To the Patient Who Just Received a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnosis
To the newly diagnosed:
You have just received a life altering diagnosis; reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome (RSD/CRPS), an extremely painful, poorly understood and under recognized disease.
Right now, I know you are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. You’re likely feeling scared, overwhelmed, anger and confusion. If you’ve been struggling to obtain a diagnosis, you may also feel a great sense of relief.
I want you to know it’s OK to feel this way. It’s OK to feel bad. There’s no right or wrong way to be right now. There’s no time limit, or expiration date on your feelings. You have the right to be upset. You have the right to grieve.
You are not obligated to be positive or present a brave face. It is OK to cry and to be scared. You are not weak. You are strong and brave.
Living with the pain and mobility issues that accompany an RSD/CRPS diagnosis can be incredibly overwhelming. It may feel like you will never be able to adjust to your new reality and challenges in your life. With time and support, you can persevere. It takes time and patience to adjust to all the changes that are occurring. Take it day by day, even minute by minute if you must.
Always remember you are your own best advocate. There may be times when you feel pressured by well-intentioned family and friends, or even members of your own healthcare team to follow a certain treatment path. You know your body best.
Knowledge is power. You have the ability and the right to be an active participant in your treatment and quality of life planning. Arm yourself with the latest information on RSD/CRPS, and connect with other patients.
Be patient and kind to yourself. You are learning how to navigate the world with a chronic illness, which affects all aspects of your life. This is no small task!
Most importantly, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There may be days where it feels like all hope has vanished, and there is much more dark than light. Always remember that there is an entire community of people living with RSD/CRPS that understand what you are going through. There is support both online and off. We are always here, even when others may not be. We will be alongside you, every step of your journey. We have your back.
For RSD/CRPS information/research:
RSDSA
RSDCA
U.S. Pain Foundation
American RSD HopeInternational Research Foundation for RSD/CRPS
Princess in the Tower
Online RSD/CRPS support groups:
RSD/CRPS California Support Group
NeuroTalk RSD/CRPS Support Group
CRPS Warriors Support Group
Midwest RSD/CRPS Support Group
RSD/CRPS Mothers Support Group
Peer-peer support group listings:
U.S. Pain Foundation Support Groups (in person)
RSD Hope Support Groups (in person)
Remember, your diagnosis does not define you. You are not this disease. You are a beautiful human being that still has so much to offer. You can and will persevere. You are brave and strong. You got this!
The Mighty is asking the following: What’s the hardest thing you deal with as someone with a chronic illness, and how do you face this? What advice and words of support would you offer someone facing the same thing? Check out our Submit a Story page for more about our submission guidelines.
Lead photo source: Thinkstock Images
Noelle is a graduate student studying clinical mental health counseling, an ambassador and trained support group leader with the U.S. Pain Foundation, and a crisis counselor. She has lived with RSD/CRPS since 2004.
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