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* The basis and pathophysiology of RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) remains unclear. It is believed to involve
dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems(nerve damage).
* RSD is more common in injuries than people think (including simple sprains, car accidents, fractures and
peripheral nerve injury) EVERYONE is at risk.
* What triggers RSD, am I at risk? YES, you certainly are at risk. There are numerous triggers to RSD such as:
1. Surgery
2. Injury or Trauma
3. Degenerative arthritis of the neck
4. Shoulder problems
5. Heart Disease
6. Stroke
7. Diabetes
8. Cancer
9. Infection
10. Brain Disorders
11. Thyroid Disorders
12. Carpal Tunnel
13. Shingles
14. Certain Medications
15. Getting a shot
16. Giving Blood
17. In 1/3 of patients there is no trigger
* RSD is estimated to affect from 1.5 million to 6 million people in the United States, however from the data above
it can be seen that this is likely a large underestimate. The loss of production to the economy by people afflicted
with this is substantial(and it can happen to anyone at any time).
* Half of patients with RSD surveyed said they "seriously" think of suicide. It is very important to fund
research so that we can help diagnose, treat and cure RSD.
* It is vitally important that the word gets out about RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) so more and more people
become aware it.
I have made it my Mission in Life to help as many people as I possibly can to cope with daily living with RSD (Reflex
Sympathetic Dystrophy).
My goal is put my coaching abilities into action with each and every person who is serious about getting help to fight
the many issues you face. The number of people being diagnosed with RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) is increasing daily
and life is getting more and more stressful making it harder and harder to cope on a daily basis without someone who is in
your corner supporting you and coaching you on the many ways you too can have A Winning Life With RSD!!
RSD FACTS
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RSD/CRPS:
Depression; Sleep disturbance; Suicidal Tendencies; Anxiety; Loss of Libido; Reduced Memory Retention; Mood Swings; Isolation;
Despair; Reduced Quality of Life.
'DEPRESSION AND RSD'
It has been documented that depression and anxiety can often occur with persistent pain disorders. RSD/CRPS sufferers are
no exception. Moreover, over recent years there has been an increase in pain clinics offering psychological help. This is
due to the fact that; "Recognition that chronic pain is a complex neurophysiological, behavioral and psychological phenomenon
has led to the development of innovative treatment programs. The programs share one common assumption: If chronic pain is
complex, then a combination of treatment techniques are required to successfully treat patients." (Keefe 1982)
Depression can add to to the disability of RSD. Depression should be treated by way of therapy or/and drug prescription.
'SOCIAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RSD'
Depression associated with RSD cannot be attributable to only the pain; the changes it sometimes brings to the life
of the sufferer are numerous and often devastating.
‘Social’
The social activities many sufferers previously enjoyed can be greatly reduced or even completely stopped. This could be for
any one of several reasons; the not wanting to spoil other peoples enjoyment, maybe because they can no longer keep
up with them; or not feel like contributing to the conversation. One of the main reasons given for ‘Dropping
Out’ is to avoid answering the question “What’s wrong with you?” and trying to explain the
condition, over and over again. Unfortunately because of these problems, people may become isolated and lose friends.
‘Family’
Being unable to become fully involved in family activities, maybe playing with ones children or grandchildren is restricted
and the feeling of guilt because of this. Avoiding family functions is sometimes considered an easier option than trying to
explain the facts about the condition and how they feel.
‘Economic’
The economic impact caused by the condition can be immense, reduced employment or being unable to work at all and having
to rely on benefits, and the feeling of guilt this can bring about. The restrictions on what one or ones family are able
to afford through the reduction in income, perhaps having to forsake holidays, new clothes etc. all these problems can affect
ones self-esteem.
‘Personal’
The overwhelming fear of the affected limb being more painful through contact, as it frequently is, can present many problems,
this may extend to the rejection of any type of physical contact including that of a partner. This fear can be especially
depressing when it prohibits a person playing with, or even cuddling their children or grandchildren etc.
‘Self Belief’
One of the most often noted problem is a person’s own doubt as to what it is that they are actually suffering from.
This is hardly surprising, when there are so many conflicting theories being expressed as to its cause, the prognosis and
above all, the skepticism that some doctors have, to the actual existence of the condition.
Unfortunately, there still exist people, qualified medical professionals, who for reasons best known to themselves, prefer
to bury their head in the sand, to completely ignore the overwhelming medical evidence that has been discovered with regard
to the condition. Bearing in mind all the problems the sufferer has to try to overcome, the affect on their social, financial,
family and working lives, and the sometimes non-acceptance of the actuality of the illness by their doctor, “There
is little wonder that depression becomes an integrated symptom of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.”
DIAGNOSING DEPRESSION IN RSD/CRPS
(1)Feeling depressed; sad, empty or tearful.
(2) Loss of interest in all or almost daily activities.
(3) Weight gain or loss, appetite is less or greater than usual.
(4) Sleep problems
(5) Agitated or slowing down so that others notice.
(6) Tired and lacking energy
(7) Feeling worthless and excessively guilty
(8) Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
(9) Suicidal thoughts.
‘SOME FACTS OR ASSUMPTIONS WITH REGARD TO RSD/CRPS.’
(1) Not all cases of RSD/CRPS progress, sometimes the condition stabilizes and some patients improve or make a full recovery,
with or without treatment (fact).
The general consensus within the specialized field on the condition is, that the earlier the condition is diagnosed and the
appropriate treatments administered, the greater is the chance of success, the general guideline being within the first 50
days of the onset of the symptoms (assumption).
(2) It is a reasonable assumption that how the condition has behaved over a period of years, marks out how the condition
‘might’ behave in the future.
(3) The vast majority of RSD patients have a normal lifespan (fact).
(4) Only a small percentage of RSD sufferers end up in a wheelchair permanently (fact).
(5) Although it is well chronicled that many patients suffer from depression brought about by the symptoms of the condition,
there is no evidence that the suicide rate shows any higher proportion than any other section of society or groupings of specified
illnesses (fact).
(6) There is no evidence that the condition is or can be hereditary, although there are neuropathies, which are hereditary
and have a genetic basis, but these instances are very rare and there aren’t any reliable statistics available that
indicate RSD can be hereditary (fact).
(7) A vitamin deficiency is an assumption held by some within the medical fraternity that contributes greatly to the development
of the condition. Although many neuropathies can be attributed in some part to certain vitamin deficiencies, the lack of such
vitamins with regard to the acceleration of RSD has yet to be determined either way, although lack of vitamin B12 (Thiamine)
is known to damage the peripheral nerve system (fact).
Marla, RSD Coach ™
Texas, USA
800-731-1504
info@awinninglifewithrsd.com
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