pain meds are worthless.
*You become more mature than your age.
*You become way stronger than most humans cause the pain you have is not even something they can think of in their worst nightmares.

I love that you started this post! July marks 20 years of CRPS for me and I too have realized many benefits throughout the years. I am always so thankful to be in the "Good Company " of all who share this disease. Although, each day can bring incredible pain, it also brings incredible insight, incredible compassion and a passion for life. I too, have more time for a spiritual life and find more peace in each day. I also find myself much more grateful for each little thing that just puts a smile on my face. Much Love Di

It's ironic that I always loved to work, still do, but I never liked to adhere to someone else's schedule. Now my schedule is more set in stone than ever and am lucky to work a few hours a week. The good part is that at least if I can find something better then I can change my schedule to fit it.

Time has always been so important to me. I managed it to the second and, unfortunately, lived mostly in the future. Now some of my time is just something to be endured but I'm living much more in the present.

I too love that you started this thread - it is a great way at looking at things and I too also try and think of a few good things that RSD has taught me that I probably wouldn't have known had I not developed it!!

When I was first diagnosed with RSD, I thought that everything was terrible and that it was the end of the World. I was frustrated at Doctors not knowing how to treat my RSD and was VERY angry that they could give me a diagnosis and not know how to make me better, I was upset with some of my family and friends because they left as soon as I was ill etc. After a period of time, I did start and realise though that RSD isn't the end of the world, even though it might feel like it at times and that you HAVE to be positive to try and deal with everything that this horrible illness throws at you and try and overcome it.

I think one of the biggest things that this disease has taught me is what other people with disabillities go through. I respect people with other illnesses because I know what they are going through on a daily basis and just how frustrating it is. I grew up with my nanan having Progressive MS so I was always taught never to judge people any differently just because they might look and act a bit differently.

Another thing that this disease has taught me is to try and help other people. I try my best to help people and understand what they are going through and I think this disease is what has inspired me to be a Psychologist or an Health Professional when I grow up. From September, I am hoping to start an Health and Social Care Diploma at College - it will be a LOT of hard work and really tough but I think it will be worth it and it will help me get a job in later life.

I also try and forget about the little things and not let things bother me too much. Sure, it is hard but I am slowly realising that there is no point in wasting precious energy on rubbish!!

I have also learnt to be thankful when I have a good day. Before I got RSD, I took everything for granted but I now try and live life the best I can on a daily basis, even WITH my limitations!!!! I really appreciate when I have a "good" day and when I am able to do something that I like to do and no longer take it for granted.

I also have been given the gift to try and raise awareness about RSD. I try my best to inform doctors about RSD and my friends and family because unfortunately, not many people know about RSD!!! I was really shocked when I went to College on Tuesday and spoke to a nurse and she actually knew what RSD was without me having to go into lengthly details!!!

This is a great thread and I really think it will help many other people - thanks so much again for starting it!!

I too have learned a lot from having the RSD.

I always tried to keep my home spotless, now I keep it liveable. I was a perfectionist about everything, my home, the way I dressed. Now I am more down to earth and relaxed.

I know we say a lot of times we lost a lot of friends when this came on but I think what happens we just trade some that don't know how to help or deal with us for people who do. My daughter came around for me, it took her awhile. My husband did my shopping, now I do it or Susan does. My Son-in-law is great about helping me. We have to be thankful to the people who stepped up to the plate for us. I was just telling my PCP yesterday that I put him in the catagory of Sainthood. Some of us get lucky and find Drs. that stand by us through this.

it does make you see that other people are worse off. I'm always asking about how people are doing that are sick with MS and other things wrong with them. You see they are worse off then we are also in a lot of ways.

I think we do turn to God more. We ask him to help us through what we are going through. At times I felt like he was walking beside me through this. Although he could have picked me up and carried me at times. LOL But he did good. I am always thanking him for what he's done for me and others.

You do learn to appreciate everything around you and everyone.

I know there are some of you that aren't this far yet but I hope someday you will be. You will be able to see the benifits of the RSD and what it's done for you and not too you.

Having this group has been a great benifit also. Everyone here helps each other and makes friends along the way.

Ada

This is a very positive post. I am not sure I would call it a positive of rsd but things that have opened my eyes so to speak.
Taking pleasures in small things and not taking life or things for granted
The amazing people I have met with chronic health conditions that have become like family
It showed me who the true real family and friends are in my life
Learning new hobbies like beading
Learning new ways to cope physically and mentally
I am not religious but I do believe in hope
I have new long term goals if or should I say when I get well from rsd then I would of if I had not such as school,job,family so on.

How wonderful... this thread can give me a good shot in the arm when I'm having a pitty party. A great reminder of all I have to be grateful for and a super coping skill. Thanks everyone!!!

Here is a link to a blog about this very subject. http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blo...ronic-illness/

MsL

I am first greatful to have had the opportunity to have listened to all on this list and to learn from each and every person and from thier experience. My journey is only at the begining. For those who have offered a vision in to the future; thank you! When I can return the favor by virtue of my training and experience, I won't hesitate. This is truly an unexpected walk in life that has knocked me back on my heels and made me realize what really is important.

I think we all deserve a pat on the back for all that we have been through!