I'll start with....

[Guest guest]

Thank you Tonia, Donna, Ginny Pamela and Lin for the warm welcome.

Forgive me if I missed anyone's name. Thank you all. Tonia

suggested to start by giving some background of how I first

developed RSD. In 1994 (age 44 the) I had a horse accident

crushing my foot and leg. Immediately after surgery I had

uncontrollable pain. It took 3 months before I was diagnosed with

RSD. It spread from my foot up my left leg, to my head, face and

back and other foot. Within two years the symptoms were some what

stabilized. Is there anything stable about RSD??? I used a

wheelchair and crutches. Treatment consisted of pain pills,

antidepressants, seizure meds, spinal blocks, acupuncture, physical

therapy (almost killed me), biofeedback, hypnosis, pain management

therapy, calictonin injections, prednisone. I am sure I've left

something out! By 1999 I was walking softly and symptoms had

gradually lessened. The last 4 years I have had no RSD pain symptoms.

Last night I got out my journaling from years ago. I read my own

words with compassion as if that lonely suffering woman wasn't

me.

I thought I had remembered just how horrible it was but the words

brought a present horrific clarity that I didn't want to see.

Reading some of your posts brought tears to my eyes. No one really

knows what it is like unless you've been there yourself. My

heart

goes out to all of you who must live with and do manage to find

quality in your life in spite of the overwhelming challenge.

Pamela mentioned she had 10 yrs off and on and currently has been in

pain this last year. I am not familiar with the symptoms returning

since I was in constant pain for all the years until it stopped. Now

that I am having returning symptoms I wonder what I will do about

it. If any one would share with me what they experienced I'd

appreciate it.