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justme
63 Posts |
 Posted - 08/14/2007 : 16:17:33
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I think it is an acronym for Refexive Sympathetic Dystrophy. A signicant other developed this after minor boxer's fracture in his hand. It seem so classic TMS.
Basically the nervous system overresponds to a minor injury and causes all sorts of other problems in the area - swelling, pain in adjacent joints, etc. Right now they have him on nerve blockers and PT.
Any feedback would be appreciated |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2007 : 18:22:07
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I've heard of it and read a little about it and wondered if it is also a TMS equivalent. It definitely seems like one, but it also seems many times more severe even than fibromyalgia/CFS. I think it is the disorder where some people have gone into a ketamine-induced coma to try to get rid of the pain. That seems pretty extreme.
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Wherever you go, there you are. |
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skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2007 : 18:55:47
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| its in MBP pgs 79-81 w/ a particular case history of Sarno's patient that had a full recovery. Albeit, it took 2 years of psychotherapy. |
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justme
63 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2007 : 20:41:16
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Skizzik-
Thanks for the specific cite ref in Sarno's book. How do you find these cite refs so quickly? Do you have online versions of the books or are you just so familiar with reading book over and over? Either way, thank you and you have encouraged me to read the book over and over again myself.
I gave the specific cite ref to my significant other to have a look at it. |
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skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2007 : 04:21:41
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quote:
Originally posted by justme
How do you find these cite refs so quickly? are you just so familiar with reading book over and over?
yep.... |
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1SunnyDay
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 14:18:02
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CRPS/RSD IS NOT TMS and anyone who has signs of CRPS/RSD should get treatment promptly; self-diagnosis and treatment is a BAD idea and you're doing no service to someone seeking info about it by quoting an outdated book. Sarno wrote that book well before significant research, including when researchers found real physiological nerve damage akin to that in diabetic and AIDS-related neuropathy, that took CRPS/RSD outside the realm of psychosomatic disorders. CRPS/RSD isn't even mentioned in "The Divided Mind," written more recently. And this statement, made elsewhere on these boards "The pain is due to my autonomic nervous system reducing oxygen and blood flow to my body" does not describe CRPS/RSD. The statements in the MBP about TMS pain (things like it disappearing and reappearing in a new place, relieved by massage, and so on) do not apply to my pain, to CRPS/RSD pain. I cannot tolerate touch; massage is excruciating. It doesn't disappear and reappear. It spreads. (Never mind the fact, I have zero of the traits mentioned for TMS sufferers.)
In CRPS/RSD, there is actual autonomic nervous system dysfunction, but the fact that the ANS is involved does not mean that it's TMS. Multidisciplinary care, including a psychological aspect -- because the psychological problems are caused BY CRPS/RSD; CRPS/RSD is not caused by psychological problems -- is best. PT and exercise, with limitation in mind for pacing purposes, is best. And most of all, treatment led by a board-certified pain specialist with experience in CRPS/RSD is vital to avoid possible life-long excruciating pain and disability. Does Sarno believe all cases of ANS involvement are TMS? I hope not. Doctors who are faced with something rare, unusual or inexplicable often say it's psychological. It doesn't make it true. CRPS/RSD is a real, debilitating illness with real physiological changes. Some aspects of mindbody medicine can help it, but only as part of a larger treatment plan.
I know this as an extremely well-informed CRPS/RSD patient who paid the price of attempting self-treatment in this way: it now affects my entire body, has resulted in irreversible bone and muscle atrophy and more severe pain than you can imagine, on a good day. 24/7 feeling like I'm burning alive, with no relief. And I am still trying to work full-time and live despite intolerable pain. You should refer people to the NIH site or some other site like RSDSA.org or rsdrx.com instead of quoting a book that doesn't have the latest research about this poorly understood rare disease. I read the MBP, and if I hadn't, I might've gotten the right treatment in time for my prognosis to be better. My guess is that the very vague example in the book was a very minor case, if a real case at all. But current research shows this is not a psychosomatic illness.
I believe TMS is real and people really do have it in many cases -- but a real case of CRPS/RSD isn't TMS. I wish it were, because I'd have a much easier time with it, if it were. |
Edited by - 1SunnyDay on 05/25/2008 14:53:56 |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 09:52:43
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Justme: your explanation sounds reasonable. Now if only we could make someone else see that! A fracture heals.
