I will be participating in the Hope & Possibility Walk/Run on Sunday June 22nd, 2008 in Central Park with TEAM CRPS/RSD, which I was diagnosed with RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome when I was 25 years old.. It is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by severe and relentless pain that affects between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans.  RSD is a malfunction of part of the nervous system. Nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. 

I am now 31 years old and for the last 6 years of my life, I have had to adjust to living with a life of pain. I do not remember what it is like to live a pain free life. I have been through so many tests, doctors, surgeries, shots and medications more than people do in a lifetime. I am on my way to another surgery soon. This has affected me phycially, emotionally and financially.  Everyday waking up and starting yet another day is a struggle in itself. Daily acitivies are hindered and life in general is hard and tiresome.

What the funny thing is for myself and for most people who have RSD is that we look fine- people cannot imagine that when I walk down the street or just have a conversation of how much pain I am in. I learned along time ago- that we are given only what we can handle in life and adjusting to this lifestyle has challenged me everyday.

 I could never have gotten through these last 6 years without the love and support of my  wonderful family, friends and doctors. What I have learned most through all of this, is how to cope and complaining is not going to get me anywhere. With the love and support that I have, I can be strong and hope for a pain-free life one day. But until then I will keep on moving, stay stong, keep fighting and only hope that one day we can find a cure for this disease.

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