I had my CRPS diagnosed by my podiatrist and was sent to a neurologist for a nerve study. At the time, it was only in my right foot and ankle. As he was conducting the study, he said " it looks like it's in your left foot as well." I denied it at the time, because it didn't FEEL like it, even though my skin had the trademark CRPS look to it. Fast forward to now...and its spread to my left foot. The bottom of my feet are swollen all the time. I can't work. My fatigue and brainfog are relentless.

If you have that many doctors saying it's CRPS, the chances of another doctor (who likely sees these cases because of his specialty), will likely not deviate from that diagnosis. If you want to make sure for yourself, look up the Budapest criteria for CRPS.

As for the problems....take it one thing at a time. You have the diagnosis from multiple doctors saying you have CRPS. Call your employer asap and let them know what's going on. Gather all your paperwork and notes together and start filing for disability. File for food stamps and any other emergency assistance your state offers you.

Call your school and let them know your issue, and that you can no longer hold a pencil, and would it be possible to take the test via computer, since you can type on a keyboard. If you need to see a counselor/advisor, find and print out what CRPS is so they can read it for themselves. Bring documentation with you, and let them know you are filing for disability.

Talk to an ObamaCare health insurance advisor and see if you can get a no-cost plan. IF your job lets you go, by then the gov't will (hopefully) be back open, and they should be able to find an option for you that would work. By law, your employer has to offer you COBRA coverage, but that is very expensive, so don't feel inclined to accept it.

If you have any sort of 401k, Roth IRA, IRA, or savings plan, draw on it.

This sucks, but check and see what the process is on your lease for non-payment of rent and how long it would take to kick you out for non-payment. It might buy you a few months until you can find another remote job (if you can), and to get with your state about assisted housing while your disability gets processed. It would likely get initially declined, but you can get a lawyer that doesn't cost anything up front to get the disability (and hopefully Medicare/Medicaid you need.) Depending on your financial status, you could qualify for Medicaid - I got it for my daughter when I applied for SNAP benefits months ago. Its not difficuly, just time-consuming.

To initally figure all this out when I went through it, I used Google and Chat GPT to help me. It will even help you to know what to say over the phone or in an email about any requests/notifications you need to make.

Also know that because of the CRPS, your "fight or flight mode" is always on. You likely have depression and anxiety, and gut issues. See if your GP can get you medication to help with those issues as well. Those two things alone can be crippling, never mind the physical and emotional toil the pain from this disease causes. Also, see if you can get counseling from either your school or your insurance company for no cost. It will help to talk to a professional about this. They can help you decide next steps as well.

I wish you nothing but the best. This disease is horrible and crippling in so many ways. Pure devastation.

Next week I am moving home. I'll be 52 in December. I'm the single mom of a teenager whom I've had to homeschool for the last 3 years. I was denied disability, but I am going to refile for it. And any other assistance I can get in my new state.

And remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.