Dr. Sarno's examples are great. There are also lots of books (MD, PsyD, and others) on emotionally-caused ailments and subsequent healing. Amazing what can be at the root of a physical ailment if you are open to seeing it. Never doubt the power of the mind. Check out Louise Hay's cancer story in her many great books. Emotions can create havoc or healing in our bodies.
-L
PS HI SKIZ!!
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Edited by - mizlorinj on 05/26/2008 09:59:30 |
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1SunnyDay
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 14:05:58
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quote:
Originally posted by mizlorinj
[purple][font=Century Gothic]Justme: your explanation sounds reasonable. Now if only we could make someone else see that! A fracture heals.
Justme didn't know what it was, only heard it from a diagnosis. How is justme's SO? Was all treatment cut off, following Sarno's way? Yes, a fracture heals. Do you fully understand the nervous system? The brain? Do you fully understand dysfunction of the nervous system? Does anyone? Pain is a new field, and not well understood.
CRPS has been found in cattle and other animals. Do cows get TMS? Are cows goodists? Are cows perfectionists? Do cows go around doing great things for others and repress their emotions, feeling rage toward their parents for something that happened when they were young? I bet mommy cow played favorites.
I think it's pretty presumptuous to say I don't see TMS. You don't have a clue of my background. I don't disagree with most of the book, however, a lot of it doesn't apply to me. I don't have reason for rage. I'm not a perfectionist, because that sets unrealistic expectations of myself and others, and causes resentment toward myself for not meeting impossible goals and toward others for not meeting those goals.
I don't repress emotions, because I know that leads to problems. I express every emotion I have, decide whether I can do anything about the situation, and move on. Just because some people can't do that doesn't mean all people can't do that. Just because some people can't be introspective, see which emotions might potentially cause problems and deal with them before they fester and manifest as an illness doesn't mean all people can't. It certainly doesn't mean I can't and don't do it. i am not a goodist, nor do I strive to be.
Shall I go through the characteristics of TMS pain and explain how each one doesn't apply?
When I got CRPS, I got it from surgery and there was a major nerve injury that affected both sensory and motor involvement. I was not stressed about anything at that time. I had just gotten a promotion, raise, bonus, and the highest rating possible on my performance review at work. I was in a great position, created expressly for me, at a major computer hardware/software/consumer products company. I loved my job, not too much stress, and had accolades from executive level management. I had plenty of rewarding friendships outside of work and a fun casual relationship.
I understand TMS. It doesn't apply to CRPS. It is possible for someone to elicit some of the similar symptoms (but not all of them) but that isn't true CRPS. A good doctor knows the difference. Why isn't CRPS in "The Divided Mind" along with back pain and the other TMS illnesses, if it belongs there?
I don't dispute that mindbody medicine has a place in EVERY DIAGNOSIS. I think it does, because your attitude can change a prognosis in many cases. I was told I'd never work again by several doctors, and I refused to accept that -- and I returned to work (it has been a constant struggle, most people with CRPS in one limb can't work; I have it full-body with additional CNS failures which I don't care to mention). But if someone doesn't see a doctor for CRPS and get the right treatment quickly (which includes PT, no massage; psychological support because of the trauma this disease causes; coaching in how to live despite the pain, because even strong medications don't kill the pain completely; interventional to reset the pain response) then that patient will face greater disability, pain, and irreversible damage to bone and other tissue. You have the luxury of thinking the way you do because you don't have it and haven't researched it.
A long time ago, doctors had no clue about cancer. A long time ago, a host of real women's health issues were treated by doctors using outrageous methods including using vibrators on them, doing lobotomies or sending them to an insane asylum as they were thought to be hysterics. I don't dismiss mindbody completely, but saying that CRPS is TMS based on a book that excludes more than a decade of research is irresponsible at best. |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 17:35:12
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I'm not going to dispute about RSD, but 1SunnyDay, please listen to yourself. You don't have rage? What are you doing getting incredibly angry on this board then? You aren't a goodist or perfectionist? Why are you trying to convince us that you are right, then? Why even bother to do a fly-by-night onto a messageboard that has 99.9% nothing to do with you or your issues?
