Hello,

My name is Beth - and I've dealt with PTSD since I was seventeen. I'm no 45 years old. There have been other traumatic events that have found their way into the initial event, but I primarily trigger back to the original one.

I was diagnosed with RSD this past January. RSD used to be referred to as "Post Traumatic Pain Syndrome" - and I find that highly ironic - but not at all amusing. I have RSD in both legs and probably CRPS2 in both of my arms, shoulder and hands. I fell three weeks after I got married - breaking my foot and ankle and injuring a disc in my neck. . .

I've been to counseling for the PTSD - the first time to learn tools to help myself when I trigger - and to combat the nightmares. The second time I was triggering during another high stress time in my life, only I didn't recognize it at all - so it was primarily to get me to deal with what was going on and to pull me out of the trigger.

The problem I'm dealing with now is that the pain level with RSD is severe - and can go from a 2 pain level to an 8 or 9 pain level in a matter of minutes.
When it gets to the 7 - 9 level, I panic. . .I can't tell any one what I need, I can't talk. . . which causes the PTSD to trigger and I'm right back reliving the event that happened so long ago. . . .dealing with all the issues all over again.

Issues that cannot be resolved.

So, I'm asking. . .no actually, I'm begging for ANY ideas of how I can help myself when this happens. I have RSD/CRPS. It's not going to go away. . .I'm finding myself in physical and emotional pain all the time, and it end s up doing the vicious cycle thing. I'm ready to check myself into a psych ward.

Thanks,
Beth.

Welcome to the forum Beth :) I don't have any good advice to give. As I am a carer not a sufferer. But there is a lot of information and people in the forum more than willing to help. I hope that you find some answers and support.

Thank you. I called and set up an appointment with a therapist. It was amazing how many therapists I called and all were very unsure of how to help me with this. I'm doing MUCH better today. I've been able to control my pain level yesterday. The day before it went from level 2 to level 8 in 17 seconds. . .and wow, there I went. . . bleh.

Any way, I'll post what I learn from the therapist . . .what works, any way - maybe it will help someone else.


BethAnna

Hi Beth and welcome...I wish I could help you out but I am still new as well and am not fully versed in RSD. I have no doubt in my mind that this forum will at the very least, point you in the right direction.


Annie

Beth,

I am glad that you have an appointment to see a therapist. I hope that they can help.. I will look for further updates from you.