People with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), what used to be called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RDS) can find it hard to explain to people what it is. That is, if they understand it themselves.
The National Osteoporosis Society in the United Kingdom has made available this leaflet that explains
what the condition is, why it has differing names, how it is diagnosed
and how it may be treated. It also refers to a number of patient
organisations and useful websites.
The document is in PDF format: Patient information leaflet.
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R is for…

rubber duckie!
And R is also for:
Radiating pain: If you tell your doctor or nurse about the pain you are having, you’ll likely be asked if the pain is radiating. This means, does the pain go beyond the original spot. For example, if you have pain in your stomach area, does it radiate to the back or up into the chest?
Repetitive stress injury: These days, when we hear repetitive stress injury, or RSI, most people automatically think of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, RSIs are injuries that can happen anywhere on the body and are caused by doing the same …read more

 
Yup, C is for car, but it’s also for:
 
Central pain syndrome: According to NINDS, “Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. This syndrome can be caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson’s disease.”
Cancer: It’s at the point that many physicians are pushing to have cancer categorized as a chronic disease since so many people are living with it for longer periods or are beating it altogether. Whether it is ever classified …read more

If  you have a chronic illness or are living with chronic pain, chances are you get a little tired of trying to explain your situation all the time. The Reflex Dystrophy Syndrome Association has made available some very interesting and helpful brochures, cards, and hand outs that people can use to help spread the word about complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex dystrophy syndrome (RDS):

“I Have CRPS” HandiCard
Pediatric CRPS Tri-Fold Brochure
Helping Children/Youth With CRPS Succeed in School
“Telltale Signs of CRPS” HandiCard

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Whether you call it reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome, the result it the same: excruciating, unknown pain that can wear you right down.
While there is no cure for CRPS, researchers are working on it. Here is an interesting audio for you to listen to. It is a radio interview of Anne Louise Oaklander, MD, PhD, director of the Nerve Injury Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, done in April 2006. Click on the radio image below to listen.

You can also read more about CRPS/RSD in this article:
Company’s calling: For Grace’s founder, Cynthia Toussaint speaks out
Image: Newscom
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One fun thing that comes from writing this blog is I get an incredible store of great information. I get lists of blogs, news stories, and a whole lot more.
Since December, 2007, here are some blogs I’ve enjoyed and recommended:
How To Cope With Pain
 
Cranky Fitness
 
OneHealthPro
 
Nickie’s Nook
 
Life With Chronic Pain
 
the Vagina Dialogues
 
Type A with R. A.
 
Life in the Autoimmune Lane
 
One Year of Writing and Healing
 
RSD/CRPS=Pain
 
Chronic Babe
 
Lotsa Helping Hands
 

Resources for caregivers:
National Family Caregivers Association
 
Partners Against Pain
 
Mobility Limited
 
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
 
National Family Caregivers Association
 
National Institute on Adult Day Care
 
Arthritis Foundation National Office
 
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders …read more

It’s blog and site searching time for me. I love to go out and see what is available and I hope that some of the blogs and sites I recommend are helpful for you.
Today’s offerings are diverse.
I stumbled upon One Year of Writing and Healing as I was searching around. The site is run by a physician/writer. In her welcome, she writes: “Welcome to One Year of Writing and Healing, a site designed to explore connections between writing and healing–and to facilitate your own exploration. Here, you’ll find writing ideas, recommended books, and food for thought, all grounded in a …read more

A B D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 
C1 through C7 vertebrae
Calcification
Cannabinoid
CAT/CT scan
Catheter …read more