A very grim diagnosis, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, if this was indeed what I had. A chronic condition for which there was no cure & possibly a permanent disability. RSD was not cool, not cool at all. What was I supposed to do with a diagnosis like that?!?! I have 3 active boys, we're trying to adopt, I'm a critical care RN, and I enjoy all sports & outdoor activities. What do you mean I might not be able to use my leg? I might live in chronic pain as long as I remain on this earth. Needless to say, none of my specialists wanted to be the one to give me that diagnosis. Everyone looked & re- looked over all my scans & tests for them all to be negative. Negative is supposed to be a good thing in medicine. Except when you have a diagnosis based on what isn't.
I sought a second opinion as Dr. Gor seemed stumped. My second opinion doctor gave me a new narcotic, Nucynta, & started me on physical therapy. Basically I needed to regain strength & usage in my leg. It would feel like it was broken but it wasn’t. Sometimes my leg is strong, but other times it goes numb & I can barely lift it. I try to pace myself knowing that I have an entire day to get through. I’ve slowed down a lot. No PTA or afterschool activities for the boys, I am just trying to get through the day. I am encouraged by Lamentations 3:22-26:
I sought a second opinion as Dr. Gor seemed stumped. My second opinion doctor gave me a new narcotic, Nucynta, & started me on physical therapy. Basically I needed to regain strength & usage in my leg. It would feel like it was broken but it wasn’t. Sometimes my leg is strong, but other times it goes numb & I can barely lift it. I try to pace myself knowing that I have an entire day to get through. I’ve slowed down a lot. No PTA or afterschool activities for the boys, I am just trying to get through the day. I am encouraged by Lamentations 3:22-26:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
Because God....What a perfect scripture
ReplyDeleteThe thing with RSD/CRPS is that its symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult for doctors to correctly diagnose and treat the disease. But whatever happens, don't let RSD defeat you. Learn to accept things for what they are and be happy with what you can do.
ReplyDeletesevere leg pain