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

Wow Diana- glad you are able to look at life the way you do- That inspires me to do the same! Thanks for all your HBOT advice!!

Deb

my dear friend

you show me how to be strong. your an amazing woman and im so glad that we are friends. keep truckin honey.. !!!!
maybe today will be a little less painful
carrie

DianaA 20 years what can I say? You are delightful just the way you are. Beauty really does come from within a woman. Believe me. I also have enjoyed your post's so much! Love cures people-- both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it. This whole group on this RSD site seems to have a gift of character and strengh of faith! We are all bonded together and always will be to come.We don't see things as they are,we see them as we are.I hope you have a great trip this weekend. Take Care! Relax and always Smile! Breezy55

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