Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

[dmediati]

I havent had RSD for long, and I have a question about the effect on the brain from RSD .Can anyone help me?

[Truth Seeker]

dmediati,

I read in one of your post's, that your foot looks shiny, feels tight and is swollen, these are classic symptoms of RSD.
When you walk on a carpet, you will feel the fibers of the carpet, differently with the injured foot than the healthy one.

As to your question about RSD and the brain, yes, RSD can affect the brain in many different ways.
If, you have a direct question, please ask and I will answer if I can, however, if, you are on medication, I prefer to decline, because medications alter things.

I had refused to take medications when I learned that the cause of RSD is unknown, therefore, my experiences were as raw as they can come.

Truth Seeker

[dmediati]

I want to know what happens in the brain of an RSD person? I have read that , the part of the brain affected is the sympathetic system, but thats about it...i have no specific question. Thank you for responding. You do not take pain medication? and about my symptoms, yes every nite my foot swells up, gets tight and shiny and hurts really bad...it gets worse at nite..and I cant walk on it..I find my self lost..sometimes thinking about what has to change in my life,because of RSD....

[Truth Seeker]

Hi,
The mere fact that you are asking, "what happens in the brain of an RSD person," tells me that you are having some experiences, which may frighten you or maybe you are just curious.
If your question is based upon curiosity, than please get this thoughts out of your mind, if however you are having experiences, than please work with your brain.
Working with the brain, is something we have not been taught, consequently it is something we have to learn the hard way.
Working with the brain, can be paralysing with fear, absolutely paralysing, there are many trials and errors, but ultimately, success comes from many failures.
I used to take my brain for granted, as most people do, but I have learned that it is a force to recon with, but never to be played with.
You mentioned the "sympathetic system" after all of these years, I am still trying to figure out precisely what that means in the brain or body, because I have not found anything like that yet.
When I think of my brain, I think atomic, electrical and nuclear and I can assure you, there is nothing sympathetic about it.

In regards to medication, taking medication for a cause that is unknown, simply did not make any sense at all.
My pain levels were not severe, they were "barbaric", but I could not allow medications to alter anything or I would have not have been able to work with my brain the way I did.

I have always stated that my case was and is unique and unusual, it should have been a study case, but doctors refused to listen or take an interest.

I wish you well

Truth Seeker

[dmediati]

well you are an interesting person..thanks for the response...there is a part of the brain system that is called the "sympathetic nervous system" which is in the region of the limbic system of the brain..you are correct that it is autonomic,and I have read some things about RSD and the brain..and what it does, I have RSD..and it is new to me, I want to know all about what is happening.That is my question.I take pain pills, I have to..anyway..u take care....and thanks again...

[reruho]

Deanne,

RSD/CRPS affects the sympathetic nerves, which are the nerves that control the fight or flight response in your body. The parasympathetic nerves are responsible for detactivating these responses. These are both part of the automous nervous system- the name implies that our body and not us controls this.

The limbic system is a term to describe a part of the brain that controls emotions, motivation and many other things. Here is a good description from Wisegeek.com.

"The limbic system is the home of emotions, motivation, the regulation of memories, the interface between emotional states and memories of physical stimuli, physiological autonomic regulators, hormones, "fight or flight" responses, sexual arousal, circadian rhythms, and some decision systems."
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-limbic-system.htm

There was a report on CBS or CNN that talked about chronic pain changing the structure of the brain. I will do some research and find the link.

Dr Hooshmand (www.rsdrx.com) talks about this as the 4th aspect of CRPS in his section called CRPS ABSTRACT. It is very technical explanation. but the last part of it I have included below. As I mentioned before, this is something doctors do not discuss with patients. I think it wrong for them not to tell patients of these possible problems. We are left wondering why and what is wrong. I remember questioning my sanity, when there was no reason for this to happen.

4. EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF CRPS: LIMBIC SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION
"....The above neurophysiological observations explain the fact that practically every patient suffering from CRPS demonstrates some degree of limbic system disturbance. In our study of 824 patients, one or more of the limbic system dysfunctions were present in every case except three. These consisted of insomnia (92%), irritability, agitation, anxiety (78%), (depression (73%), poor memory and concentration (48%), poor judgment (36%), and panic attacks (32%). Understanding the nature of emotional components of RSD spares the patient from misdiagnosis and improper treatment."
http://www.rsdrx.com/CRPSABSTRACT.htm

I hope this answers some of your questions.
Reta

[dmediati]

yes Reta..thank u so much...

[penney]

dmediati I don't know what happens to the brain beause of RSD. But I do understand how your foot feels, I also have RSD in my foot after surgery (for 3 months now) it is all new to me also. I do take pain meds and neurotin. My foot feels like it it on fire, not warm but on fire! And I can't stand anything to touch it, swollen, red and purple it even hurts to take a shower. It's not just my foot it is my life.It is hell on earth! I more than likely will lose my job over this if I can't get this into remission, That breaks my heart, I've always worked. I go to PT 3 times a week, the nights after that are always bad, cried all night last night because of the burning pain the meds do no good at all when it's that bad. I'm also B12 deficient and that has messed up my memory some, so I also wonder if the RSD will make that worse.( does anyone know?) I'm hoping to get a nerve block to see if that will help some, maybe you should ask your Dr. about that. I wish you the best of luck. God Bless You Penney

[dmediati]

Hi Penney, thank you...your foot sounds like my foot..mine doesnt burn, its cold, freezing, and swollen and red and purple..and it hurts all the time...RSD does effect the brain, read the post from Reta, she explains that pretty well. This RSD is moving up my leg too, I am afraid, and I dont really have any adult support, i am a single parent and my bf left me when i found out i had RSD.I feel alone a lot..but I thank God i found u guys...I cry a lot too..I totally feel your pain.It sucks..I guess we need to face it and live with it...and try to feel better. I am surprised that you are still working, there is no way I could work right now, no way.I take online classes to finish up my college degree.Its nice to meet u penny..where do u live?

deanne

[Truth Seeker]

Hi Reta,

I always enjoy reading your posts and responses.

What you have quoted about the Emotional Aspects of CRPS. Limbic System Dysfunction, is correct, however, it pertains only to one third of the brain, which happens to be the primitive side, which usually carries us through life.
None of the negative emotional components can be found on the right side of brain, in fact, we will find the extreme opposite, but to get there, we first have to find the passage through the center of brain.

Truth Seeker