Interesting to read about your setup. i'm planning in reviving an old Sony laptop with a linux installation. Couldn't boot from USB so i'm hoping CD drive works. Need to find a disc to test it.
i didn't know about the dis-ease you're experiencing. i followed the link and read a little. Are you saying the pain crisis is the only symptom you have?
Sat Nam
Atma
I have almost all the symptoms but the pain crisis is the hardest one to live with. For me, the random side of the crisis is very difficult to bear.