Carey's Virtual Walk for RSD/CRPS
RSDSA, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, is holding its 7th annual fundraiser walk in conjunction with the 2009 Achilles Walk for Hope & Possibility in Central Park, NYC on June 28, 2009. Although I will not be able to personally attend the event, I am excited to participate as a virtual walker!
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by severe and relentless pain that affects between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans… including me. The easiest way to explain CRPS/RSD is to say it’s a misfire of the central nervous system. The brain has no way of knowing that the signal being received is incorrect and responds with persistent moderate-to-severe pain, swelling, abnormal skin color changes, skin temperature fluctuations, sweating, limited range of movement, and other movement disorders.
My own CRPS story started with unexplained pain on the outside of my right foot in June 2008. Besides swelling that looked like a bone was about to burst through my skin and immense pain when stepping on it, the red/blue/purple colors were awful. Trips to my primary and orthopedic Drs, mixed with x-rays and MRIs, left me with an initial diagnosis of bursitis between the bones of my foot. After rounds of drugs and physical therapy I was officially diagnosed with CRPS in October 2008. Despite typical treatments for early CRPS, including several sympathetic spinal nerve blocks, this awful disorder now encompasses the entire front and outside planes of my right leg, from my toes to my hip, and the back of my thigh and bum. I’m scheduled to undergo a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) trial on May 4th as another form of therapy.
There is no cure for CRPS. The best we can hope for at the present time is to treat the pain and stop the progression. Early and accurate diagnosis and aggressive, appropriate treatments are crucial to reduce the long term affects. Unfortunately, many health care professionals and consumers have never heard of this or are unaware of its signs and symptoms. The goal of RSDSA is to educate the masses and provide funding for research.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and completely secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Thank you so very much!
Carey