Imagine if the mere breeze of an air conditioner were to send you into excruciating pain. For those suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), historically called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), this crippling neuropathic pain is an unrelenting reality. With symptoms such as swelling, hypersensitivity, stiffness, burning pain, and temperature abnormalities, CRPS can develop at any time and quickly leaves its victims disabled and isolated. This book explains CRPS in an accessible style, featuring modern self-help techniques, complementary therapies, and holistic strategies for maximizing the potential for healing. Readers with CRPS will find a wealth of tips on life modifications to help better manage their condition, along with a list of "dynamite distractions" to refresh the pain-wracked mind and help them rediscover their imagination and humor. Patient testimonies on techniques for transforming the pain and discomfort of CRPS provide hope, and interviews with practitioners, including pain specialist Edward Carden and occupational therapist/neurological acupuncturist Sheri Barnes, offer insights every patient should know. There's even a chapter addressed to loved ones with advice for their difficult roles as encouragers and caregivers. CRPS remains a mysterious, poorly understood condition. This book provides the information and positive options everyone affected by CRPS needs.

Elena Juris is a recovering CRPS patient currently in remission. She has developed patient and professional health education programs and materials for organizations, government agencies, and companies such as the American Cancer Society, American Association of Poison Control Centers, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare/Medicaid, and Pfizer. She is currently the Deputy Director of the National Institutes of Health Training Center and a freelance editor. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband.

Interviewees and contributors to Positive Options for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome are medical professionals and activists on the forefront of this disease, and are frequently profiled in Discovery Channel documentaries on pain, pain specialist news coverage, and pain advocacy publications.

ABRIDGED TOC
1) What is CRPS/RSD?
2) Treatment Options for CRPS
3) Tips for Your Body and Soul
4) A Conversation with a Physician
5) A Conversation with a Complementary Care Provider
6) A World of Support: Complementary Services
7) Dynamite Distractions
8) Help for the Helpers: A Chapter for Caregivers
9) Everyone Can Get Involved
10) A Parting Perspective

EXTENDED TOC (Note: Page numbers will change.)
Contents 7
Foreword 10
Preface 11
Acknowledgments 13
Introduction 14
My Experience with CRPS/RSD 14
Support Is Available 15
Chapter 1: What Is CRPS/RSD? 17
Features of CRPS/RSD 18
Advanced CRPS/RSD 19
What Causes CRPS/RSD? 19
The CRPS/RSD Cycle 20
Why You? 21
Diagnosis 21
Finding a Doctor 25
You and Your Doctor 26
Chapter 2: Treatment Options for CRPS/RSD 30
Complementary Therapies 30
Physical and Occupational Therapy 30
Drug and Infusion Therapy 33
Nerve Blocks 37
Surgical Treatments 40
Prognosis 41
Chapter 3: Tips for Body and Soul 43
Activity Modifications 43
Quick Pick-Me-Ups, Calmer-Downers, and Visualizations 50
Chapter 4: Direct from the Practitioner: A Conversation with a Physician 59
An Interview with Edward Carden, M.D., FRCP[C], DipAAPM 59
Chapter 5: Direct from the Practitioner: A Conversation with a Complementary Care Provider 71
An Interview with Sheri Barnes, M.Ac., OTR/L 71
Chapter 6: A World of Support: Complementary Services 77
Occupational Therapy 78
Bodywork/Massage 78
Acupuncture 80
TENS Unit 81
Biofeedback 82
Meditation 83
Hypnotherapy 87
Yoga 87
Qigong 88
Tai Chi 88
Feldenkrais Method 89
Light Therapy 89
Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) 90
Natural Creams, Oils, and Soaks 90
Psychological Counseling 91
Art Therapy 92
Writing 93
Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine 93
Moving Forward: Rehabilitation Services and Disability Employment 94
Making Progress 98
Chapter 7: Dynamite Distractions 99
Comedy 99
Miscellaneous Brain Candy 101
Emotional Release 102
Music 103
Creating Sanctuary 103
Arts and Crafts 104
Nature Hiking 107
Gardening: A New Slant 108
Birdwatching 110
Photography 110
Traveling Inward 111
Traveling Outward 112
Last-Resort Reality-Check Exercise, or “Misery Loves Company” 113
Keep a Distraction Quick List 113
Chapter 8: Help for the Helper: A Chapter for Caregivers 115
Understanding the Patient 115
Peeking into Each Other’s World 120
Using Humor 121
Understanding Yourself 122
Celebrating and Affirming 127
Chapter 9: Everyone Can Get Involved: Working to Increase Awareness of CRPS/RSD 128
Daily Communication 129
Pamphlet Distribution 129
Awareness Months 130
Fundraising 130
Letter Writing 131
Petitions 131
Informal Medical Professional Education 132
Speakers Bureau 132
Caregiver Awareness 132
Getting Started 134
Chapter 10: A Parting Perspective 135
References 139
Chapter 1: “What Is CRPS/RSD?” 139
Chapter 2: “Treatment Options for CRPS/RSD” 139
Chapter 6: “A World of Support: Complementary Therapies” 140
Chapter 8: “Help for the Helper: A Chapter for Caregivers” 141
Where to Go from Here: Resources 142
Research Studies and Experimental Treatments 142
Medical and Pharmaceutical Resources 150
Counseling and Psychology Resources 151
CRPS/RSD Organizations and Online Groups 151
General Pain Organizations and Resources 154
Wounded Veteran Organizations 155
Organizations for Caregivers 156
Other Wellness Organizations and Resources 156
Disability Support Resources 160
Transportation 160
Recognizing Medical “Quacks” or Fraud 161
Adaptive Equipment 161
Additional Medical Assistance 162
Job Resources for People with Disabilities 163
Recommended Reading 163
Index 166