Hi @plakermike88 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Happy to have you. You will see that I moved your post to a discussion about RSD so that you can meet other members who are going through the same issues like @rivermaya34

Here is an article that you may like to read as well. Living With CRPS/RSD: https://rsds.org/living-with-crps/

Have you looked into Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Clinic (PRC)?

Hi there @plakermike88, glad you found us here! You are definitely not alone in your struggles, and I can say that because I am wearing a similar pair of shoes. If you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer any that I can and also provide some encouragement! As far as your initial question goes, it is not physically possible to get your family to fully understand your battles, only for the sheer fact that they are not facing what you are. However, getting them onto your support team is key! There are ways to get them on board and achieve sensitivity toward your illness. For me, talking was my first step. Be 100% open on a day-to-day basis, they are not mind readers. Share your struggles, achievements, goals, NEEDS, expectations etc. You have to voice those things. Once they know, it is highly likely that their sense of awareness will greatly increase. You will find they will step into help without even asking, or start a conversation about how you are really doing that day. That alone brings great encouragement because it allows others to bear your burden, even if only from an emotional standpoint. You took another big step, and landed here. There's a loving community of us out here ready to help others in need. Another big point I'd encourage you with (and you probably already know) is to be your own advocate. That was my greatest tool, it really helped me with my motivation and endurance in life. "Nothing will change til something changes." Do research, study your illness, talk to others for suggestions, trial new things that may help, but don't get frustrated if something doesn't work at first. That's just one step closer to finding relief. And, talk with your doctor(s) about YOUR needs. Let them know specifically the agenda you have. For me, right now that's solely pain management. A lot of times they have no clue what that looks like, so always try to be a few steps ahead of them if possible so you can voice specific things. I hope this helps you, I'll apologize now if anything I've written has come off in a harsh tone etc, that is definitely not my intention. I just know how it feels to feel isolated, like you're walking around with an invisible illness in a world that only recognizes visible disabilities. Because you are, and it sucks lol. It's tough, but each day is fresh and new, and brings new moments! Always look for that flower in the room or rainbow in the sky. They're there, but you may have to search some. 🙂 Wishing you all the pain free days possible!

@plakermike88 Also, for me - I had to physically tattoo the words "Don't Touch; Hypersensitive and Painful" so people who don't know are now aware. Doesn't mean I have to give them the whole story, just point to it is all. It lets them know there is a physical struggle and to be mindful of it. Not saying you should go out and get a tattoo, but things are really that bad for me, so it was an absolute must. It's really helped, tho unfortunately it's covered a lot due to needing compression for hypersensitivity etc. Anywho. 🙂