please just take it one day at a time........
 

everyone has given wonderful advice, and i too wish you the best......please write your thoughts down, ***** all you want and try to stay focused on what is good in your life...........big gentle hugs to you.

Hi Abbie,

Just letting you know that just because we don't hear from you doesn't mean we aren't thinking of you. Hang in there, you're doing so well...
all the best xx

just wanted to let everyone know that i am still hanging in here.... things are not any better, had dr appointment schedule---he cancelled. right now, i don't know which way to turn....

not that it makes any difference but now i have a nasty cold---fever, coughing, stuffed/runny sinuses. the worst part about this is i can't take anything for them... docs said no.

with christmas being just days away i still haven't got the spirit... it means nothing to me this year.

well, i better go... i'm getting dizzy from sitting up.

abbie

Attachment 555

hi abbie.
i'm sorry you got bit by the cold bug. it has bit 2 here so far. knock on wood it skips me! warm tea with lemon and honey can be soothing...lots of fliuds...broth...chicken soup. :)

don't worry or feel bad about not being up to celebrate christmas. there will be others. the best advise my parents were given when my borther passed away...was to not ush themselves into celebrations when they were grieving and depressed.

get some rest hon. (((hugs)))

Hi Abbie,

Thanks so much for getting back - your doctor cancelled???? He cancelled??? Can you call his office (or may be your friend k could?) and say it's urgent and that if he can't see you he must find someone else to, right now?? I know it's hard to be pushy, for me even at the best of times, but you do NEED to see him. You know?

Hey, Christmas shmissmas...nothing wrong with a turkey sandwich...this is my third Curmudgeonly Christmas; what a relief not to bother (how terrible am I ;) - but it's only me and the dog ). If you feel you really have to do something for it, grab a small string of xmas lights, plug em in, there you go, instant Christmas. I love the lights, I've adopted the Chinese way and leave them up till Chinese New year. So pretty.

Remember, find something beautiful and stare at it. Very helpful for the inner Abbie...
xxx take care.

Hi Abbie,
I hope you don't mind that I am posting here on your forum rather than on the other wonder threads. I ended up thinking it might be easier on you if I just posted here, in case you weren't well and only on the computer for a very short time. I've been thinking about you. I'm so sorry to hear that your doctor cancelled. That's just not good enough. I hope you're feeling a little stronger than you were on the weekend, but I'm so sorry to hear you have caught a virus or cold of some sort. Please know that many people are thinking of you even though we don't know you very well. We're with you in spirit.

artist, I usually leave my fairly lights that are on my outside verandah up all year. Gives a great atmosphere after dusk.

re my doc... unfortunately he's the only "medical doc" in his part of the office... he has about 3 nurse practioners with him.... the other "doc" is my chiro and he's on vacation. doc that cancelled isn't in on wednesday's, some kinda meeting "came up" on thursday, and he's out of the office friday... i don't know but it sounds like he left for vacation early as he's gone until after the new year...


take care everyone...
abbie

Just Updating

hey abbie
 

so sorry to hear how you are feeling. try hard to stay strong.i know exactly how you feel. i could be in a crowd of people these days and still feel alone.i try each day to think or do something to make the day worthwhile..you are not alone..keep posting when you get down..it helps me out alot and the people here are very understanding and caring...without being phoney...nice to find people like that these days...take care over the holiday's and stay in touch...moonstar

Abbie,

I'm sorry to hear that your doc is unavailable until after the new year.

Will any of the nurse practioners be available next week? Can you find out which doctor is covering (on call) for your doctor while he is out and see that doctor next week?

I don't know if your doctors office is like mine, but anytime my doctor is unavailable there is always a local doctor who covers the practice, and the nurse practioners are available as well...

(((((((Abbie))))))))

I'm keeping you in my thoughts,
Take care of you,
Liz

Abbie...I'm glad to see you are still hanging in there, but sorry to hear nothing has changed. The question is...do you WANT things to change? Not ONLY for the pain, but for the depression as well? Or even for one or the other?

