RSD Interview #2 - with Peggy Lindsay

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET RSD?
I got my RSD in my left arm after falling and breaking my left wrist. I had to have surgery and have a T plate and screws put in my wrist. The surgery went well but I overextended myself afterwards. I rotated my wrist and caused the ulna bone to splinter and the plate to loosen. This was followed by excruciating pain, swelling and cold temperature in my entire left arm.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
My RSD has affected my life in so many ways. I cannot do anything like I used to. I am having to relearn how to do things with only one hand, as my wrist cannot lift, pull, or push anything over 3 lbs. I also stay nauseous from all of the strong medicines that I have to take. I am already experiencing severe bone loss in left hand. My RSD pain is through my entire left side. The medicines that I have to take to somewhat control my pain make me have short term memory loss, confusion, balance problems, anxiety attacks, and I cannot even drive.

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM?
Absolutely!! I tell my husband and sister everyday that I could not make it without them. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the two of them. I am truly blessed there!

DOES FAITH PLAY A PART IN YOUR STRUGGLE OR YOUR STAMINA?
Absolutely again, I am nothing without God, but can do all things with Christ, and I call on him daily to overcome obstacles that I cannot overcome by myself.

HOW HAVE YOU RE-INVENTED YOURSELF?
I am still in the process of this. I learn every day that I am limited in ways, and all of the complications, that go with this disease.

HAS ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THIS TRIAL?
I look everyday for "lessons" throughout this journey but, thus far, all I can see is that God knew that it would take something this serious to slow me down.

WHAT THINGS DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
I miss my independence most of all. I was always a type A personality (the over achiever), never slow down multi-tasker…and that has totally changed. I was working two jobs 15+ hours a day. It is a good day now to get ready and make it to the doctor’s office.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND/OR YOUR DISEASE?
Please do not judge others, as you don’t know what their life is like unless you walk in their shoes.