July 18, 1989.....So hard to believe that twenty years has passed since my diagnosis of RSD.
WOW. I have learned a lot, yet there is still so much I don't know. I have tried a lot of treatments and yet I am hopeful there will be more.
Most of all I have made some amazing friends that share in the day to day struggle that RSD/CRPS places in our paths. I also have lost a few friends on the way, but they will never be forgotten!
I am not defined by this. Although it presents many challenges, I have been able to do things that I never dreamed I would because, I felt I had nothing to loose, in spite of myself.
Chronic pain has also lead me closer to myself. It has given me the opportunity to spend time without all the distractions of life.
I am a survivor, I am stronger not weaker. I look at life through a different set of eyes than I did before. I am thankful for those that have helped me on this journey. That includes all of you here. The sharing of pain, the sharing of blessings and the friendship, I have found here has guided me alone the way.
Thank you all,
Diana

Thanks for sharing your strength and I see it is amazing. You are a fighter and I can't even imagine 20 years ago how this was dealt with. You have to hold to hope and I try as well. It can really get one through the day. Many better wishes ahead.

Wow Diana 20 years! I know how you feel about the hard to believe part. I too have gone through a myriad of feelings and ways of dealing with the pain and limitations.

I am so proud that you have grown stronger through the years, and I am glad to have met you. You have helped me to also become stronger in my walk through life with RSD. It is empowering to come to the realization that we dont have to carry the victimized by RSD mantle if we choose not to.

If it wasnt for you and all the others I have met along the way here, I dont think that I would have dealt with all that has been thrown at me so well. So thank you for being a true good friend through thick and thin, and heres to many more years of good friendship to come!

Ditto to you my friends! Thanks for being here on this journey with me.
Well...I got a call from a divemaster at 12:00 saying they were going diving, leaving at 3:00 to certify 20 new divers, did I want to go. Well....what a great 20 year anniversary present to myself...I thought. It has been a year. Then I remembered Pete's post. Maybe a change of scenery and a little R&R will help. My son also mentioned how well they take care of me and my gear...since he will not be going. So off I go.... I can't even believe it. I don't have to drive, I don't have to lift my gear...if I dont have to rescue anyone then this will be great. You never know, but that is the out come I am planning on.
I'll be back late Sunday, just a weekend trip. Wish me luck!!!!
Di

I'm glad you have decided to not allow RSD to rule your life. We can allow it to destroy us or make us stronger and I'm glad your chose the stronger road.

I hope you had a wonderful time this weekend!
Sherrie

Hi Diana,
What an inspiring note to all of us. 20 years, wow, you have been such a wonderful example of strength and gratefulness to your life. I've always enjoyed your posts and have learned so much from you as well as our other friends.
I'm glad you are going on this trip. My Dr. has finished his clinics and has the HBOT operating. It's just 5 minutes from our home. I see him Monday-will talk about the treatments.
Thank you Diana for everything to do to encourage all of us. Take care, loretta

Hi Diana,
Thank you for helping me believe you can still have a life despite RSD.
I still can't get over the reality that I can't go hiking, walking, strolling, but maybe I can plop my RSD self in a kayak or.....
Thanks for helping me not fear the future as I often do..

Have a great week-end!!!!

Hope4thebest

Wow, Diane: I can't imagine; from all the replies I have read, you are truly an inspiration to many people. I have only had this for 11 months and am amazed at how slow time goes and how little people know about this condition. I am proud and pleased that you have done so well.

About the HBOT; where can I read your info on that? I have just recently heard about this and am trying to find more info about it. I don't want to pay the cost if not sure of outcome, but am looking for alternatives to surgery.

Have a great time on your trip; we will all be eager to hear of your adventures when you return. Take care, Suz66

Suz66,
Hi!! I will be glad to share what knowledge I have on HBOT. You can read my threads and posts, also..I'll send you a pm with my phone number and you can call if you like with any questions you might have. I'll send a friend request to you and when you except, you can look at the pictures of my chamber.
Take Care, I look forward to talking to you anytime,
Di

Thanks again for all the kind and inspiring thoughts. I'll just leave a quick note here on my dive weekend.
Recently my life situation had become very challenging and stressful. This weekend dive shed some new light...I, so needed to be reminded of.

1) When you look at a picture too closely it gets distorted!!! If you take a photo and put it close to your face, the picture becomes distorted. So it is in life. Removing myself and observing from a distance gave me clarity.

2) Also, diving and being with young children reminded me that.....All good comes from God! We need to be grateful, because if you look around there is greatness and good everywhere.

3) What we say and do has an impact...one that we may never know how much effect it will have. Therefore we should be aware and present where ever we are (in the moment).

The dive class consisted of lifeguards from Whitesands Missle Range. These young adults were amazing and great fun to be with.

There were also two young boys there certifying with their mom. So I assisted her with one whille she assisted the other while testing. I also went turtle hunting (underwater of course) with the boys. They had lost their father a few years earlier to a tragic accident and they were just amazing young spirits to be with.

There were so many other situations, that I felt gave me insight. Just the beauty, creatures and the amazing souls I shared a playful experience with. Bobber...you are RIGHT I am blessed. We all are. There...even in this hard economic times...are many blessings for us to enjoy!

The first night I suffered terribly and was sure there was NO way I would dive the next day. But the new day came...and I went again. Although I have effects from the weekend, the " Good " certainly has outwieghted the bad.
Much Love to all!
Di