We need a strong mind and spirit to accept such a challenge on a daily basis. 
As we all know it is one of the toughest battles, but we are ALL survivors.

My name is Robyn Spicer and for the last six years, I have had RSD. 
It took me five of those six years to get the proper diagnosis. During this time, 
I lived in a state of confusion, along with severe depression, and a lack of 
understanding. My family and friends tried to help but felt helpless. I have 
often heard "IT IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD". Well, I am here as a survivor to 
tell you "IT IS NOT". 


I have tried the conventional methods such as lumbar blocks and the IV Lidocaine 
drip, with minimal results. I have also chosen the "Alternative Methods" that 
encompass Acupuncture, the use of Medicinal Herbs, Guided Imagery, Reiki, 
Massage Therapy, Music Therapy, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, Crystal 
Healing, along with a major change in my diet, adding essential minerals 
and vitamins. 


The Acupuncture can help relieve the stress and depression along 
with balancing the body. I have found that Acupuncture has helped me 
personnaly and have seen good results with this treatment.


The Herbs; I combine fresh herbs and make a tea that helps ease the 
anxiety and tension. The herbs I use have a natural calming property, and 
are also a natural anti-spasmodic and nervine which aids in relaxing the 
nervous system, and to top it off taste great. The herbs can be used in 
single form or in combinations. I also take what is called Milk Thistle 
Extract, which is a herb that cleanses the liver of the medicines that 
I am taking.


Aromatheraphy & Essential Oils; I make my own massage oils that 
helps ease the pain and muscle spasms. It can also help regulate the 
affected area's temperature with the right combinations of Essential Oils.


I have had good results by using these methods and I would like to 
share them with you.In the future, there will be a list of herbs 
and their uses, and how to use them.  Also, there will be listing of 
books and other material for you to research further.


The lessons have been many for me with this challenge. I have had to learn 
my limitations and accept the physical and mental states that my body goes 
through, what my physical being will and will not accept. Along with learning
how to control the pain of the RSD that is triggered by the stress that 
goes with everyday life.
 

The biggest lesson was to surrender to the Lord and give my being over to 
him to care for me. To know and have faith in his Love and Guidance to help 
me make the right choices for my personal treatment in Body, Mind  and 
Spirit.  To learn to count my blessings in spite of the pain, and anguish 
that I may have. To have joy and laughter in my life, it does the spirit 
great.

        "Hi everybody I am Robyn Spicer's neice . I now how it feels to have
a love one have RSD or anything like this. The most important thing is to be
there for them and stay by them . I now how it feels to see your love ones
in pain. 
        My Aunt is almost always in pain. When I see my Aunt in pain, I
can't do anything but give her love and comfort.  Some people say that they
can not be her friend because she gets grumpy.  If she had power over her
disease, she would not get grumpy.  Some people do not understand that she
can only handle so much, and she gets grumpy and it is not anybody's fault.
        I visit my aunt as much as I can.  Sometimes I would like to just
take the RSD and bury it.  I get so scared some times that I just can't deal
with it.  I try to be there as much as I can.  When my aunt gets to a point
that she just needs to talk and release all the negative energy, and the
pain, I try to listen.  I love my aunt dearly, that if she needs me to be
there, I would be there.  Some people don't understand what my aunt goes
through, and I would like people to know how much she goes through, and
anybody who has this disease.  For anyone who has a family member with this
disease, take care of them and be there for them."

Sincerely, 
Katie Spicer