It's a very well known fact that the mental health and the physical health go hand in hand. If you aren't well MENTALLY, then you feel worse PHYSICALLY. So chances are that if you can get the depression under control, you will feel at least a little better physically. And if you feel soooo bad physically, then even "a little better" is better than nothing, right?

I have a pretty drastic idea for you - but one that will work, and will work quickly. Since your doctor isn't available, you have another choice - and that is the emergency room. I know someone else already suggested this. But if you want to, when you go in, all you have to say is the word "suicidal" and you will get admitted on a suicide watch quicker than you can blink your eyes.

this will serve a couple of purposes. First off, it will get you the attention you need. The attention you deserve. They will not release you until they get under control the things that NEED to be under control. That means they will have you see a physician, as well as a mental health professional. That means they will try every medication they can, in a CONTOLLED environment, until they find one you are not allergic to. That also means they will try the different antidepresants. That also means you will get some counseling from a mental health person who is qualified to counsel chronic pain patients. That also means you may end up staying in the hospital for a while, though. BUT...that also means your parents may open their eyes and realize what you are going thru. As will other friends and family members. Sometimes that's what it takes.

Abbie...if you want people to GET MOVING on helping you, this is exactly what I'd do. It's the "kick in the pants" that they need. That YOU need. In order for people to know how seriously you hurt, nd how bad you feel emotionally, and in order for them to wake up and start taking steps forward to make you feel better, this is the action I would take.

Also...I noticed inyour posts tat you aren't doing anything to make things better for yourself. Sittig in the dark, not talking to friends or family, those things don't help depression. It only makes it worse. If you can get into your head, "I'm going to live...and this is how I'm going to do it" then you'll feel much better. One step FORWARD on your end will give you a whole new outlook on life.

I know it hurts you to ride in a car. But if you endure that pain ONE TIME on a trip to the hospital to get yourself to the ER, to be seen, to tell them you hurt so bad you'd rather DIE than to live one more day the way you are, that you've actually contemplated suicide over the past few days cuz of it....then you will have a group of people - about 4 professionals - mental health, pain docs, physicians, etc - all working together and FOR YOU. IMMEDIATELY.

Doesn't that sound great? I mean...in a matter of ONE WEEKS TIME you could be well on your way to a future of feeling so much better. You cuold have a team of physicians and doctors all working together to make you feel better.

I'd take that over taking my life any day.

Please take care of yourself hon. And hold on to K. Ask her to take you to the ER. I'm sure she'll hold your hand all the way....

This will be my last post...

Please know that I am not sitting here doing nothing about getting better. I do want to get better... I want to feel better physically and mentally!!!!

As far as ER goes... I live in an area where we have 1 hospital... it is a for profit hospital... you either have insurance or money... the only way they will see you without knowing if you have these is if you come in unconcious, severely bleeding, heart attack, or something along those lines. If by chance you get seen without them knowing you don't have these... they will chase you down, ruin any credit you may have had, they put liens on your house/car. They will not work out any payment plans. Not that a payment plan will work for someone who has nothing.

I've been calling my dr every 1/2hour with hopes that he pops back in the office today. So far, he hasn't. I started calling at 8am with any luck he may pop in before office closes at 6. I told his staff how important it was for me to see him and gave them most of the details as to what's going on... as far as seeing on of the NP's---they paged him and he said no as it's not a normal type med case that they see. Staff said they would call me if he came back in before I called them back...

I'm sorry I bothered anyone here...
Good bye

Just Updating

Hey Abbie,

No bother, not at all. What a strange thing, it's the middle of the night here, I just woke up and stumbled into my work room for a tablet, switched on the computer (just out of habit, no reason)....and there you are, putting up your message, very same moment.

Now I'm pretty sleepy and muddle headed right this minute, you understand, but I think it sounds like you should phone one of the numbers Jo posted, **right away**. Please, please, please do that.

