The first three years were the hardest. I think I'm learning to mentally manage it better. Trips to a good pain doc a year ago really helped, being more proactive about staying warm this winter really seemed to help (fleece is my new friend), adding Cymbalta helped greatly with sleep, letting myself get needed rest & otherwise being less stubborn have really seemed to help, and focusing on having fun as a Cub Scout leader has been interesting.

My symptoms are probably worse now that they ever were, although the CRPS hasn't spread any more or worsened significantly during the last year. Settlement from the injury is done, and although not huge, it was enough to give me some satisfaction.

It's almost like the first three years were the acute phase of dealing with it, including getting the right diagnosis, finding the right meds & right docs, dealing with the lawsuit, and learning what works for me. Now, starting with last spring, I feel more like I'm in a long-term management phase, and have been able to coordinate management with living my life.

So, I'm optimistic and keeping my fingers crossed for the future!

congrats on doing better. You sound like you have came a long way.

I think how long it takes does depend on the right Drs., the right diagnoses, and the right treatments. Some take longer then others but I think we finally get a little bit farther in the fight to get better.

It took me a long time but I had several other issues along with the RSD. My PCP and PA kept sending me to Specialist and it took awhile to get the diagnoses we needed. They each had only 1 other RSD case and TOS case in over 20 years each of their career. Once they got the diagnoses they helped me more then the Specialist did.

The PM Drs. that I ran into even at the U of Co. were jokes. They didn't know what to do even with a diagnoses. What I have learned in all of this though, you keep looking for those right Drs. There are some out there that care and that are willing to keep at it with getting a person better.

With you, it took 3 years, me it was at least 8 and also insurance mattered.

I'm glad you are doing better and are able to do things like being a Cub Scout. IT goes to show we shouldn't give up.

Ada

Dear Annie Poo,

Welcome to our community. I'm sorry that your rsd has brought you here but as everyone will tell you you have found the right place to share and learn as we travel the rsd journey through cyberspace together. I'm happy for you that your lawsuit is settled, that will help you to move forward and reduce stress.

I too am in the long term management phase so I totally relate to your position right now. It will be 7 years for me next month. I have lots to be optimistic about as well and on the days when I get overwhelmed and bogged down with my pain I try to focus on just that. Thanks for the positive reminder.

MsL

Hi, this is my first reply on here, I'm still learning to navigate things. My search for help brought me to this site. I developed RSD almost 4 years ago from a blood draw in my right arm. I thought I was putting the pieces back together only to have them shattered again. I decided to file a lawsuit when I could no longer work and could barely afford the treatment. Then two weeks ago I found out my attorney has done nothing to find an expert witness, and I'm running out of time (June 16th). Sorry to introduce myself this way, but if anyone can help me, I would be so grateful. I've been lucky enough to find a great team of doctors, it took awhile, but that has helped so much. I have read many stories and I'm grateful to have found a site where I can talk to real people who are going through the same thing I am, it's hard for my friends and family to understand, as you all know. Again if anyone has advice for me, thank you.

Reading your post, I felt a sense of calm, and mostly, a sense of resolve. You have been through so much. RSD is rough when an Ins. Co. is not involved.

I have been dealing with RSD since 3/24/07, finally got a diagnosis 6/08, and confirmed by 2 PM docs in late 2008. I am dealing with a WC injury/ 2 right knee surgeries, that turned into RSD. The fight is still on. I appreciate your candor about your experience.Thank you so much.

I am sorry for all you have been through but gald you have a better outlook. I was thinking about this issue about the ups and downs mentally and physically. I have had this 2 years and 2 months. This month has been really hard for me mental and physical. I do see though from the start to now the way my mindset has changed. At first I looked for a cure and would not accept anything else and now I look for management. I also have had all the emotions the denial,anger,depression,anxiety. I too feel being as proactive as I can in the things I can do and regimine like you stated with meds,self help things,etc has helped. Hope things physically for you improve too. As they say the mind/body have a huge connection. Thank you for the positive post cause I am feeling a little blue and needed a good outlook post

Dear dmarie,

So sorry about everything.

Is appears that your most pressing problem is your legal matter and the June 16th deadline. I've learned to deal directly with my attorney's assistant, not the attorney himself, in order to get anything done in regards to my case. Does your attorney's office run the same way? Find out who the person/people are that actually do the work in your lawyer's office and ask them what has to happen to get a witness. Or if they can file some kind of extension with the court if necessary. (This is just a guess, I am not a lawyer)

Stress is bad for RSD (I probably don't need to tell you that!), so try to chill as much as possible. You have a month to try to solve your problem, if your attorney or someone from him office doesn't get back to you within a week or so it appears you need to find a new one. In this economy, if you have a decent case, it should not be difficult to find a reputable firm to represent you.

There is a ton a really good info on this board if you have time to go through it. Plus there are many really nice fellow RSDers here that have helped me with so many things. Welcome to the board and good luck Sandy

Thank you. You are right, my attorney is in an office by himself and his assistant if more interested in furniture catalogs. When I read the post by Anniepoo, it was so uplifting. I am trying so hard to accept that RSD is forever a part of my life and my families lives. It's just so madening that a stupid mistake can change my life so badly and I have to figure out how to pay for treatment. Sorry, I suppose this is the first time I've been able to vent. Thank you so much for your advice and I look forward to getting to know the folks on here. Thank you again.