RSDS/CRPS - A Disease that needs more AWARENESS!

RSDS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome was the original name for this disease)
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is the name that has been attached to the disease in recent years)

I have found this disease is a very difficult disease to experience, seek treated and create AWARENESS OF.  

I will share just a short version as to what RSDS/CRPS is.  Should there be anyone interested in learning more about this disease, please leave a comment.  There are professional means to begin a support group.

I was diagnosed many years ago now in Houston, TX with this disease.   It will live within me, in some fashion, the rest of my life.  It is a disease that there is no cure for, as of today.  It can go into remission with the proper medications and therapy; when the disease is diagnosed, early on, after onset.   Preferably, within three to six months.  
However, mine was not diagnosed for over one year.  Therefore, I was in a treatment program for 18 months in order to function.  Since it took so long for my diagnosis; I do have some limb damage that gives me issues from time to time.  The important thing to remember is: I can walk without aid and I can function independently.  I am a happy person and I do not experience the Burning Pain all of the time.  My RSDS/CRPS is in remission at the present time.   One never knows when it will rear it's ugly head, so to speak.  

The 'MAJOR SYMPTOM' of what RSDS/CRPS is: IS A BURNING PAIN.  It effects the central nervous system.  It is vital to continue the circulation of blood flow to the extremities. When the blood flow isn't flowing evenly over time, the extremity will begin to atrophy (waste away).  It is vital for the core/center nervous system to work properly for all parts of the body to work accordingly.  RSDS/CRPS is a condition that interrupts this process.  An example would be the thought of an electrical process when lightening strikes and the electrical system that is designed to work evenly and accordance with the wiring in line.  And, when it is interrupted through another means that isn't invited or belongs in that area, it misfires. The exact same reasoning can be applied as to what is happening in a human body when an injury, an illness and/or trauma of any kind enters the body that isn't welcomed or it is not being treated properly.  Over time, usually, a three to six month period, RSDS/CRPS begins to take over with Burning Pain.  It is vital for treatment of medications and therapy to keep things moving and active for recovery to begin.  

The Number One Question seems to be: 'How does somebody get this disease?' It is created through 'trauma' of some kind.  It can be from a surgery that went badly, it can be from a construction worker hitting his leg the wrong way in his work, it can be as simply as a little boy running into first base and hitting his elbow/knee the wrong way.  It is the 'firing of nerves' that creates 'trauma' in the human body.  This 'trauma' is not treated and/or it lingers in the body in a mis-firing way.  Possibly unknown to the person at the time.  However, when it lingers for a period of time and does not get better; symptoms will creep out in different ways.  A Burning Pain might occur and/or a limb might show redness, the skin might be shiny and tight and/or the limb might turn cold and purple at times.  All, symptoms of improper blood flow.  

It depends on how long it takes for this treatment to be acquired as to the damage it leaves behind.  Again, comparing RSDS/CRPS to the illustration of the electrical process.  Depending on how much lightening damage has occurred, will depend on how much maintenance can be done to make the electrical pole whole.  

This is a very brief explanation as to what RSDS/CRPS is.  This no way completes all that should and can be shared about what RSDS/CRPS.   

However, should anybody be interested in learning more and/or have a desire to be a part of forming a support group in the Evansville Tri-State; I would encourage you to comment on my blog.  
Perhaps, if there is just one that can be added to another person; an AWARENESS can be brought to RSDS/CRPS to help others.

Thank you for caring.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

A 'LOSS OF A PET' is an experience.....................................

A 'LOSS OF A PET' is an experience that certainly qualifies to be on the 'List of Experiences' that is or will be one of the most difficult experiences a person will go through on their journey of life'.

We all have a story if/when we have taken a 'pet' into our home to love and they have become a real part of our family.  All of our stories will be a bit different.  However, the real part in losing a pet will possibly not be so different.  The owners' hearts of this unconditional loving pet, will feel as if it has an 'unfilled pit'.

I am so happy that there are processes in which our hearts can heal.  Hopefully, each pet owner will have become a better person from their choice of selecting a pet to become a part of their home and heart.  After all, isn't this a part of what life is about?  

'Acceptance of our loss' isn't taking away 'the pain process' of the many entities that surround 'our pet's fate'.  I believe that everything that happens fits into a pattern for good to those who love unconditionally.  There isn't anything that crosses our path randomly when it 'flows from the heart of love'.  In realizing this, yet another part of our healing occurs when 'life happens'.
As we look at the 'bigger picture' of what 'our pet' has so freely given to us; there is nothing in the world that we want for our pet more than to 'love them unconditionally'.  Loving equally, in returning back to them what they have so unconditionally given and taught to us.  This is when one can have peace and knows in our heart of hearts that 'our pet' and 'our mission' have come to completion.  Loving memories can start to feel good and the ease of our pain can lessen when they surface, day by day. 

