Facts And Fiction On RSD
Reflex Sympathetic Dystropy is a disease that is poorly
understood by patients, their families and health care professionals. In some the disease is mild, and in others it is moderate
and sometimes it is a severe condition. You will note listed below is soe facts about RSD and fiction.
1 . Fiction: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is rare Fact:
RSD is not rare and affects millions of people.
2 . Fiction: RSD is a recently discovered disease. Fact:
RSD was discovered during the Civil War and has been known by various names since then.
3 . Fiction: RSD doesn't spread Fact: RSD does spread
in 70% of the patients. It usually will spread up the same extremity and may continue to spread on the same side of the body
or to the opposite extremity. Some patients have had RSD spread throughout the entire body.
4 . Fiction: RSD will burn itself out in six months.
Fact: Many patients who are not treated early will experience spreading of this disease and it will be a life long problem.
Even with early treatment RSD can be a chronic condition.
5 . Fiction: Children don't get RSD - In children it's
psycho- logical. Fact: RSD has been diagnosed in kids as early as three years of age. Children can develop psychological problems
when doctors, parents and teachers don't believe the child's pain is real.
6 . Fiction: Minor inures can't cause RSD. Fact: Minor
injuries, like a sprain or a fall, are a frequent cause of RSD.
7 . Fiction: A painful limb should be casted. Fact: Casting
and immobilizing can make the RSD symptoms worse.
8 . Fiction: After a few treatments if no results then
nothing can be done. Fact: There are many forms of treatment for RSD. If one doesn't work, the doctor will continue trying
other treatments until he/she finds the one that helps the patients pain.
9 . Fiction: Patients continue to complain because of
secondary gains. Fact: The majority of RSD patients were active, productive individuals prior to gettig RSD and don't enjoy
being in constqnt pain....
10. Fiction: Once some RSD cases goes into remission,
it doesn't come back. Fact: It can subside for years, but can appear again with a new injury.
11. Fiction: Vigorous and aggressive physical therapy
is best. Fact: No pain, no gain doesn't apply to RSD patients.
12. Fiction: The treatment for all RSD patients should
be the same. Fact: Each patient's treatment plan varies.
13. Fiction: Any doctor can treat RSD. Fact: RSD is a
complex disease with various degrees of severity and disability. Patients should be treated by a physician that knows how
to treat RSD and specializes in this area.
14. Fiction: There are no symptoms except for pain, swelling,
color changes, and heat or cold sensations. Fact: There are numerous symptoms with RSD.
15. Fiction: Family and friends find RSD easy to understand.
Fact: RSD is difficult for many doctors and the patient to understand. Therefore, it is not surprising that family and friends
can't understand what the patient's pain is like. It's hard for others to understand rsd patients pain level can flucuate
from day to day.
16. Fiction: The pain isn't as bad as the patient says
it is. Fact: The pain is usually as bad as the patient claimed and often a lot worse.
17. Fiction: Narcotics don't help relieve the pain. Fact:
Narcotics are effective in some patients.
18. Fiction: RSD occurs in psychologically unbalanced
people. Fact: People who get RSD are no different than others. Once a person gets RSD, they are in constant pain.
19. Fiction: There is no hope for patients with RSD.
Fact: There is research going on all over the world. Researches are studying what causes some to get RSD and others don't.
If a physician isn't familar with RSD and the proper
treatments, or is stumped by the symptoms, he/ she should refer the patiet elsewhere. The main thing with RSD is you need
to be properly diagnosed as soon as possible.
Click Here To View More Articles on RSDS/CRPS