In view of your hospital's attitude I can't think of what else to suggest, but I know it would help, talking to someone who knows what it's like to experience what you are going through right now.

And write out what you're feeling at the moment and send us it, we don't mind... or send me it as a PM, be as honest as you want...
oh, and do get those numbers posted earlier, get on that phone now, talk to someone, that's best...

This damn doctor needs a severe kick in the pants, I want to grab him by the white lapels, kick him into the gutter and throttle him with his own stethescope.....sorry, I'm :mad, really angry with him
xxxxxxx atb.

hi ((((((abbie)))))

please don't take one person's post as the thoughts of all.

one of the best and bravest things you have done was reach out here and post. and keep posting.

none of us are there with you physically. there is much more to your life and what you are doing to help yourself then what you can and do post here.

you didn't post that you took the time and caring to send me a personal birthday wish. :D you reached out to me...to show ME support and friendship. that is HUGE when you are at a point of needing it so much yourslef.

each day i see more and more light and hope reaching you. that rope is getting closer to reach.

i want to ditto our buddy artist in what she posted about your doc. :mad: but so many dr's who take time off during hte holidays, don't tell their patients. maybe to not cause aditional stress? :confused:

abbie, we do care. we do see what you are doing to help yourelf. we are so thankful to K for being there, because we can't be.

i totally understand about the hospital issue. it is the same where my parent's live. one reason why i am working on moving them close to me.

keep posting abbie. or send pm's to us. we all reply together. we ARE here to support you. we care.

don't give up..
 

don't give up on this site...we all are hear to help one another...it took alot of time for me to get up the courage to start posting here and everyone has been very helpful..just to have someone read what i am going thru and send a quick reply i don't feel so alone..nice feeling to be able to know that we are not alone..you can have your highs and lows the trick is not to stay in that dark place for too long..even pull yourself out of it for a short time helps. what helps me is to know that if things seem to get real bad i can come here to vent, yell, scream or cry and not be judged....peace to you tonight..stay in touch...moonstar

((((((Abbie)))))),

I wish you'd re-think that decision to leave.

You know -- all of us who come here -- come looking for help. BUT, we respond because we WANT TO HELP.

Sometimes, when the facial expression that goes along with the words isn't there, the words get misunderstood.

Please, Abbie, stay with us. We're all only trying to help -- each in our own way.

BIG HUGS.

Barb http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_96.gif

:sorry: Abbie! Oh my goodness! NO! :eek: Is that me you're talking about? My post??? Hon, I meant NOTHING like that!!!! Oh geeze...... I hate when I "come across" totally different than was intended. I really really do. I did NOT mean that you are just sitting there wallowing in self pity, hon. Not at ALL! :eek: I did not have that intention.

My intention of that post was to give you some HOPE hon, that's all. Just hopefully to show you that "maybe" there was a way out, a "light" at the end of the tunnel and to maybe get you to open the blinds in your bedroom, get you to talk to your friends and maybe that would get you to feel a LITTLE better at least...and to let you know that if you feel better mentally, then hopefully physically you would feel better also. And...since you aren't getting the proper care, then hopeflly the ER visit would GET you the proper care. I don't know your area, or your financial situation, or your insurance situation, or about the hospitals there. I didn't mean to upset you more regarding that, or to sound harsh...and I didn't think I DID sound harsh....even reading it again NOW I didn't think so...but I gues it was taken that way somehow! Oh my!!! :Doh:

Oh geeze, hon. I'm so so so very sorry if you took my post in the manner in which it was NOT intended.

It seems I'm just not very good at answering posts of this nature. Which is why it took me so long to respond in the first place. I was unsure of my ability to "talk" in a way. Sometimes ppl DO take my posts wrong, and it must be in the way I write. Even though I read it over and over before I press "submit" it must be that I interpret it differently - maybe cuz I know myself, and others don't. I don't know.