It doesn't matter the circumstances in one's mind if the pet is a 'rescue dog', 'from an newspaper ad', a 'dog running the streets' or in a 'pet shop'.  At the time of the loss, it is ultimately the same.  The 'hearts of owners' that care in a way that are deserving to have chosen 'their pet' aches in similar ways as they grow to love and accept 'their pet' as a 'member of their family'.  

Sometimes, some people view their pet as an 'object', in time.  It appears as if they think and, perhaps, truly feel that they can bring a pet into their ownership for 'their pleasure only'. There isn't much regard to 'the pet's rights'.  And, sometimes, there isn't much regard to 'their responsibilities as owners'.  'Time or thought' hasn't been taken into account if/when their pet 'become sick', 'aging in their years' and/or when 'the pet might become an inconvenience'. Sometimes the 'family pet' can easily be moved onto a 'checklist of options' to rid themselves of the pet. 

As I pen these words in our loss of Daisy May, I am so thankful she was 'our pet', a 'true member' and 'loving part of our family' in every way.  Daisy gave us so much joy and happiness in our everyday living.  She spoke volumes and 'taught us unconditional love' in a unique fashion in God's design of 'dogs' incapability of speaking a word.

'Her unconditional love' and 'trust' was amazing from the day we received her from a family member.  Daisy was starving, tied up in a state park in Nashville Tennessee.   
Daisy, also, showed symptoms of abuse in her right eye.  Plus, she was very frightened of a broom which gave us pause, as to where the droopy right eye possibly could have originated from.  A friend to a family member helped rescue her.  She was than brought to our home to love and she became a 'real part' of our family. 
Our hearts melted in sadness as to how a 'human being' could have taken such actions in this loving animal that we didn't even know, as of yet.  From that moment on, she was 'our pet', a 'member of our family' and we knew, in our hearts of hearts; she would live with us with our giving her the best possible care; we, as pet owners, could give to her. 

Daisy was a fighter.  Daisy had a total of 76 seizures in a period of two years and seven months. She was diagnosed with leukemia in February of this year, 2015.  With each new challenge, she remained gentle in our direction and guidance and in giving her medications that she did not want.  She was mischievous in that she would spit the tablets out after our heads were turned when we thought 'that particular mission' was complete.  She was so smart.  However, she always came to us in love and gave us kisses and hugs.  She knew we cared and was only trying to help her. 

Daisy, also, showed she loved and cared for 'us'.  When a stranger would come to our door, she would start barking and be about her business in alerting us.  And, any time we were ill; Daisy would position herself close by; showing her love and care in our behalf.  She accepted all other 'family dog members' that came to visit in our home and she played with our little grandchildren with great ease. 

I realize as I pen these words today of our loving Daisy May that this is a means of 'healing for me'.  It is just another means to 'help mend and heal my heart; a heartbeat at a time'. 

We feel that Daisy received the better professional veterinarian care that she could have received through Dr.Coleman and the entire staff at Parkdale Animal Hospital.  Daisy loved going for each visit.  It did not make a difference if she was well or ill, there was a trust between Daisy and Dr. Coleman.  She, also, loved the treats that she received there and would wag her 'stub tail' as we entered the entrance of Parkdale as if to say: 'are we there yet?' 
We certainly extend our thanks to Parkdale and the staff and we will never forget their part in our journey with Daisy.  

I will close with one request, if I may.  If anyone reading this, has a pet or wish to share this with someone that does;  My wish for you is to hold 'your pet' a little tighter tonight and look deeply into 'their eyes to the window of their heart'.  Perhaps, you will discern another opportunity for 'your pet' to teach you.  Yes indeed, 'our pets' are teachers in engagement without uttering a word.  And you know, whatever it might be; I am sure it will bear a resemblance to 'unconditional love'.

I know that we have learned volumes from 'our pet, Daisy'.  I wish the same for you!

Thanks for bearing with me if you are still reading this post.  You have been a part of our story of Daisy.

God Bless Daisy May 2006-2015

'DAISY MAY' 

Until next time
God Bless 
Doris

         GOOD FRIDAY

'Good Friday' is the darkest day
in all Christian history.
Perfect love reached its' height.
This seemed to be a mystery.

Easter is the greatest day
in Christian history for all.
     "JESUS AROSE'! 
"HE BECAME OUR RISEN LORD".

God sent His only son
into the world that we
might live through Him.
The way' the Almighty' designed life to be.

He forgives and gives us
newness of life.
He tells us 'HE' is 'the way'
'the truth' and 'the light'.

Gift of choice has been given to renew our faith
in the living risen Christ.
Jesus walked forth from the tomb.
He prepared our journey for what is holy and right.


May we renew and reflect on this day
for the true meaning of Christ's mission.
Let us pray for 'ALL PEOPLE' in the cosmic world.
Give Thanks, Trust, Hope, Love -- Peace be Still- Listen.

by Doris (Miller) Swertfeger 2015

Until next time
God Bless