I know I haven't done a good job of keeping in touch with everyone, so I figured a blog would be the best way to do it. I never thought I would have a blog and I also never thought that "my life would be taken away from me at age 24". By life I mean having to give up my great career in NYC, which Iworked so hard for. On Nov.5,2007, my mom came up to help the move go smoothly. We got on the plane to FL which is where I currently live and yes Nikko and Pedro came too. Having to go on disability (was approved for long-term which is great) and move back in with your parents is a huge pill to swallow!
How did I get to this point (for the people who may not know). I ended up having a stress fracture on my lower left leg, which was casted. My leg would get so swollen in the cast, I would call the Dr. and he basically put me up as a "whiner" and when it came off my paraneal nerve was blocked so I couldn't (and still can't ) move my foot up and down. Slowly it developed into Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). It is an unbearable painful disorder which can spread. In my case it did and I now currently have RSD on outsides of my lower legs up to my knees. I have to use a walker and wear braces to hold my feet up because I have drop feet and trip if didn't have them.
I found a pretty good team of Dr.'s I have a pain management dr. and also a psychiatrist. RSD promotes depression and with the loss of everything and not too much to look forward to, I have become very depressed. However, I've currently tested for the spinal cord stimulator, it basically makes your legs feel a tingle sensation and it has a remote so I can control how much stimulation I get and where in the legs. This process took away about 60% of the pain (still taking all of my pills). So right now we are waiting to get approval to do the permanent implant.
Well I think that is a good start.
Thanks for everyone's support.
~Rebecca~
7 comments:
Hello Becki, or is it now Rebecca?I also did some research on RSD when I first heard about your problem and I am sorry you have to go though all the pain and the depression. But , if anyone can go through it , I know you can . I always thought you were one of the bravest of the "grandkids" for just going out on your own to NYC. Take care and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Uncle David
Hello Rebecca Kay!
Even though you are in the next room right now, I just wanted to write on your blog!! I think this is a GREAT idea you had to set this site up! And, the sites you included are very informative and the poem is a very good one!!
Also, I want to let you know that I know you are going thru alot and I can see how much pain you are in! I see you every day and being your mom, I just want to take the pain away some how and make everything okay for you!! I watch you sleep and wish to God that he would make everything okay for you! I know it was very hard for you to 'swallow that big pill' and move down to Florida with us...but, we are in this together and I will be here with you every step of the way!!
All my love...
your Mommeeeey!! XOXOXO
Rebecca Kay!! I just love you sooooo much!! You are dealing with a condition that I would hope I could deal with as much dignity..You really are, not only a wonderful, fantastic niece, but a person, who I've seen grow from this little blue-eyed, blond, speck of a child, into a beautiful, determined, confident, STRONG, woman, who I am so proud of!! This RSD isn't something you would wish on your worst enemy, so to know you have this, is heartbreaking..You've really done a wonderful job with accepting things, and making the adjustments necessary to make the most of your life..I know it hasn't been easy..You're lucky to have the support of your mom and Craig, besides all of the rest of your family...Cousins, uncles, grandparents, AUNTS :), and some good friends, who understand that this isn't something you asked for..This is something that was thrown into your life, and up to you on how you deal with it..Which, actually, you're doing quite well with..I know you have your bad days, but that's understandable..I honestly have my doubts that I could handle RSD with as much dignity, as you do..
Ok, girl..I could go on and on..but I'm sure other people would like to say a few things.. :)
I'm so glad you did this..I LOVE that link to that informative website..It gives people just a hint of what you're going thru..
And the poem!! Oh my gosh!! Made me cry..It was awesome...and so sad..
Take care, my little Specks..I adore you...I am so proud of you..
All my love...
Aunt Linda
Hey Becki. I'm really glad you did this because I didn't know too much about it before coming out here to the site. I am so proud of you and of the person you've become. I remember hearing you were moving to NYC and thinking you were so brave. And I still think that cous'. The grace and dignity with which you've handled yourself and this horrible disease is something I admire. I sure miss you! I wish there was something I could do to take your pain away. If there was I would cous'. Please take care and know you cross my mind often. I told you this in a valentine many years ago. May you never forget how loved you are and how special you are. I love you Rebecca Kay!
Hello Rebecca,
you are a very brave young woman.
My prayers are with you.
Hi Rebecca, I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I am so glad that you were diagnosed so soon. It is equally good that you are getting a stimulator so soon after your diagnosis. If it doesn't work, you may want to consider ketamine (low-dose), which should be an option in Florida. I developed RSD after an ankle sprain when I was 23 years old, and I am now 30 years old. Unfortunately, no one diagnosed me for over a year. The stimulator did not seem to help me, nor any other treatments. However, I have overcome the severe depression I once had, and I know that you will to. You have a wonderful family that is supportive and will help you through this. Plus, the Florida weather should help!
Good luck, Moselle
Hi Becki,
I hope you are having a good day. Sounds like you have found a better Doctor. I had Katie email me your blog here at work as I don't check our computer at home. Keep your head up girl! That new Doctor will come thru. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Aunt Pam
Post a Comment