Also, you don't seem to fully understand the concepts of TMS, because if you did, you would know that the fact that stress is positive (promotion, raise, bonus, fun relationship) doesn't exclude it from being able to cause TMS, so you wouldn't cite all this as evidence that you could not have been stressed about anything. Please note I am not saying you were stressed, nor am I disputing your diagnosis, or anything else, I am just saying that your understanding of the psychodynamics behind TMS appears to be incomplete, and so it's unclear to me why you think you are an authority on what does and does not constitute it.
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It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 08:40:30
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Sunny, if you think I was referring to you in the post you quote, you are quite mistaken! I was referring to "someone else" as people in general.
'nuff said.
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skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 10:37:19
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quote:
Originally posted by 1SunnyDay
Shall I go through the characteristics of TMS pain and explain how each one doesn't apply?
When I got CRPS, I got it from surgery and there was a major nerve injury that affected both sensory and motor involvement. I was not stressed about anything at that time. I had just gotten a promotion, raise, bonus, and the highest rating possible on my performance review at work. I was in a great position, created expressly for me
hmmm...smells like, sounds like....
I can't argue w/ you, you seem to have your mind made up,you could be right, and like all tms'rs you've done all your structural homework. Maybe you want some feedback here because you hope its TMS. (if only there was a bloodtest lol.)
but, the theory states that tms is opprotunity driven. That tms is perhaps developing over a few mos time b4 it strikes (sarno m.o.b) then you had a great trigger. The surgery. qso stated it well in a post, It was developed by the one person who could fool you and knows you better than anyone..you.
You had just been promoted to a position created just for you? Why you? Obviously you exhibited some type of value to your company that they wanted. How does this not exhibit a personality trait for tms? It reeks of it. Things were going good for you? Perhaps internally you were happier in your previous position where there was no pressure to perform, and you had nothing to lose. Now you HAVE to prove yourself constantly to keep your new position and raise.
More money isn't stressfull? "Show me 10 millionares, I'll show you 9 unhappy people" (Artie Lang on the Howard Stern show)
quote:
Originally posted by 1SunnyDay
I understand TMS. It doesn't apply to CRPS. It is possible for someone to elicit some of the similar symptoms (but not all of them) but that isn't true CRPS. A good doctor knows the difference.
maybe write to, or visit a tms dr.? Dr. Schubiner posts his phone# all over his site and rtns calls promptly. He can't diagnose over the phone, but could tell you if its worth your time and effort to visit one perhaps.
p.s. hey lori;)
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Edited by - skizzik on 05/28/2008 10:40:20 |
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1SunnyDay
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 20:25:09
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quote:
Originally posted by armchairlinguist
I'm not going to dispute about RSD, but 1SunnyDay, please listen to yourself. You don't have rage? What are you doing getting incredibly angry on this board then? You aren't a goodist or perfectionist? Why are you trying to convince us that you are right, then? Why even bother to do a fly-by-night onto a messageboard that has 99.9% nothing to do with you or your issues?
Also, you don't seem to fully understand the concepts of TMS, because if you did, you would know that the fact that stress is positive (promotion, raise, bonus, fun relationship) doesn't exclude it from being able to cause TMS, so you wouldn't cite all this as evidence that you could not have been stressed about anything. Please note I am not saying you were stressed, nor am I disputing your diagnosis, or anything else, I am just saying that your understanding of the psychodynamics behind TMS appears to be incomplete, and so it's unclear to me why you think you are an authority on what does and does not constitute it.
I'm not "incredibly angry" here. That is your assumption. Also, I realize there is positive and negative stress (and no, I didn't have to prove myself worthy of my position, raise, bonus, etc.) just that I did not consider those things to be stressful; sorry for not being clearer (apparently one DOES have to be a perfectionist on these boards!)
I came here because it appeared in a search result, and I saw a response that was based on outdated research. I didn't say I was an authority on TMS. I have, however, read a few books about it (two written by Sarno) and I have researched CRPS and have helped people with it. Again, you know nothing about me. Well, except for this fictional presumption you have, which is funny. |
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1SunnyDay
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 22:09:23
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quote:
You had just been promoted to a position created just for you? Why you? Obviously you exhibited some type of value to your company that they wanted. How does this not exhibit a personality trait for tms? It reeks of it. Things were going good for you? Perhaps internally you were happier in your previous position where there was no pressure to perform, and you had nothing to lose. Now you HAVE to prove yourself constantly to keep your new position and raise.
