I finally had the opportunity to read the book Living with RSDS, Your Guide to Coping with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome written by Linda Lang and Peter Moskovitz, MD . This book was written in 2003, however I feel it is still very relevant. It has lots of great ideas for helping you learn how to cope with your condition as well as understanding what RSDS is.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome has been renamed to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD / CRPS). It is a complicated syndrome that has perplexed many for years. Linda shares in this book information that she wished she had access. Especially when she was going through the struggle of learning about her illness and how to cope with it. In face, she wrote this book to provide information to others so they would have it. Her research on the subject and her sharing of this information is much appreciated.
About the Book
What is RSDS
She really does a great job at removing the mystery of what RSDS is. Her book helps you understand the history of RSD and what RSD really is and how it affects our body and nervous system. In fact, she takes the mystery out of how the body’s nervous system works and even discusses how we experiences pain. Her explanations really help you understand what is going on in your body and why the pain becomes so unrelenting. When we can understand what is going on with our bodies, we can gain hope and come up with better ways to deal with this painful syndrome.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options RSDS
We all know that one of the biggest problems with RSD / CRPS is getting a diagnosis. The unfortunate part is patients dealing with RSD / CRPS need their diagnosis sooner than later. The sooner a patient receives their diagnosis the quicker they can get help and the better chance they have at making a recovery. The book reviews what you can expect in an examination and many of the diagnostic tests performed that can help the doctors make a diagnosis. One of the tell tale signs of RSD / CRPS is pain that is disproportionate to your injury. So even if you haven’t been diagnosed with RSD / CRPS and you are experiencing this type of pain, read this book, it may be of help.
Living with RSDS
Living with chronic pain, especially from RSD / CRPS which is the highest on the McGill Pain Index is challenging. I remember those first years, the fear, the panic, the depression, the anger. You go through it all and it does change you and your relationships with family and friends. Her book identifies this and she shares suggestions on how to better live with RSD / CRPS. She reviews the new eelationship you have to create for yourself as well as your family.
She discusses research and treatments. Some of the treatments in the book are dated, since it was written in 2003, however, it is only a small portion of the valuable information contained in her book and very much worth while to read. Very educational! She really does answer a lot of questions an individual would have and I definitely recommend it!
I also have RSD / CRPS and have been dealing with its pain and symptoms since 1994. In 2005, I took a more holistic treatment approach to my health. This approach is shared in my 13 Week Program The Healthy Habits Challenge, A Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle. I also share information on the SOQI Wellness Products I used as well.