I was just 17 when I fell off 2 small porch steps and tore all of the ligaments in my left ankle.  I have been in pain every minute of every day since then.  It took months for doctors to realize that I had developed RSD, now known of as CRPS.  Because of their lack of knowledge I was put through treatments that actually made my condition worse.  Now, in my 40's, my CRPS has spread up my left leg, into my right knee, and into my right wrist.  On top of that it makes every other illness and injury harder to recover from.  Those of us that develop CRPS typically suffer from multiple health issues, and I am no exception having also developed Fibromyalgia, Occipital Neuralgia, Degenerative Disc Disease, Facet Joint Syndrome and various others.  CRPS is known of as the suicide disease because in addition to the overwhelming physical pain, it takes a toll on our mental well being as we grieve the life we once lived, and we constantly battle with physicians in an attempt to get the care we need.  Others can not conceive of the pain we continue to function in and thus do not comprehend our need for pain medication and improved medical care, but we have no other option but to keep going. Monthly I have to beg for continued treatment which, at this point simply consists of various meds as doctors no longer know anything else to try.  But I am a survivor and a warrior... but even as a warrior I need a tribe to support me.