It was a lateral transfer because I had been working with someone I picked to be my mentor and without my knowing, he had been telling his manager good things about me. The position didn't exist before me, so it required executive level approval - no problem, as he had also noticed my work - and I still had to interview, though as the preferred candidate. I was as happy in my previous position as I am in my current position. I don't have to prove myself constantly to keep my position/raise. Maybe I am weird (uh, no maybes there I can assure you!) but I don't put myself under that kind of pressure. I'm really quite gentle and supportive of me. I'm not hard on myself, because that really is self-defeating, and does lead to illness. Perhaps you (and Sarno) believe that you have to prove yourself in that scenario, and believe everyone is the same way -- but some of us aren't like that. We're calm, laid-back, love our jobs, enjoy working because it's like getting paid to play. Sometimes it is playing!
It was about 2 years after the new job that the surgery happened, and symptom of severe, hellish, worst pain you can possibly imagine appeared immediately after anesthetic wore off. My wrist/hand was on fire; this was no ordinary pain. Color changes from blue to red. Profuse sweating.
And yes. I have seen a TMS doctor. He was one of the several who diagnosed me with CRPS. He referred me to a doctor closer to home. |
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bhushan
India
16 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 23:34:49
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1Sunnypost,
You are not 'incredibly angry'? Really? I think you should ask someone neutral (not from this board) to read your posts and give his/her opinion on the tone of your posts.
And this is what you wrote in one of your posts " quote:
I don't dismiss mindbody completely, but saying that CRPS is TMS based on a book that excludes more than a decade of research is irresponsible at best"
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Now thankfully, you have admitted that you are not an expert on TMS (neither am I  ). But is it not being irresponsible on your part to dismiss that all RSD/CRPS is NOT TMS based on limited awareness of TMS?
You have read two books by Dr. Sarno and you don't know that TMS CAN cause physical changes in body, you don’t know that positive occasions can be stressful to the unconscious (consciously of course, we all never admit to it). And based on this you go ahead and make an assertion that RSD/CRPS is NOT TMS?
I am sure that you know CRPS can be caused due to RSI also. In your case, the surgery was the trigger of CRPS. I don't want to dispute it but I am unable to understand how RSI induced CRPS can also be categorised as NOT TMS. A simple task like typing and or a minor injury (which had no nerve involvement) should not cause CRPS, except, if the sympathetic nervous system becomes hypersensitive due to continuous fear conditioning.
I was diagnosed with CRPS (induced by RSI). I am still not sure that it was CRPS, but one of the biggest negative influences of it was the stress and fear it caused me. And, one of the biggest sources of it was people like you and my physician who diagnosed CRPS. I went to all the RSD support groups and found them incredibly scary and not surprisingly it made my symptoms worse. However, six months down the line I am still working and typing. There is minimal pain and no CRPS symptoms. All this I have been able to achieve simply by following Dr. Sarno’s suggestion for the last 6 weeks and eliminating fear from my life. If I had gone by what ‘experts’ had advised I would have been out of work by now and completely disabled.
The good thing that happened to me was that I consulted a MD in neurology, who explained to me the role of fear conditioning in neuropathic pain (another term for CRPS type symptoms). I am also not sure if you have read ‘The Emotional Brain’ by Joseph Ledoux, it exlains how ‘fear conditioning’ can cause severe autonomic dysfunction in human beings.
To summarize, just like all back, neck pain etc is not TMS; same is the case for CRPS. A injury or event which does cause nerve damage can indeed be completely physical driven and hence out of TMS domain, but, the same doesn’t apply to other CRPS cases which originate due to minor injuries (some so-called like RSI) with no immediate nerve involvement.
I am sure you would have helped others with similar trigger for CRPS as yours. But for others you are doing a great disservice by spreading fear. People who get diagnosed by CRPS will pay a visit to boards specific to them (just like I did). The TMS approach didn’t apply to your case (as also confirmed by the TMS doc you visited) but it doesn’t mean that all CRPS is not TMS.
I wish you a speedy recovery and you have shown great courage by working despite the debilitating pain which CRPS can cause.
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Edited by - bhushan on 05/29/2008 03:51:54 |
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mcone
114 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 02:12:41
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TMS? CRPS? Do these disorders simply represent points on a continuum of severity? At what point does something cross over from TMS to CRPS? (muscle atrophy, tissue changes, bone loss, etc.)