I feel awful that you feel that way about what I wrote, and that obviously others do also. If you knew me at all, you'd know I'm one of the most gentle and most caring ppl you'd ever meet, and that if I were there, I'd probably crawl into bed and just hold you and let you cry on my shoulder. There's NO WAY I'd ever speak unkindly to you. And my post was NOT meant to be unkind at all....but to hopefully give you a way out of this.

I'll just stay away from this thread, hon. Come back and talk to the others. Please. It must be my style of writing that is taken the wrong way. Obviously another poster interpreted me the same way you did as well, cuz there was a comment made to that affect, so I know it wasn't just you...it has to be my writing style.

I'm so very sorry....and I mean every word. I cannot believe I was taken that way....I am soooo upset about that :sorry: :Sob:

Please don't take me wrong. I'm going to go cry now :OuttaHere:

I do SOOOOO believe that is what happened. I'm so upset about this. I really did NOT mean my post to be taken that way AT ALL. Thank you for seeing that....

Just Updating

All we can do is offer suggestions and support - we don't know all the circumstances that someone has - like ins, phone, home support etc.

Many times I've seen words taken the wrong way, when they weren't meant that way at all.

Lisa has apologized for any misunderstandings so lets move on from here.

Apology accepted...


I forgot that when reading typed word it's my voice I hear and not the person typing.



Abbie

Dear Lisa,

Please don't let this be anything more than what it is: a misundersanding over a few words. I have had my fair share of those over my years with two forums. Don't let fear of being misunderstood get in the way of the contributions you can make here (and probably elsewhere).

Many of you know the entire history of my PROBLEM, all of you know what I've said since I started posting again a month ago, and some of you me be able to link the kind of despair I felt with what Abbie is going through now. Different causes, same consequence: why should I want to continue living?

Abbie, some replies I got were heard in my voice, not that of the sender, I know what you mean; I'm glad that that you know it too.

15 years ago,I might have given the same advice Lisa offerered in her post; unfortunately, my experience as a social worker and then a psychiatric social worker gave me an insight into the real world that only those involved in mental health as professionals or patients (relatives or close friends) might find.

I did not become a social worker to work in mental health. I went to work at a psych hospital because my job title and description were changed in a welfare to work program; I could no longer help the more difficult to help clients find a way to achieve the self-respect I believe only comes from work. The program was gutted, I wanted no part of what replaced it, and the only social work job open at that time was at the "nuthouse".

People who walk into emergency rooms and talk about thoughts of suicide are quickly divided into two categories: Those with insurance and everyone else. From what I have learned from mental health professionals who work in acute care psychiatric hospitals (treating insured patients), the only real difference between the two groups of "suicide" patients was the pvt hospitals had better food and better beds.

I don't recall hearing of anyone presenting to an ER because pain was so severe that suicide was an option, but I believe that if Abbie had insurance, nothing like you imagine, Lisa, would happen.

If the staff didn't choose to treat Abbie in the same way they to others who present with "suicidal ideation"; if they recognized her need for medical attention, the best they could do would not help. When you are in terrible pain and react to every pain medication, medicine can't help. You must find something to help you cling to life, or you may finally decide you can't live in this pain anymore.

Most of us have known other RSD people who made that final decision.

If you don't have insurance, the hospital gets a doc to sign that you are a danger to yourself or others, a deputy is called, and you are taken -- in handcuffs -- to a state psych hospital, where you will encounter dedicated staff and "burnouts", will not get medical treatment, and may be held until you tell the shrink that you aren't thinking of killing yourself anymore.

I'm not going to go back and review what I think of as my PROBLEM thread to see who said it, but someone wrote to me asking what I would do if I had a patient in my situation.

My reply was that if I genuinely believed that someone had a real reason for contemplating suicide, I hoped I would respect their right to decide for themself. That isn't quite true.

