Living with RSD

In 2001 I caught a patient that was falling, she weighed over 300 pounds. I immediately felt pain in my low back and hip, but tried to keep working. Went to the doctor the next day, there were some vertebrae that were rotated but no disc or other things seen on x-ray. AS many of you know, the routine of numerous doctors and tests. I started having heart problems and everything was falling apart.

AS a physical therapist I felt embarrassed that I was hurting so bad even when the vertebrae problem was fixed. I thought I was going crazy and it must be all in my head. Finally after a year my primary care physician said he thought I had RSD I went home and read about all the symptoms and WOW. Those symptoms described, fit what was happening to me!! I found out I wasn’t crazy! I’m so grateful there have been people who have studied RSD

I get about 80% relief from Methadone, after 3 years I went back to work in a different area that isn’t stressful on my back and have learned how to deal with RSD as much as possible.
For those who still struggle or haven’t found a doctor to help, you have to be proactive for yourself, find a different doctor and don’t let them tell you it’s in your head, only you know your body, so listen to what your body is saying and don’t stop until you find what works to help you get some relief!!