Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Dear Faith, and Friends, Yes and I get it extensively with RSD (end stage systemic). Other disorders can cause it as well (Raynaud's) and the like, and will include (below) some symptoms of RSD for you to read:) Have a wonderful day all, RSDS Symptoms FOUR Main Symptoms/Criteria There are FOUR Main Symptoms/Criteria for a diagnosis of RSDS: Constant chronic burning pain. Inflammation Spasms-in blood vessels and muscles of the extremities Insomnia/Emotional Disturbance The CONSTANT PAIN is described as burning pain as if a red hot poker were inserted into the affected area, also throbbing, aching stabbing, sharp, tingling, and/or crushing in the affected area (this is not always the site of the trauma). The affected area is usually hot or cold to the touch. The pain will be more severe than expected for the type of injury sustained. (Hallmark symptom.) Allodynia is usually present as well (extreme sensitivity to touch). Something as simple as a slight touch, clothing, sheets, even a breeze across the skin on the affected area can cause an extreme amount of pain to the patient. Pain can also be increased by sounds and vibrations, especially sharp sudden sounds and deep vibrations. This makes it especially difficult on the spouses, children, and other family members also; as their softest touch can now cause pain instead of pleasure. If the patient has not been properly diagnosed yet and these sensations properly explained, these symptoms can cause extreme duress and confusion to all involved. The INFLAMMATION is not always present. It takes various forms, the skin may appear mottled, become easily bruised, have a shiny, dry, red, and tight look to it. An increase in sweating usually occurs as well. The SPASMS result in a feeling of coldness in the affected extremity as well as body fatigue, skin rashes, low-grade fever, swelling (edema), sores, dystonia, and tremors. The spasms can be confined to one area or be rolling in nature; moving up and down the leg, arm, or back. The fourth part of this square is INSOMNIA and EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE. RSD affects the limbic system of the brain. This causes many problems that might not initially be linked to a disease like RSD. Chief amoung them are Depression, Insomnia and short-term memory problems. RSD CAUSES Depression, NOT the other way around. RSD causes insomnia by not allowing the body to drift into REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep. This is the sleep that allows the body to use its own healing abilities. Without it, the patients pain cycle continues and becomes more entrenched. As the body cannot heal itself, it becomes harder to achieve that sleep which makes the pain worse and so the cycle continues. Many patients can feel they are losing their mind as their ability to remember things, short-term, greatly decreases. Things like, what someone told you an hour ago, what you had for lunch yesterday, whether you took your pils this morning, what you were just talking about etc. You are NOT losing your mind. Loss of short-term memory is part and parcel of RSD. Other signs of problems here would include the inability to think of, um, well, ah, hmm, just the right word. The patients ability to concentrate is also lessened while their level of irritability is increased. These problems get even worse as the sleep cycle continues. Do these symptoms sound familiar to you ? Do you also sometimes have an increase in your pain when your stress level is higher ? Or the noise level is higher ? Do you want to crawl into a hole by yourself and pull it in after you ? Does the simple rustling of a newspaper or the soft touch of your spouse send you through the ceiling in pain ? Do you sometimes have trouble finding a word? Do you sometimes completely lose track of what you are saying ? If these symptoms sound familiar, know this; you are NOT crazy and you are NOT losing your mind. You are also not alone, not anymore. Other Possible Symptoms Movement Disorders --- difficulty in beginning movement of the injured part or moving it in general. Increased Tone --- Muscle and skin tightness Increased Reflexes --- Tremors of the extremity and muscle spasms General Weakness --- Increased body fatigue, fever, rashes, sores, swelling also possible Color/Skin Changes --- Skin may turn shiny, red, dry and tightened; increased sweating, temperature. Nails/Hair --- On affected extremity they may grow at an increased rate, nails become grooved brittle. Bone Changes --- Softening of the bones, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, joint stiffness/tenderness. Sleep Patterns --- Insomnia is often seen, also disrupted sleep pattern. Some Medications help this. Miscellaneous --- Dizziness, Tinnitus, Agitation, Irritability, Visual disturbances such as blurriness, dry eyes and others. Also, sounds/vibrations even strong winds can exacerbate the pain as well. The List can go on for other pain and discomfort that the patient feels and many can be attributed to the RSDS. But we can and will learn to cope with it. It is not, and will not, be easy; that is why a support system is so necessary for RSDS patients. This support system can take the form of your family, friends, a Support Group such as ours, and On-Line Support Group etc. RSDS may follow other conditions besides a fall or an accident; such as ... infections, radiation therapy, heat or electrical burns, heart diseases due to constriction of coronary arteries, surgery, and broken bones. In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:44:32 AM Central Standard Time, writes: Message: 6 Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 04:48:44 +0000 From: fmt2002@... Subject: bruised or purple knuckles? My knuckles have all been turning purple, both in the hand and the first knuckle on the fingers. They look bruised. There is redness too..but when the reddness subsides as it usually does each day the purple is still there. Does everyone have this? Faith Hallenbeck~Sikorsky~ BS,RN,UM,QC Owner-Moderator " AnGeLsInPain " " OneVoiceInPain " Interqual Certified Published Psychiatric Researcher Advocate for those in CIP, HIV, Psychologic Pain " The Lord Will NEVER push us beyond what we can endure. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Dear Faith, and Friends, Yes and I get it extensively with RSD (end stage systemic). Other disorders can cause it as well (Raynaud's) and the like, and will include (below) some symptoms of RSD for you to read:) Have a wonderful day all, RSDS Symptoms FOUR Main Symptoms/Criteria There are FOUR Main Symptoms/Criteria for a diagnosis of RSDS: Constant chronic burning pain. Inflammation Spasms-in blood vessels and muscles of the extremities Insomnia/Emotional Disturbance The CONSTANT PAIN is described as burning pain as if a red hot poker were inserted into the affected area, also throbbing, aching stabbing, sharp, tingling, and/or crushing in the affected area (this is not always the site of the trauma). The affected area is usually hot or cold to the touch. The pain will be more severe than expected for the type of injury sustained. (Hallmark symptom.) Allodynia is usually present as well (extreme sensitivity to touch). Something as simple as a slight touch, clothing, sheets, even a breeze across the skin on the affected area can cause an extreme amount of pain to the patient. Pain can also be increased by sounds and vibrations, especially sharp sudden sounds and deep vibrations. This makes it especially difficult on the spouses, children, and other family members also; as their softest touch can now cause pain instead of pleasure. If the patient has not been properly diagnosed yet and these sensations properly explained, these symptoms can cause extreme duress and confusion to all involved. The INFLAMMATION is not always present. It takes various forms, the skin may appear mottled, become easily bruised, have a shiny, dry, red, and tight look to it. An increase in sweating usually occurs as well. The SPASMS result in a feeling of coldness in the affected extremity as well as body fatigue, skin rashes, low-grade fever, swelling (edema), sores, dystonia, and tremors. The spasms can be confined to one area or be rolling in nature; moving up and down the leg, arm, or back. The fourth part of this square is INSOMNIA and EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE. RSD affects the limbic system of the brain. This causes many problems that might not initially be linked to a disease like RSD. Chief amoung them are Depression, Insomnia and short-term memory problems. RSD CAUSES Depression, NOT the other way around. RSD causes insomnia by not allowing the body to drift into REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep. This is the sleep that allows the body to use its own healing abilities. Without it, the patients pain cycle continues and becomes more entrenched. As the body cannot heal itself, it becomes harder to achieve that sleep which makes the pain worse and so the cycle continues. Many patients can feel they are losing their mind as their ability to remember things, short-term, greatly decreases. Things like, what someone told you an hour ago, what you had for lunch yesterday, whether you took your pils this morning, what you were just talking about etc. You are NOT losing your mind. Loss of short-term memory is part and parcel of RSD. Other signs of problems here would include the inability to think of, um, well, ah, hmm, just the right word. The patients ability to concentrate is also lessened while their level of irritability is increased. These problems get even worse as the sleep cycle continues. Do these symptoms sound familiar to you ? Do you also sometimes have an increase in your pain when your stress level is higher ? Or the noise level is higher ? Do you want to crawl into a hole by yourself and pull it in after you ? Does the simple rustling of a newspaper or the soft touch of your spouse send you through the ceiling in pain ? Do you sometimes have trouble finding a word? Do you sometimes completely lose track of what you are saying ? If these symptoms sound familiar, know this; you are NOT crazy and you are NOT losing your mind. You are also not alone, not anymore. Other Possible Symptoms Movement Disorders --- difficulty in beginning movement of the injured part or moving it in general. Increased Tone --- Muscle and skin tightness Increased Reflexes --- Tremors of the extremity and muscle spasms General Weakness --- Increased body fatigue, fever, rashes, sores, swelling also possible Color/Skin Changes --- Skin may turn shiny, red, dry and tightened; increased sweating, temperature. Nails/Hair --- On affected extremity they may grow at an increased rate, nails become grooved brittle. Bone Changes --- Softening of the bones, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, joint stiffness/tenderness. Sleep Patterns --- Insomnia is often seen, also disrupted sleep pattern. Some Medications help this. Miscellaneous --- Dizziness, Tinnitus, Agitation, Irritability, Visual disturbances such as blurriness, dry eyes and others. Also, sounds/vibrations even strong winds can exacerbate the pain as well. The List can go on for other pain and discomfort that the patient feels and many can be attributed to the RSDS. But we can and will learn to cope with it. It is not, and will not, be easy; that is why a support system is so necessary for RSDS patients. This support system can take the form of your family, friends, a Support Group such as ours, and On-Line Support Group etc. RSDS may follow other conditions besides a fall or an accident; such as ... infections, radiation therapy, heat or electrical burns, heart diseases due to constriction of coronary arteries, surgery, and broken bones. In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:44:32 AM Central Standard Time, writes: Message: 6 Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 04:48:44 +0000 From: fmt2002@... Subject: bruised or purple knuckles? My knuckles have all been turning purple, both in the hand and the first knuckle on the fingers. They look bruised. There is redness too..but when the reddness subsides as it usually does each day the purple is still there. Does everyone have this? Faith Hallenbeck~Sikorsky~ BS,RN,UM,QC Owner-Moderator " AnGeLsInPain " " OneVoiceInPain " Interqual Certified Published Psychiatric Researcher Advocate for those in CIP, HIV, Psychologic Pain " The Lord Will NEVER push us beyond what we can endure. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Good morning Tawny and Friends, I'd love some snow (West Texas and Louisiana my homes) since I'm a former Yankee, but do remember the relief in " pain " from not having so much cold. I hope all is well reading the digest now... Peace, In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:44:32 AM Central Standard Time, writes: Message: 7 Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 05:09:47 -0000 From: " tdianaok " <tdianaok@...> Subject: OT-Blizzard 05 Thinking of you all, thats in this terrible blizzard. Please, stay warm, and take care. Keeping everyone in my prayers, Tawny Hallenbeck~Sikorsky~ BS,RN,UM,QC Owner-Moderator " AnGeLsInPain " " OneVoiceInPain " Interqual Certified Published Psychiatric Researcher Advocate for those in CIP, HIV, Psychologic Pain " The Lord Will NEVER push us beyond what we can endure. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Good morning Tawny and Friends, I'd love some snow (West Texas and Louisiana my homes) since I'm a former Yankee, but do remember the relief in " pain " from not having so much cold. I hope all is well reading the digest now... Peace, In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:44:32 AM Central Standard Time, writes: Message: 7 Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 05:09:47 -0000 From: " tdianaok " <tdianaok@...> Subject: OT-Blizzard 05 Thinking of you all, thats in this terrible blizzard. Please, stay warm, and take care. Keeping everyone in my prayers, Tawny Hallenbeck~Sikorsky~ BS,RN,UM,QC Owner-Moderator " AnGeLsInPain " " OneVoiceInPain " Interqual Certified Published Psychiatric Researcher Advocate for those in CIP, HIV, Psychologic Pain " The Lord Will NEVER push us beyond what we can endure. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Dear Lexi and Vicki, and Friends, Yes and also structural damage such as cervical ruptures.... Peace, In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:44:32 AM Central Standard Time, writes: Message: 8 Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 20:01:02 -0800 (PST) From: Charlton <spine_97@...> Subject: Re: dropping things Hi Vicki. I read your note about dropping things. I did all the time (cranberry juice on gray carpet, collection plate at church) and that led me to my rheum. The damage in my wrist joints made it hard to support the muscles. I'm going for surgery in March to remove the synovium to decrease swelling and have the ligaments " adjusted " to improve this. If early enough though, steroid injections and physio can help it a lot. Lexi Hallenbeck~Sikorsky~ BS,RN,UM,QC Owner-Moderator " AnGeLsInPain " " OneVoiceInPain " Interqual Certified Published Psychiatric Researcher Advocate for those in CIP, HIV, Psychologic Pain " The Lord Will NEVER push us beyond what we can endure. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Dear Lexi and Vicki, and Friends, Yes and also structural damage such as cervical ruptures.... Peace, In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:44:32 AM Central Standard Time, writes: Message: 8 Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 20:01:02 -0800 (PST) From: Charlton <spine_97@...> Subject: Re: dropping things Hi Vicki. I read your note about dropping things. I did all the time (cranberry juice on gray carpet, collection plate at church) and that led me to my rheum. The damage in my wrist joints made it hard to support the muscles. I'm going for surgery in March to remove the synovium to decrease swelling and have the ligaments " adjusted " to improve this. If early enough though, steroid injections and physio can help it a lot. Lexi Hallenbeck~Sikorsky~ BS,RN,UM,QC Owner-Moderator " AnGeLsInPain " " OneVoiceInPain " Interqual Certified Published Psychiatric Researcher Advocate for those in CIP, HIV, Psychologic Pain " The Lord Will NEVER push us beyond what we can endure. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 If the ivy and thistle are not in an area where you have alot of vegitation (grass or garden plants) you could put a layer of salt (rock salt or water softener salt) on the plants and water it in. Also put full strength white vinegar would work. This however is not a good Idea if you would kill any surrounding grass or flowers. Rena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2005 Report Share Posted June 5, 2005 I did mine where the grass was growing and it burned just a little. It was still worth it and I just have to add grass seeds and water the thing. As far as the garden or other plants I have no clue. --- Rena Hobbs <rena_hobbs@...> wrote: > If the ivy and thistle are not in an area where you > have alot of vegitation > (grass or garden plants) you could put a layer of > salt (rock salt or water > softener salt) on the plants and water it in. Also > put full strength white > vinegar would work. This however is not a good Idea > if you would kill any > surrounding grass or flowers. > > Rena > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > " When we give government the power to make medical decisions for us, we, in essence, accept that the state owns our bodies. " ~U.S.Representative Ron , MD The Nuremberg Code (to which NZ is a signatory) describes Informed Choice as: - A choice made on the basis of adequate information concerning research and all available alternatives. - A choice made without controlling influences such as force, fraud, deceit, duress, over-reaching or other forms of constraint or coercion. Does this not apply to us? __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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