I would talk with that person and try to explore every possible alternative option. Suicide closes every option, including the one that might appear tomorrow. I was never confronted with that situation, nor had I thought through what I would do if I was, but I believe that if I had been I would have told the staffing team that this patient should not be held for 72 hour observation; that her/his thoughts of suicide were neither irrational or based on a situation that was likely to change if the patient could be restrained from suicide for a while.

I will be writing another post tonight (a couple, in fact), but one in particular in which I plan to finally discuss HBOT in a way that could persuade someone living without hope that a very realistic hope for RSD does exist. I hope it will prevent more than one suicide.

Abbie, I credit your insightful question to me (by PM) as part of the reason for a major change in my thinking. I'll discuss that change before tackling my post on HBOT...Vic

Not to beat a dead horse...


I just wanted to let everyone know that things have gotten so very dark that I don't believe I can hang on much longer...

I love you all...
I'm sorry.

Abbie

sweetheart...i am here.

you hang in there. i know you can. pm me. we can go into chat.

Hi Abby,
 

My thought is to go to the ER anyway and beg them to see you. When I read what you said about the hospital, I instantly thought of Ky. and Texas. What you said reminds me of them.

We moved back to Ky. for 2 years and when I found that no Dr. or hospital would see me due to not having money or insurance we came back to Co. Here they have what is called Indegent Care Programs where you pay by what your income. In my case it was 10. to the ER. When we were in Texas when my daughter got married I went to a Hospital in Dallas and they told me they would not see me because I had no money nor a Dr. at the time. I do know exactly what you are saying.

I would go and let them bill you and then go back and sat up payments of 10. a month. If you do that they won't turn you in to a credit bureau and in your case with the shape you are in, I honestly wouldn't care if they turned me in to the credit bureau. Deal with all of that when the time comes.

I have quit going to the ER here because they are a joke anyway. I went 2 times. The first time they didn't know what to do for me because we just have a lousy hospital, the second time I had a Dr. that chalked my pain up to depression. I had TOS and chest pains at the time. I won't tell you what her nickname is in this area.

Honestly if they held a contest for the worst Drs. in the USA and the worst hospitals this area here would win. When I had my surgery last month, one of my nurses said they had gotten a new administration to straighten the hospital up. I still won't go to the ER and my PCP tells me to call him if I need help. He doesn't even trust it.

I know exactly how you feel. I have been there and for me I was blessed and found someone who would take care of me for 5 years for free because I had no insurance.

I don't know where you live but do you have any other hospitals even in a 65 mile radius that you could go to. We have 5 in that range. Also maybe walk in to your Drs. office instead of calling and tell them exactly what shape you are in and that you need help.

I also cannot take meds. I do believe I tried every pain med, depression med, muscle relaxer, heart med, cholestral med out there and I couldn't take any. The more of the med I'd get in my system the worse the side effects became. They never let up on me like the do others. I finally found Methadone. The side effects are minimal and it's getting to be the most popular med for pain. I also swear by lidocaine patches. I couldn't do the fentnal patch, after 6 hours I was throwing my guts up on that one.

Also see if your Dr. will send you to a good Anesteologist for blocks. My thought on RSD is not have one Dr. to rely on. It just is too hard of a syndrome to deal with and if you have a PM, PCP, and a Anesteolgist all 3 in line trying to help you, if one is out of town then you can call the other. Make sure they are working together also so they won't think you are Dr. hopping just for meds.

This forum has helped me a lot. I have met so many good people on here and they are very helpful. Like Vicc, I have seen my share of fights on here or should I say have been included in them, I tend to bring out the worst in people at times. LOL Lisa didn't mean anything she just maybe worded things differently. You should also try to realize that we are all in pain here and it sometimes makes our brains not work right and things come our wrong that we say.

I do hope that you start feeling better soon and don't give up the ship.

Ada

Abbie, even though I shouldn't speak, I'm going to anyway...as long as you know I'm a LOVING person and if I sound ucky, it's just the typed words and not the sound coming out of my mouth, k????

