Replies to '03/15 "You Wouldn't Last a Day"'

i recently encountered a doctor who doesn't believe that the disorder RSD/CRPS even EXISTS!  now, i am willing to take into consideration that he seemed younger than doogie howser and that he could not postulate any reasons of his own for the many symptoms that RSD/CRPS can cause. [for me: massive edema, the color purple, a 10 degree temperature differential between one leg and the other, severe osteopenia [i fracture just by walking, incredible sensitivity, and above all else -- shooting and burning pain 24/7.   

and finally, never mind that there is demonstrable damage shown by EMG studies to the plantar, peroneal, and ulnar nerves, and a diagnostic three-phase bone scan. 

his claim?  all of the "pain syndromes" are due to ANXIETY...  

gee, do you think he got under my skin?  d'oh!   

i would love to challenge him to 24 hours in my wheelchair -- manual or power, his pick.  he needs to take a shower, use the toilet, do laundry, dust and vacuum, go out on the deck and try to sweep away the many leaves... all with just the use of his right hand and whichever leg feels strongest.  i would ask that he take my medications but that would kill him.  [hmmm...  what else?  oh, he could do a nice stir-fry, with lots of chopping -- a mise en place par excellence.  he needs to spend about 4 hours in the day in bed with his feet elevated.  of course,  the experiment wouldn't be complete without a trip to some of the least accomadating places in town.   

iwouldn't wish the pain of RSD/CRPS on anyone, though.  what i wish for him to witness are a few of the "side effects."   what cannot be accomplished is the depression of social isolation -- i cannot go out due to the likelihood of having my leg/foot/fingers inadvertently being touched or knocked about.  yes, the disease causes some weird behaviors!  i will do almost anything to avoid being touched --  and that makes me so sad -- there is nothing like a human touch! 

anxiety?  sure.  as a result.  but definitely not as a cause. 

thanks for the opportunity to vent!!! 

prof-de-rien