I tried to keep my peace, but I have to weigh in here - because my experience lies somewhere between the experiences of bhushan and 1SunnyDay. My RSI (or "RSI" TMS) flared up quite badly in February - *after* I following mindbody (to the best of my ability) for about 5 months or so (including working through pain and dismissing it as harmless). [Important Note. I may not have had *standard* computer RSI - whatever that is - my pain came on suddenly and accutely in response to athletic activity]
The pain got so bad in February - lasting so many weeks - that it seriously dismantled my faith in Sarno. I could not tolerate activity so I was forced to rest with a significant amount of immoblization - But then after a month or so, between the pain, the fear, and the over-reactivity of my nervous system, I began developing virtually all the hallmark symptoms of RSD - extreme hypersensitivity, burning, thickening, loss of sensation, stiffening and a wooden, dead feeling in the tissues - which started spreading up my arm, etc.
What did I do? I reasoned that my choices were to (A) abandon mindbody - by going down the pain management CRPS road; or (B) Self-treat by synthesizing a treatment approach from both Sarno and conventional methods. For me this meant forcing as much circulation and normalization in tissue metabolism as possible *regardless* of means. I warmed with hot water, mobilized repeatedly through full range of movement, and did as much activity as I could practically tolerate every day (and some days this meants just a few minutes at a time throughout the day). And importantly, I *forced* my brain to stop reacting to the pain - and I kept reminding myself that the only way I was going to get out of this is if I stop reacting to the pain - I kept telling myself, over and over and over again - "it's just sensation", "it's just rogue pain receptors going crazy" "I cannot respond to this anymore" and dozens of other mantras that I had to rotate repeatedly to maintain effectivness. (And of course, I continued "thinking psychological" as well - and I was very fortunate to be receiving the help from a very generous forum member who kept emphasizing the psychological dimension to all this). In some ways, this was a difficult task: I had to attenuate the fear of activity, but I believed that I had to remain reasonably cautious as to not flare back up again - my self talk was like the double-speak of a political talking point: "Respect for one's body is not the same thing as fear"
It took many weeks to start reversing this - There may still be some telltale signs of "abnormalities" - but most of the *RSD* type symptoms have receded - and I'm now doing much more with hands with less pain. I still don't really have the endurance (or certainly not the confidence) to try and go back to *normal* levels of activity again [But if someone on this forum wishes to embolden me that unrestricted activity is the way to go, I'm willing to give it a try again - with one caveat - I'll try it if they are willing to set aside enough money to pay for the 3X / week housecleaning - so that my meals, dishes and laundry can be taken care of if my hand becomes virtually unusable again for 2 months. Wow! I'm full of rage - this helps confirm the TMS diagnoses :) ]
In any event, it is indeed a mystery to discern what exactly causes a pain syndrome to "jump the rails" to the point where tissues start to change. But it does seem very logical that with an injury involving physical trauma to a nerve (1SunnyDay) there may not be a "force of mind" powerful enough to overcome nervous system reactivity and disorder. That experience may be many, many orders of magnitude greater in severity than anything any of us had to deal with (Just as I often think that my own struggle, because it might also have involved nerve trauma greater than typical RSI, is taking much longer than I would have wanted to normalize.
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Edited by - mcone on 05/29/2008 02:22:54 |
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mk6283
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 04:39:07
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If I were sick, I'd want doctors to pump me full of placebos. I believe that the greatest tool that we have for healing, regardless of the condition, is our mind. I don't like to think of any medical condition as entirely "organic." We are humans and our emotions, the way we respond to illness, and the belief that we have about what has caused our pain and what will be required to treat it has a TREMENDOUS impact on whether or not we get better.
It doesn't matter whether or not you believe RSD is psychosomatic (I do), there is still no harm (and anecdotally a lot to gain) in incorprating mindbody techniques into your therapeutic regimen. It's not like the available "conventional" treatments are that attractive anyway. If this were a discussion on reflux where the medications are quite effective, then I may have responded a little differently. Good luck!
Best,
MK |
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mcone
114 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 19:36:05
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quote:
Originally posted by mk6283
* * *
I don't like to think of any medical condition as entirely "organic."
Personally, I agree with you. Yet, following Sarno very explicitly mandates both (1)accepting the psychological; AND (2) repudiating the physical - this is different than merely accepting the psychological...