Hon, where is the girlfriend who was with you before? Can you call her up and have her come over again? And...I believe someone here on the board has given you their phone number. Please...if you don't feel YOU can call that person, have your friend call her. Please hon. There are some things you can do.

In your heart and mind, tell yourself that you must give yourself every chance at life, at happiness, before you do anything rash. And there are people on the board here who have some awesome ideas about things you can do. I do agree with Ada, about the ER. I think you should have your friend drive you to every one she can find (or if it hurts you too much to be in the car, maybe she can call them, and feel them out first, about insurance, or what they can do to help someone without insurance who is feeling as down as you are, and who needs help so badly).

I'm going to stop talking before I say something wrong. I really care about you sweetie. I was hoping you'd post again soon so we'd know youre still around. Just please don't go off without checking in here and there, k? We'll worry way too much.

hopefullly abbie is resting...we chatted until 5 am her time. :)

Curious, I am so glad that you talked to Abbie for so long. When I first went on the TOS forum, I had someone that stepped up and did that for me. We would talk into the night. That was about 7 years ago and we still talk on the phone.

I offered my phone no to Abbie also. I have met many friends on here and they have helped me a lot. Now that I am going through the loss of Bill it's like no one can seem to help me on this one. I still don't mind trying to help people since I can put on a good front. LOL

I have seen a lot of people come on here that is going through what Abbie is going through and to me it seems like we have all walked each other through the hard times.

Abbie, don't give up and please stick around, it will get better.
Ada

ada...if you ever want to chat pm me. or anyone. pain, grief...depression..it is very lonely. but i'm here for y'all.

i'm hanging in there.... curious threw me a new rope and i managed to get a knot tied...

thank you to everyone...
abbie

hey...a knot is a very good thing!!! no slipping out of your hands this time!!

A new rope
 

with a knot in it!
That is some real good news! :Head-Spin:

((((((Abaskai))))))

Hang in there :p

WAHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, Curious, got any more of that thar rope? Seems it works some magic, and we could all use a bit of that! How about sharing!!!

I'm so GLAD to hear some HOPE in your post, Abbie! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Has any of you ever tried this EFT stuff?

http://www.emofree.com/

I tried it for my RSI years ago {it helped} and just found the link again - it sounds kind of weird but it's has a free tryout that tells how you can do it for your self.
If you can't do the tapping a friend can tap for you.
I didn't do the chanting - just the tapping- and is still helped the RSI.

It might be something to add along with the rope LOL.

Abbie.
 

I have always described my depression as a well that I am in and when I started going to my PCP he told me the same thing you said. He told me that he would throw me a rope and said if I would hang on to one end he'd hang on to the other and wouldn't let go. That was 8 years ago and he's kept me hanging on.

I do think that's what we need with the depression and don't ever let anyone say that the depression causes the pain. 8 years ago I heard that many of times, mostly not from Drs. though, just other people that thought they had the answers.

The depression with RSD is even more overwelming I believe due to the horrible pain that comes with the RSD. Also don't never say you don't have the depression just because people think it causes the pain. You can have both, no doubt.

I always said I give new meaning to the words major depression. LOL I'm not embaresed to tell people I deal with major depression either. I learned through councelling that if you don't admit to a problem then you can't work on it or solve it.

I do hope you are able to start getting the help you need and don't give up.
It will come in time.

Thanks Curious for the offer, I won't say I won't ever take you up on it either. Here lately, I'm having an even harder time with my loss. I go to town and people start talking about Bill and I just start fighting back tears. I never knew how many people the man knew and they were all crazy about him. He was handome also but he never used that asset just his personality. I do have many friends to talk to but for some reason I just can't do it at this time.

Abbie, you hang in.

