Three years ago, I sustained an injury to my right arm; wrist broken in 2 places and a rotator cuff tear due to a fall. After surgery was the only option( since I was a successful working musician and teacher) we began to witness all the telltale signs of RSD. My surgeon diagnosed it first, however the healthcare where I was a temporary resident was not in tune with this condition, so we moved back to the tri state area. I interviewed healthcare proviers, making sure they were versed in this condition. I went regularly to PT, massage therapy and acupuncture to try and relieve the pain so as to not become addicted to the medications. After 6 months, I was drug free. However, I had to forego my employment as a musician and teacher and have had an incredibly difficult time sustaining employment in the career I have been active in for over 20 years. However, due to my early diagnosis and active treatments, I have some mobility of my right hand and continue to stay drug free. I was invited to NIH for a RSD study in pain management however was sent home because I was too far along in my rehabilitation! As my condition has reached a plateau, I search for work in an alternative educational environment since my proficiency in my right arm and hand was lost. I try and stay active, volunteering, tutoring a few students and subbing here and there while I wait for an opportunity that does not require any precision. I modified my environment, work at a slower pace and actually became left hand dominant in many tasks. However, getting past the pain is the key issue. Rigorous desensitizing and faith in myself was my answer to getting this far. This was a life altering condition, not life threatening as far as I understand thus far. Just recently, Paula Abdul talks about her RSD condition in People magazine. I know many folks go undiagnosed for years, prescribed insufficient therapies and their condition worsens. Be on the lookout for these telltale signs and know if you have RSD/CRPS, there a millions of us out there sharing in your experience and living our lives to our potential. Kate C