Hello SPJ,

 God know that all of us here have felt like you but believe me when I say that RSD is completely survivable. First I highly recomend what I had to do...get into a good group therapy session and see a counsoler, try to find one that knows about living with pain. I can tell you from my own experiance(9 years worth now) that the first couple of years are the hardest as you need to learn to live your life a little differently. Acceptance was the hardest for me but once I was able to do that my stress level and pain level dropped. I also lost friends, it frightens them,they dont understand and most likly never will. Ever heard it takes one to know one? You will find our group is a wonderful group and we all understand how you feel. With that said I welcome you to the group, I am the asst. manager that accepted you to the group today. Please do not be afraid to post what ever is on your mind, one of us will usually answer you...or possibly several of us :) Your not loosing your mind but I know it feels that way, I went thu hell for the first few years but I didnt get the help I needed right away either with the medical end or mental part of this nasty disease.

 Well, you came to the right place...at least its a good start to recogonize you cannot deal with this with out a support group of some kind

Best wishes and welcome,

Frank(Franknberrie)