Ada

((((ada)))))

i went through that when my brother passed. it was hard face to face. it helped to have the support online. ;) easier to walk away..wipe a tear..blow a nose...and nobody had to "see" my pain and grief.

for me it was my grandpa- the Judds had just came out with a hit song in 86 called "Grandpa".

every time it came on the radio for over a year I would start crying!
my grandpa was like a John Wayne hero type to me & my brothers - and a big guy too.
He was a dairy man and a farmer and made a good legacy for his family.
he was the only one who understood how nuts about horses I was- LOL

All kinds of things help...you just have to find what works for you!
 

Hi, my name is Michael and I know the cousin of your pain, I see it every moment of the day. I just joined and this is my first post, but I'm not new to RSD. I've had it for seven + years.

I hope you have found some relief from all of the responses to your post. The ones that I read have a lot of love within them!

Aside from all of the meds that I take, there are several things that I do. Maybe one of them will help you.

First, and probably foremost is, I fight through the pain and stay as active as I can. I know, it ain't as easy as it is said, but getting out of that dark room as often as you can will help in so many ways. You will suddenly find yourself concentrating on something other than the pain. You will be doing things that keep that part of you that is "painted with fire" and crushed, mobile. Try to the best of your ability accomplish a task everyday. And the next day, try to do just a little more. Four years ago, it took me close to a year to get out of a wheelchair that I used sometimes and the carts at the stores by making a little progress one day at a time. I still use a cane for balance but I now walk where I go. So please try to do something that will keep you interested.

I still have days that I spend in my room with the shades drawn as most all of us with RSD do. I spend most of my day in the house in the shortest boxers I have found...that's it. My RSD is systemic, resulting from a spinal cord injury in 1999. Another tool I learned early on but didn't use it as I should have is visual imagry. I just started by going to my dark room, relaxing, taking several deep breaths and then think about my favoite place, kyaking in the mangroves in the Florida Keys. If you are not familiar with this psychological method of pain relief, give it a try. After doing it a while you will be able to do it wherever you are, whenever you need it.

Well, I hope this will help you. Something we all have to remember is that we will NEVER be pain free until there is a cure for RSD (I don't like CRPS as my pain is not regional). So, don't be discouraged if you can't reach that goal. When I'm having a 2 or 3 pain level day, I say to myself: I can live with that!

Sincerely.

Michael C

All kinds of things help...you just have to find what works for you!
 

Hi, my name is Michael and I know he cousin of your pain, I see it every moment of the day. I just joined and this is my first post, but I'm not new to RSD. I've had it for seven + years.

I hope you have found some relief from all of the responses to your post. The ones that I read have a lot of love within them!

Aside from all of the meds that I take, there are several things that I do. Maybe one of them will help you.

First, and probably formost is, I fight through the pain and stay as active as I can. I know, it ain't as easy as it is said, but getting out of that dark room as often as you can will help in so many ways. You will suddenly find yourself concentrating on something other than the pain. You will be doing things that keep that part of you that is "painted with fire" and crushed, mobile. Try to the best of your ability accomplish a task everyday. And the next day, try to do just a little more. Four years ago, it took me close to a year to get out of a wheelchair that I used sometimes and the carts at the stores by making a little progress one day at a time. I still use a cane for balance but I now walk where I go. So please try to do something that will keep you interested.

I still have days that I spend in my room with the shades drawn as most all of us with RSD do. I spend most of my day in the house in the shortest boxers I have found...that's it. My RSD is systemic, resulting from a spinal cord injury in 1999. Another tool I learned early on but didn't use it as I should have is visual imagry. I just started by going to my dark room, relaxing, taking several deep breaths and then think about my favoite place, kyaking in the mangroves in the Florida Keys. If you are not familiar with this psychological method of pain relief, give it a try. After doing it a while you will be able to do it wherever you are, whenever you need it.

Well, I hope this will help you. Something we all have to remember is that we will NEVER be pain free until there is a cure for RSD (I don't like CRPS as my pain is not regional). So, don't be discouraged if you can't reach that goal. When I'm having a 2 or 3 pain level day, I say to myself: I can live with that!

Sincerely.

Michael C