RSD Interview #10 - With Mike Karnyski

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET RSD?
It was nineteen years ago that I developed RSD. It was caused by over 1,500 pounds of steel crushing my right dominant hand. .I had five operations on my hand, plus two amputations. I had my index finger, plus a quarter of my hand, amputated. My RSD started in my right hand and arm. Then it spread to my shoulders, my back, and both legs and feet.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
I was a very active person. I was a Volunteer Fireman, played softball, bowled, was an avid bike rider, and liked to fish.

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM?
My family and friends are my support system, as well as several groups online. I, also, belong to a group in Buffalo, NY. We meet once a month to talk, laugh and, sometimes, cry. I would recommend that you join a group, if you can, as it is very helpful. This way, you know that you are not alone. But I have to say that my biggest support comes from my two granddaughters. They make me forget the pain.

DOES FAITH PLAY A PART IN YOUR STRUGGLE OR YOUR STAMINA?
Yes, faith plays a big part, even though I do not go to church. I pray to God everyday, asking him to help me get through this and help me to be a stronger person.

HOW HAVE YOU RE-INVENTED YOURSELF?
I am a mentor for people that are just getting diagnosed with RSD, to try and help them by answering questions and letting them know that they are not alone in dealing with this MONSTER. Also, I have done a few seminars with my doctor, talking about RSD and Spinal Cord Stimulators.

HAS ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THIS TRIAL?
I am more understanding of people who have Chronic Pain, having experienced it myself for nineteen years.

WHAT THINGS DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Not being able to serve my community as a fireman and not being able to do a lot of things I did before RSD.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND/OR YOUR DISEASE?
Please, just because I do not look disabled, do not judge me to be a faker looking for sympathy. I wish people could walk just a few steps in my shoes to feel the pain that I feel. Then, if they still want to judge me, so be it. And just because I'm smiling doesn't mean I'm not in pain; it just makes me feel good.