January 2014 – It has been 20 years since I had my injury that resulted in RSD | CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). I am 20 years older and I would like to think wiser, however, some days I know that to be false. One truth I am sure about is how the choices we make affect us, especially when it comes to our health and our quality of life. Back in 1994, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy wasn’t as well-known as it is today, which isn’t saying much, since it is still pretty much unknown and more people are diagnosed with it per year than with Parkinson’s.
I remember in 1994 when the doctor gave me my diagnosis of RSD \ CRPS. Twenty years ago, the internet didn’t exist, and the University of South Florida was on my list of places to visit to access their medical database. I read articles from various medical journals and studies on topics ranging from “medications” to “what is a sympathectomy.” The pain back then was horrid, and I have a faint recollection of asking the doctor to cut off my leg during one of my lumbar sacral blocks. I am so very glad he didn’t! What I can share, reflecting on myself from back then, is that the decisions I made do affect how well I am doing today. Maybe sharing this will help you.
A Few of My Key Decisions in RSD | CRPS
Attitude
Your attitude can make or break you. I know how hard it can be when faced with a dismal diagnosis and the depression that can follow. However, our diagnosis isn’t what defines us. The 10 Steps from Patient to Person were also instrumental in helping me develop a better attitude and providing me with focus on managing my RSD \ CRPS.
Opiates
I opted not to take opiates. Sitting there at 32, opiates didn’t seem like a viable option for someone with a chronic condition that was expected to last a lifetime. Right away, I had a concern about the long-term effects of opiates. Besides, there was information that opiates showed a lack of effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain. However, they did work well for other types of pain. I also spoke to several other patients in the waiting room. They said the opiates seemed to help more in the beginning and not so much over the long term. Don’t think I didn’t take any medications, because I did. However, I just decided not to take opiates.
Physical Therapy
Rehab! Some people know why they are who they are; however, I don’t know when I became me. My mom says I was born this way. She said I was always disciplined, driven, strong-willed, and extremely independent. I mean I was 32 years old, I had a lot of life left, this couldn’t be it and it wasn’t going to be it. If I was going to feel bad, I certainly wasn’t going to do it alone on my couch! I had always been an exercise-oriented person with a dancing background, so I insisted on physical therapy through my insurance company. It started with the pool, exercise with no weight. Oh, how I can smell that lovely chlorinated pool, the pool that turned my black bikini brown after six weeks!
So, physical therapy began, and what I learned most about physical therapy is that it isn’t effective unless you participate actively during your treatment sessions and do the exercises they tell you to do at home. So, I pushed and I chugged and I puked and I rested and then I pushed and I chugged and I puked and I rested, and finally, moving got easier. They taught me how to navigate the stairs, walk properly with the cane, and navigate safely on those surfaces that are not so smooth. To this day, on occasion, I still use those skills. I also will never forget my physical therapist – she was awesome and her support was crucial for me to maintain independence.
RSD \ CRPS My Holistic Approach
Supplements – Back in 1994, my family doctor was a Doctor of Osteopathy. They had all the training a medical doctor has, yet they also received training in manipulation. My family doctor employed a more holistic approach to medicine, incorporating nutrition into his practice. My doctor advised me to take Vitamin C and a B-Complex vitamin. He told me that the nervous system requires a lot of B vitamins, and Vitamin C is a great antioxidant. Back then, I was overwhelmed with information. It wasn’t until a couple of years later, after relocating to Indiana in 1996, that I began taking those supplements, and my journey with Nature’s Sunshine and natural health began!
Lifestyle – Nature’s Sunshine is big on education, and with that education, I realized I needed to make more lifestyle changes. My cigarette smoking had to go. It was time to let my body rest when it needed to, and my diet had to improve. I finally quit smoking, and I am very proud of that. For years, I wouldn’t admit I was an ex-smoker because I always felt I was only one cigarette away from becoming a smoker. Now, I definitely am an Ex-Smoker, and that feels awesome!
My biggest diet changes were implemented after reading Dr. Fuhrman’s book, “Eat to Live.” All I can say is that a nutritious diet makes sense! You wouldn’t buy a Cadillac and replace the oil with the cheapest oil, would you? So why, when you eat, do you buy food that lacks nutrients and eat it expecting to get results? I didn’t give up meat, however, I highly increased my consumption of fruits and vegetables.
SOQI Wellness Products – My biggest helpers came way later in 2005 with the Chi Machine. This product reminds me of movement and physical therapy. I really believe the chi machine was so helpful because it moves your body from left to right in a rhythmic motion, allowing your muscles and nervous system to relax. You are moving, so it’s physical; however, it seems like it’s also a movement of energy.
Making Decisions
Decisions and Reflection are a wonderful thing. I am reaffirmed in my belief that the person in the mirror is ultimately responsible for our well-being. We can blame others if we want; however, we make the final choices. The most important thing I learned is that being able to make decisions is an excellent tool. It just so happens that if you don’t like the decision you made, you can make another one. So, decide something, because not deciding means not taking action or accepting responsibility. Not taking responsibility or waiting for someone else to decide is being stagnant. Life is too short for not moving forward.