Living with RSDS: Your Guide to Coping with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

by Peter Moskowitz, Linda Lang

No one knows what causes reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or why it follows an estimated 5 percent of all injuries. The condition is an under-diagnosed and under-treated neurological syndrome characterized by swelling, skin discoloration, stiffness, and intense and chronic burning pain. RSDS affects as many as 6 million Americans; it is most often set off by a relatively minor physical trauma, but can also follow surgery or more serious injury. The diagnosis is often missed in the early stages of the disease, and when left untreated the syndrome leaves the sufferer bedridden and in incredible pain.

This book brings you, for the first time, an in-depth explanation of RSDS, including the most current and effective treatments and numerous self-help strategies for dealing with the syndromeís painful symptoms and psychological affects. Drawing on their work on the board of directors for the RSDSA, the leading patient advocate and research foundation in the United States for RSDS patients, Moskovitz and Langís book will help you make sense of this complex syndrome, get appropriate medical care, manage your pain, and regain control over your life.

Genres: Medical

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has CRPS (aka RSD or RSDS) MUST buy this book. There is so little accurate information available on the Internet, and what is available can sometimes be confusing or involve too many words that you need a PhD to comprehend. This book does a good job of explaining the basics of the nervous system and CRPS, and spends a lot of time discussing how to live with the disease. I will say that there isn't that much in depth information about treatment options, which is unfortunate. However, that's the only drawback, and with Living with RSDS to start you out, you can find reputable sites on the Web and start an intelligent dialouge with your doctor.

[Jim Costello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this to patients that have this diagnosis or are caught in the struggle of ineffective treatment versus persisting and worsening symptoms. This book helps correlate the need for patient understanding that care for pain should include an interdisciplinary approach based on the triad approach of : pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and psychotherapy.

This book brings lay perspective to a topic that most clinicians simply do not have the time to convey in managed care settings.

It also remains pragmatic rather than anecdotal and flowery with the promised panaceas of other books discussing chronic pain.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with great explanations and adjectives! It can really help others who know nothing about the disease and it can help those with the disease, patients, caregivers, doctors, and family.

The only thing I did not like was it was very repetitive on some things.

Otherwise, I loved the book and it is my bible now since I was diagnosed with RSD after my knee surgery in 2011. It has helped boost my esteem and can for anyone with a chronic illness.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful.

[Mary Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful reference book. It's very informative and well written. I like the way it gives the clinical side and the practical side.