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

'The Simple Blessings of Christmas'

'The Simple Blessings of Christmas'

There is no doubt about it now, Christmas holidays are in full swing, and it is up to each of us
to proclaim and celebrate the real 'reason for the season'.  Most everyone finds themselves in the decorations, the shopping, the to-do lists and on and on.  

In our economy of such different interests in different generations, it is difficult sometimes to express our love in a way that is 'a memory of love' that surrounds this wonderful holiday blessing that was given to us many years ago through the birth of Jesus.  Even in light of different beliefs and thoughts of what this time of the year truly means, the authenticity of this
Holy time of the year is crowded with 'things'.   For lack of a better word, I still think this might describe the truth more than we would like to think about.  Perhaps, it would be helpful to reflect and look at this Christmas Season in a more enjoyable and meaningful way this year. 
Could we refocus and enjoy this 'Christmas Season' in a better light?  We have 21 days to try. 

The subject that I have chosen for this post, The Simple Blessings of Christmas', is one that is often dismissed in our minds in the rush of 'things'.  We are in a hurry to get everything in order as we have planned every year or think that we should have in the very same fashion.   Well, every Christmas, we much do this or that because 'this' is what we have always done.  Perhaps, it would be helpful to look at 'this'.  What is 'this' that we must be about?  Are we enjoying what we have done for years because we had done it the year before and the year before that?  

As I was reflecting on Christmas this year, my thoughts reflected on the 'Reason for the Season'.  The Simple Blessings of Christmas came to mind.  Christmas has always and, I pray, always will be about 'Love'.  How simple is this?  'Love' isn't running ones legs off to go shopping.  'Love' isn't spending money that one doesn't have or should not be spending and 'Love' isn't fretting about this and that before Christmas Day arrives.  So, since we have looked at what 'Love' isn't, perhaps, it would be helpful to look at what 'Love' is.  

'The Simple Blessings of Christmas'

'Love' to me is 'simple'.  It is caring and sharing and giving ones time and communicating in harmony.  'Love' is giving thanks and appreciating all of the blessings that we have been given. 'Love' is kind.  'Love' doesn't  cost money.  'Love' is a gift that keeps on giving after Christmas has passed.  'Love' is remembering our family and friends with a hug, phone call and/or a greeting card.  'Love' is saying; I'm sorry and I love you. 'Love' can be as simple as 'listening'. 'Love' is being thankful for 'Jesus' Birthday on Christmas Day.   This is the 'reason for the season'.  Simply said:  We love YOU, we Thank YOU and we Celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas Day. 

Until next time
God Bless 
Doris

Questions/Concerns: 'Heaven'

Hi Friends,

As I pondered this post, it has been difficult for me to pen my thoughts and look beyond what people might think the purpose of my post is today.  

However, as I lingered from day to day with these same thoughts coming back to me, I have decided to take the risk and share.  The purpose is possibly in 'my lingering thoughts'. 

Not long ago, I was chatting with an individual and the subject came up about death, dying and aging.  Sound a bit morbid?  No, not really, to me. I think at a very early age and/or when the parents think the child will understand, it is good to share a bit about death and dying, especially. 
First, might come the dying of a pet to the child and this is a good time and a way to share with the child.  The subject projects thoughts to the child that 'we are not going to live forever'.  This is for every creature and human.  Well, this is established but where do we go from here, maybe, nowhere, for years to come.  So, this is where I will begin.  

'Natures' Wonders' 

After explaining to a child at an early age, what/where do we go from there.  It is amazing how whatever we shared with a child will effect this child for a lifetime.  And, do we continue on our journey giving it much thought?  Years go by and than the child become a parent and the cycle starts all over again.  I feel it is important to realize the importance of this subject of 'Heaven' before life has passed us by and we have questions that we do not know how to answer. 

I think it is obvious that most will have an answer that 'they believe' but is it an answer that has had much thought/prayer put into it or is it an answer that we can hurriedly put aside and not have to think or talk about it?  This is easy to do for most of us.  

'Nature's Beauty' 

I have chosen to share/suggest a few thoughts and possible opinions and/or beliefs as we walk through these subjects in the posts that will follow.   However, today, let's begin with some basic thoughts. 

The subject that I am referring to today is 'HEAVEN'.  The first, likely, conclusion to the subject of Heaven is that the persons that have an interest in even reading this post is that 'there is a Heaven.'  For, if there is any body out there that does not believe this, than obviously this post will not interest you.  I feel that is an 'individual decision' and I do not intend to impose my beliefs on anyone.  I am seeking persons that have thoughts/beliefs and would like to ponder and share in my 'comment section' or just feel free to read my post and do whatever you feel led to do.  I feel these are some 'thought provoking' questions that come to a person's mind that do believe and want to know more about 'Heaven'.  I seriously cannot believe that it has not/does not ever cross one's mind from time to time. 

Let me ask you, would you have answers and/or concerns to the following questions, if they were asked to you today?  As we begin, just pretend you are having a comfortable conversation with a friend and these questions arise.  How would you answer them and could you relate to them in comfort as to where/how you feel about them?  

• What is Heaven like?
• Will we know one another by appearance in Heaven?
• Will we know when we are dead?
• Will it be scary when we die?
• Will we know we are dying?
• What will we do in Heaven?
• How does divorced couples see the other in Heaven?
• How does divorced ex-couples and/or remarried couples relate? 
• Will God forgive me for going through a divorce? 
• Do we talk in Heaven and see people as we see them today?
• What will we know in Heaven? 

The questions could go on and on.  Questions by the young and old and can be similar in nature to some measure.  Let's go slowly as we walk this mission together. 
This will conclude my post for today.  I encourage any body that is interested in sharing, regarding this post, please feel free to do so on my 'blog comment post' or 'comment' on Facebook.  

The continued subjects are 'heaven, dying, death and aging'.  And, I will conclude on the subject: 'letting go'.

'God's timing is everything' 

I do not find these subjects morbid in the least.  They can be the beginning to 'a refreshing renewal' and 'a new beginning' forever.  It all depends in 'the eye of the beholder' and/or 'the willingness of one's heart'.

Until next time

God Bless

Doris