...and since belief seems to be an element of the cure, then *deviating* from the strict protocol by any degree of *physical* thinking (whether contemplating an organic pathology or by introducing a physical intervention) undermines the treatment - *either* for the reasons given by Dr. Sarno (it allow the subconscious to remain focused on the physical) *or* because one knows that they are out of compliance and believes (consciously or subconsciously) that they have reduced the likelihood of success.
quote:
Originally posted by mk6283
* * *
there is still no harm (and anecdotally a lot to gain) in incorprating mindbody techniques into your therapeutic regimen.
* * *
IF you are referring to some version of mindbody that allows for some physical cautions then absolutely.
However, Sarno's version of mindbody, arguably the most effective version, creates a conundrum here because some individuals have been harmed by strictly following Sarno - either by aggravating a physical injury or by foregoing an alternate treatment (at least according to their own accounts).
The conundrum, to put it succintly, is:
* The greatest likelihood of success comes from repudiating the physical (together with thinking psychological);
* But repudiating the physical creates the risk (for some small minority perhaps) that there injury will be aggravated.
* But not repudiating the physical undermines the treatment plan - which, incidentally, may also result in an injury being aggravated.
So one cannot say that Sarno is really risk-free (but in all fairness, virtually all medical treatments have risks and some, like surgery, pose far greater risks),
For myself, despite my significant setback -
* I'm still entertaining the idea that psychological considerations *could be* the overriding factor -
* I've decided for now that I really can't determine whether there is any *present*, significant physical problem (and I haven't ruled out pursuing *advanced* physical treatment at some point).
* I endure *some* discomfot every day and I'm constantly challenging and testing to see if I go just a little further, do just a little more, etc. (thinking that perhaps the nervous system is adapting slowly). But I don't push too hard.
* I engaged in physical activity, exercise and health measures that would be consistent with mindbody principles (but not necessarily the strict mandate) such as cardio (increase blood flow, reduce tension), trying to have fun (rage to soothe ratio), good diet and dietary supplements (healthier brain, healthier nerves) etc.
* I also engage in some health measures that would NOT be consistent with Sarno mindbody (like supplements for muscle health), but which are beneficial to me in other ways (improved appearance, better strength, etc.) greater confidence in physical ability.
* I think psychological (including journaling and contemplating *how I feel* about things - and sometimes *why* I feel that way and not simply *how I should think* about things.
* I've also made some major life decisions and changes which might possibly help. |
Edited by - mcone on 05/29/2008 19:39:50 |
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drziggles
USA
292 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 15:59:43
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One of the problems with TMS is that there is no test to prove that TMS exists in an individual. Similarly, while no one can prove RSD/CRPS is a TMS equivalent, I would agree with others on this post that it has a lot of similarities. (Pain triggered by a minimal injury always raises a red flag for me, for example...however, as a side note, there are also different types of CRPS, one of which is seen after a more severe injury and was first described during the Civil War, which may not be TMS) The patients I've seen have "smelled" like TMS to me, though none has been willing to work with TMS treatment.
RSD can cause very severe pain, but so can many other types of TMS; similarly, some people with carpal tunnel or other TMS equivalents can have autonomic symptoms, so that isn't a deal breaker. Don't forget, TMS does not = "not real"... |
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mcone
114 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2008 : 17:38:37
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The RSD/CRPS idea keeps on resurfacing in my world, so I thought to post some updated information. I'm not particularly impressed with the position of so many of the "authorities" - that RSD/CRPS is not psychosomatic, but many of us have a harder time than others and it is curious that no mention of this parrticular syndrome appears in Sarno's latest work, The Divided Mind.
Another take on this comes from the Pain Institue of Chicago, who report considerable sucess at treating RSD with psychological methods:
Just because a physical disease is affected by stress does not mean it is a "mental" problem. It does however, suggest additional directions for treatment, and for some, even a way to complete recovery.
* * *
Thirty people with established RSD in stages 2 or 3 were treated using various medical, psychological and rehabilitative modalities.
* * *
Conventional treatment had failed to help all patients.
* * *
Of the 30 patients, only four were unable to diminish symptoms using guided imagery or hypnotherapy. The remaining 26 were able to reduce symptoms. Four achieved complete symptom relief during the initial hypnotherapy session. Of the 30 patients, eighteen actively participated in therapy. These patients progressed to remission with the most common duration of treatment being three weeks.
http://www.medhelp.org/www/piic2.htm#outcome |
Edited by - mcone on 07/19/2008 17:43:26 |
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Anyone heard of RSD?
