Living with RSD

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Melissa. I live in rural eastern Oregon with my two sons. I was working as an in home health provider. I developed Golfers Elbow in my left arm. At the same time I developed RSD That was over five years ago. I went through 5 doctors in my home town, including a neurologist for nerve conduction studies. They came to the conclusion it was all in my head. I was refused a referal for physical therapy and could get nothing for my pain. In 2005, I went to a doctor in a neighboring town. Within an hour I finally had a diagnosis. But there was no hope for treatment. He wanted to give me cortisone shots and sympathetic nerve blocks. Needless to say I declined to do that. In 2006 I found a chronic pain physican. He gave me something for my pain, but he also gave me suplements to try. He gave me an adreanal supplement, a multivitamin, calcium because I’m over 30, and something called Gamma-Lin. It comes from the oil of the evening primrose. Within two weeks I was almost pain free. Within the month I was completely pain free, my temprature regulated itself and I had improved range of motion. It was a miricle for me. I still have episodes, but they are very short in duration. I get them because I over work my arm. But I haven’t had a full blown relapse since I started the treatment. My RSD will never go away, but I can be a mother to my sons now. I don’t have to read to them under hot pads anymore. I can cook dinner again. Do the laundry. But most importantly my sons can hug me and not be afraid of hurting me. Thank you for reading my story.

Melissa