Hello. I'm new to this forum but unfortunately not new to LD or DD. I've been suffering with both for the past 16yrs. I'm now 37 and in constant pain. I have 4 to 5 nodules in both feet with bands. (seem to have actually lost a shoe size) Nodules and bands, along with nuckle pads in both hands. Pinky and index fingers on left hand are at stage 3. I am a HVAC tech and am at the point with the pain that it's hard to walk and hands will draw up and kill me if I over-use them. I've had to work all my life and don't know how not to. I guess I would like to know several things...
1. How many suffer from depression because of these diseases and how do you cope with it?
2. How many have filed for dissability? (I'm a male from Texas btw)
3. What can I do to help with the pain at night so I can sleep alittle more?


Right now I take Darvocet at night to help take the edge off. (barely) I can't take pain meds during the day due to my job but pain is terrible because of my job. Between pain, depression, and lack of sleep, I'm loosing the battle it would seem. I would like input on filing for dissability. I need to do something but am scared because even if I file, I still have to provide for my family somehow during the process. Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble. Thanks for any input you can provide.

what part of texas are you in? I may be able to help you get a job working at a ac company but not as a tech. Contact me at brucergoldberg at gmail.com if you are in dallas.

This website has made a community possible for gathering information, sharing information, networking and meeting wonderful people.

It is heartwarming to see how much people care about helping others. Thanks, Wolfgang, for the time and commitment that goes into making this website available for all of us and for people like BRUCERGOLDBURG who you saw a need, had a contact and stepped right up to help Willett out.