[lexiemae1]

How long can I expect to work after dx with RSD???

[angelrsd]

hi
well it depends on your rsd and determination to not let this beat you...@!!! i went back to work five years ago i work part time and it helps me its kinda like PT for me.. and also to have outside contacts ...i have full body rsd and organ involment for the past 11yrs ..it just depends on the person. but i am a firm believe and never stop moving ever !!!

you can PM me with any questions

carrie

[msdrea83]

I applied for disability after 6 months of being dx...having to figure out how to juggle dr appts, medications, treatments/procedures, physical therapy takes a lot in itself... during those 6 months i was fired from 2 jobs because of the amount of time i needed to have off for appts and calling in cause i couldn't move from the pain. i got rsd while i was full time in school and working... so i didn't have support from anyone else.. cuz needless to say my boyfriend at the time was a bum... and i took care of everything... so... ya... i still didn't get granted disability till like 3 years later... but now (5 years later) that i am able to manage the pain in my own way and am "comfortable with it" and know when my flares will occur usually and what not, i am back in school full time and working under the table.

everyone's situation is different tho.

[SandyRI]

Hey Lisa,

My RSD started in my shoulder a few years ago. Other than time off after 2 RC repair surgeries (probably the cause of the RSD, or the aggressive PT ordered by the surgeon afterwards), I haven't really missed much work and I work FT. My RSD spread first to my neck and my head and then full body the beginning of last winter.

My feet often feel frozen and like bricks (especially when it is cold out) but my dog and I walk about a mile or so every morning before I leave for work. At lunch time I try to walk at least another mile. I have a desk job, and use my hands all day. It often feels like I am typing on concrete because my fingers are numb, but I keep going. In the evening when I get home my dog and I will often go back out again now that it's daylight savings time and it's still light out.

My PT has been my lifesaver throughout the last seven months. And I take a lot of meds. Cymbalta is great, I think it keeps me happy as well as working on some of the nerve pain. It took a while to get the right mix of all the other drugs I take.

Try to keep moving. Keep in tough with friends (we have lots of other dog walkers we see in our neighborhood, for instance). Find the VERY BEST doctors you can. Trust your instincts. And scroll through the info on these boards - there's a ton of really good info here.

The best of luck to you. Sandy

[bassman]

Lisa,

A lot depends on your particular situation. I am fortunate to have a relatively mild case of RSD. Until the last few years, it was only in my left leg and foot. With some retraining and hard work, I was able to switch from a very physical job to a desk job and keep right on working full time.

I now have Rheumatiod Arthritis on top of spreading RSD, so working on the computer is killing me in my hands. It may not be long before I look for some type of disability retirement. But, I was first diagnosed in 1986!

Don't get too discouraged ahead of time. Take everything as it comes.

Mike

[info hungry]

Hi Lisa,

Like everyone basically suggests it is an individual decision. In my case I have a very physical profession. Each time I worked through pain I triggered a more intense flare. I underwent surgery but continue to do intensive ot/pt (very important) my job is still waiting for me and I have the determination to get back to it. Waiting for my drs. to release me to work. It's been a long 17 months without income and paying the overhead to keep it alive.

Truly I wish for you to return to your work, hoping that it is at the right time for you. Listen to your body and when able, work as much as you can. I pushed real hard through the ot/pt because I know from what I have read it's the first line of defense. The dr said he didn't want me to lose the use of my limb.

Take care, be well