Hi Steve,

I am somewhat new to this board, (I post on another board as well) but I felt compelled to post a reply to you regarding work as I know what a quandry that is in our RSD lives....

I know that you are at a very turbulent crossroad in your life. Our identity, financial security, the future status of our health are in upheaval..you are the one who will be able to judge what your stamina and ability are..trust yourself!!! You will know what you can do and how to pace yourself...and remember, things CAN get better.. I guess we have to learn to adapt and change more than ever according to prevailing circumstances....

I've had RSD for a year or two ( we're not quite sure when it really started) and I work full time...my work day is from 9 am until 6 p.m. and I have about a half hour commute, so I get home at about 6:30 in the evening...I have a job that is primarliy at a desk but I'm up and down all day getting files, faxing, copy machine. People are at my desk throughout the day..it is a very detailed job...

I worked when I was in a cast and non weight bearing ..I used a knee caddy...that was last year after surgery...I really should have been off work much longer..I was back after only three weeks off......

I have RSD in my ankle and leg but I get burning pain in both legs and in my face occasionally..I take no meds other than Neurontin..I have declined all other meds....(including cymbalta and methadone)the Neurontin makes me feel foggy-headed and even slurred my speech for a short time ...I do use Lidocain patches to quell the forest fire going on in my feet!! I've had lumbar blocks, and loads of shots into my foot, acupuncture yadda yadda yadda !!!

Sometimes the burn pain is so bad it is unbearable..I walk with a cane to and from my car (handicap parking space) and limp around the office. I have to work..I have no choice..I cannot afford to go on disability..and I would be afraid to lose my health ins. People at work know my situation and that helps..they know I can't walk down the long corridors and they help out with that, such as bringing stuff to the other end of the building for me, etc.

My injury did happen at work three years ago so mine is a worker comp case and I have to wait a long time for things to be approved, such as treatments, etc. neverthe less, I truly wish I did not have to work, but I must ...I pray that my RSD doesn't get any worse!!!

I know those of us with RSD have had our lives and our identities turned upside down!! I try to take each day at a time because if I think into the future I become anxious and worried. Our home is now worth less than than we owe on the mortgage and the economy makes circumstances very tenuous. I have trained myself to meditate and that has been a very great help in trying to take control of the pain, and also in minimizing anxiety.


I hope it all works out for you and that you can trust that things will eventually resolve..
I have read this board for several months and the support and friendship here are strong and genuine.

Hang in there, Steve !
Hope4theBest

Thanks for all the excellent responses and kind words! I do try to follow a set schedule and try to keep busy. Volunteering sounds like an excellent idea too.

I do work but i am at a desk and dont have to move much. So it is possible

Like many of you I have also worked since developing RSD. I teach college, and I LOVE my job. I actually went back to work about 1 1/2 weeks after having surgery on my broken foot. I taught on crutches for quite a while; then hobbling around in a boot; then in very ugly rigid rocker shoes. I continued working while also having the full time job of getting better. Intensive PT, series of blocks, alternative therapies, meds, STS, you name it. One of the biggest challenges besides my physical limitations was adjusting to meds that made me "loopy." I remember especially trying to teach on too high a dose of Lyrica. I came off that drug real fast. Overall, I think working helped me a lot. It took my mind off the pain as much as possible, and helped me feel "normal." I didn't want to give up my life, even though I had a challenge to overcome. I realize, though, for many people RSD can be so debilitating that they can't work, function, or even leave the house. I feel lucky. It took me about 18 months, but I recovered. I am now pain free and doing everything I want to do with way more gratitude than I had before I was injured.

I give so much credit to all those working. AMAZING! I am trying as I think I am ready to volunteer but that even sounds overwhelming.I have been trying to brain storm though if I get to a better place the type of job I could do or what could be an interest.

I work fulltime also, I was diagnosed in Nov.2008..from a w/c injury, tripped down the stairs from punching in and fell on my left foot and ankle...now my rsd appears to be spreading to left hip, groin,shoulder, wrist , face and sometimes neck. I work a demo lady at a club warehouse, at least thats my light duty job, dont think I can ever go back to my regular job which was stocking the club at night, lots of walking, heavy lifting and pulling, ect..I hurt all the time..They let me still on an old worn out bars stool that flops around and is very uncomfortable for me as I am very short and my legs dangle, then the burning starts...right now Im out with a flare up , see the doctor on Tues and he will probably send me back to work, he prescribed me yet another steroid pack...every time I flare, I have to go out as it is so painful for me...I wish I could take online courses as a medical biller and work from home so I could work as comfy as I want..oh well, to dream...I cant afford to go out of work for any lenght of time as hubby and I were struggling before this now we are living a nightmare as more needs to go out that we bring home due to the money lost from ttd, and my hours are shorter than 40 , not supposed to be like that but if there is no other work they can find for me, what am I to do? Can you tell I am on a downer? Im so depressed at the moment..I feel like such a loser at this time...Sorry, about time to go and compose myself...God bless everyone and especially everyone that has to work
Jeannine

Jeannine,
Is it possible for you to bring your own stool to sit on that might be more comfortable, such as one with a back to lean on and that has rungs on it that you can rest your feet on..i feel for you as your feet dangle from the stool and then the burn starts!! I know how that is , as it happens to me as well, sitting at the desk ....and then getting up and down for different tasks..Oh,man, the burn is the worst...need little firetrucks and mini-firemen in the feet and legs to dowse that burn!! Maybe you can do that on-line course for medical billing....I know it's exhausting to work with RSD and then you wonder what energy would be left for the on-line course...but, maybe if you pace ourself and do one class at a time, maybe you could do it!! I have visions of you in your comfy clothes and fluffy slippers working from home!!!
Hey, I might try the same strategy!!

Miller Prof !!
How did you heal from the RSD after 18 months? It's grat that you were able to continue teaching throughout your ordeal and have all the responsibility that teaching entails!! Can you share what some of your treatment was and what it is that you think helped you most in overecoming the dreaded RSD?

Take good care,
Hope4thebest xo