HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET RSD?
I was injured in October 2011. At the time, I was working in the dairy on the farm, trying to fit milking cups to one of the cows. Her name was 'Angry Cow' for a reason. The cow flicked her leg up, striking my forearm. It broke the skin and by the time I got home, back in town, it was swollen and my whole arm and hand was turning purple. In pain and wanting answers, I spent nearly every day at the hospital, which was 40 minutes away. No one could tell me what was going wrong. It was a very depressing, stressful time. I went from working two jobs to nothing. I couldn’t sleep (due to pain) and all they would do was up my pain medication, which did nothing. I also had an employer who was bullying me, trying to get me not to report the incident, as he had no insurance. My physiotherapist was the only one who listened to me. She would not touch my arm and told my doctor she thought it was RSD, but he disagreed. So, many tests later, I still had no answers. I moved back to the city for treatment in February 2012 and was finally diagnosed about mid 2012. It has now spread to my shoulder and I worry that it will go further. I am currently undergoing counseling to adjust to living with RSD and am also discussing further treatment options with my specialist.
I ended up being offered a Workers’ Compensation payout, which I regret taking, as it only covered my medical bills and I have been left out of pocket. At the time, I did not know RSD was incurable, so I am devastated that I took the payout.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
I lost both my jobs. One being the only job I have ever loved, which was working on a farm. It was hard, stinky, work for little money but I really enjoyed it as every day was different and, strangely, it didn’t feel like work. I’d be feeding the calves, riding the quad bike, working in the dairy, clearing paddocks, etc. We had discussed many other farm opportunities and its disappointing where everything has ended up…even affecting other job opportunities and social ones, as well.
Leaving a beautiful, quiet beach town to move back to the city has been a very hard adjustment. I still struggle with city life everyday.
Weather is a factor, as I can’t stand the heat anymore, and coping with cold weather is a lot harder.
I cant hold my son’s hand with my affected hand (and that hurts the most).
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM?
I have a very good support system but I sometimes feel very alone, even though I’m surrounded by people, as they don’t understand my pain or what is going on. I struggled to cope when I found out that RSD is incurable and can spread, etc, So it was such a relief to find the online support group and speak with other people who are living with RSD. They have been so informative and have also helped with cognitive therapy. They have taught me to live life one day at a time, and have really put my mind at ease.
DOES FAITH PLAY A PART IN YOUR STRUGGLE OR YOUR STAMINA?
I have faith, as they said I would not be able to open my hand but I can. I still drop things occasionally, which can be frustrating, but, even though it is painful, I will continue to work through it.
HOW HAVE YOU RE-INVENTED YOURSELF?
I have yet to re-invent myself, as the doctor will not clear me to study or look for work.
HAS ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THIS TRIAL?
WHAT THINGS DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Country life and having so many camping, fishing and beach options.
Working.
Sleep.
Everything about the life I had.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND/OR YOUR DISEASE?
It would be great if people actually took time to find out a bit about RSD so they would understand that I’m not over-reacting when they brush, knock, etc, my arm or hand. It would also save me from explaining it every single time. It’s depressing, as I worry every day that it’s spreading.
I am in constant pain, some days worse than others. I might 'look' ok but, if I had the option to remove my arm, it would be gone.
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