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September is Pain Awareness
month. Chronic Pain affects mil-
lions around the world. It does not
matter what causes the pain or
illness it does take a toll mentally
and physically. The goal of for
Pain Awareness is to inform oth-
ers of what we go through on a
daily basis. So from September 1
through September 30 is to do the
Pain Awareness 30 Day Chal-
lenge. Post/tell others of your
daily struggle with pain. You can
find more information on US Pain
Foundations website
(www.uspainfoundation.org ).
We will support bringing aware-
ness to help spread the word about
RSD or any other Chronic Pain
illness. So please support the cam-
paign to bring awareness about
Pain.
In one of the largest population
studies on pain to date, research-
ers with the National Institutes of
Health estimate that nearly 40
million Americans experience
severe pain and more than 25
million have pain every day
Those with severe pain were
more likely to have worse
health status, use more health
care and suffer from more
disability than those with less
severe pain.
“There are so many people in
the severe pain category that
something has to be done,”
said Richard Nahin, the lead
author of the analysis and lead
epidemiologist for the National
Center for Complementary and
Integrative Health, the arm of
the NIH that funded the study.
“If people are in the most
severe category of pain, what-
ever treatment they are getting
may be inadequate.”
Published in The Journal of
Pain earlier this month,
the study is an analysis of
2012 data from the National
Health Interview Survey. It
follows a comprehensive 2011
Institute of Medicine report on
pain.
(To read the full article please
visit the below website.)
http://khn.org/news/pain-by-the-
numbers/
September is Pain Awareness
Medical Updates— Pain Research Continued
A trip to the ER is no fun, no
matter how you spin it. When
you’re a chronic pain patient or
someone with a chronic illness that
can cause bouts of severe pain, it
can be a complete and to-
tal nightmare.
A patient with chronic pain can
help the Emergency Room staff to
understand that their medical
problems, especially pain, are a
legitimate emergency by following
a few guidelines and suggestions
that will lessen some of the un-
pleasant drama of going to the ER.
(To read the full article please visit
the below website.)
https://goo.gl/Fd8l82
Grover’s GrooveGrover’s GrooveGrover’s GrooveGrover’s Groove 2222
Laughter LinesLaughter LinesLaughter LinesLaughter Lines 2222
Spot LightSpot LightSpot LightSpot Light————Angels Making a DifferenceAngels Making a DifferenceAngels Making a DifferenceAngels Making a Difference 2222
GratitudeGratitudeGratitudeGratitude 3333
Spiritual CornerSpiritual CornerSpiritual CornerSpiritual Corner 3333
Our RSD Family of SupportOur RSD Family of SupportOur RSD Family of SupportOur RSD Family of Support 3333
TreatmentTreatmentTreatmentTreatment 4444
Inside this issue:
RSD Angel express
HEW
LETT-PACKARD
Volume 1, Issue 1
September 2015
RSD Fighter’s WallRSD Fighter’s WallRSD Fighter’s WallRSD Fighter’s Wall 4444–––– 5555
E.. I. (Emotional Intelligence)E.. I. (Emotional Intelligence)E.. I. (Emotional Intelligence)E.. I. (Emotional Intelligence) 5555
From R.A.E. Staff and SupportFrom R.A.E. Staff and SupportFrom R.A.E. Staff and SupportFrom R.A.E. Staff and Support 6666
Positive EmotionsPositive EmotionsPositive EmotionsPositive Emotions 6666
CalendarCalendarCalendarCalendar 7777
Reaching OutReaching OutReaching OutReaching Out 7777
Inside this issue:
sponse "yeah just Rollin around." If a
picture or video could have been taken, it
would win funniest home video. Moral -
don't swim with sharks
while in bed.
Fatman Chronicles – Swimming with
Sharks
Ok it must have been something I ate
last night for dinner. I had a dream I was
swimming and a shark tried to attack me.
Being the bear/fighter I am I started wres-
tling with the shark. It was a battle for
sure. I was winning until I rolled out the
bed. I was wrapped up in my comforter
when I realized what happened. My wife
wakes up and asked if I was in ok. Re-
In keeping up with Grover for the sum-
mer enjoy some of the photos of him
having fun.
Where is Grover? Enjoying his self por-
trait.
still involved.
She knew still had so much to offer and
wanted to find the opportunity for her to con-
tinue make changes to better lives. That's
when she started working to help the pain
community. A community she's a champion in
for out shining her multiple conditions that
have pain as a symptom.
Casey works with US Pain Foundation as their
Executive Director. She is responsible for
making sure programs and events help the
pain community gain knowledge, hope, and
empowerment. Casey also oversees the day-to
Casey Cashman has been an shining
star in the RSD community for years. Before
becoming a member of our family, she was in
the human resources field and a fabulous base-
ball coach for her son. Always trying to in-
spire others to be their best on and off the
field.
When she was diagnosed she knew she would
have to make some changes in her life so she
could still be the parent she wanted to
be. Instead of coaching, she chose to find
ways to throw the ball from sitting on her
porch and score keeping at games so she was
-day functions of U.S. Pain Foundation ensur-
ing that the patient voice is heard.
Thank you Casey for everything you do for us
all.
Page 2
Laughter Lines—Stories to Make You Smile and Laugh
Grover’s Groove—Having Summer Fun
Spot Light—Angels Making A Difference—Casey Cashman
“Laughter is always the best
medicine. Laugh, live, love.”
RSD ANGEL EXPRESS
Thank You RSD Lightning An-
gel and Grover for the submis-
sion
Where is Grover? Enjoying
the view of the ocean
Where’s Grover? Taking a
water taxi on his summer ex-
cursion.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
of heights also when I question what is being used to
help me reach the height. But I always overcome
that fear because I see it as I have to take a step
closer to reach Heaven. We have been taught that
Heaven is above us and out of reach. Or that we
have to “rise” above our fears in life in order to
remove the fear or doubt that we may have. Even
falling down which is my biggest fear when climb-
ing a ladder but I put my faith and trust in God that
He will guide me. The ladder is part of a support
system to aid us in reaching the top. In order for us
to reach the top we must willing to have a support
system as well. So in your life are you willing to
“rise” above your fears and doubts by “reaching” for
a support system to help you reach your goal? We
have to get past ourselves in order to let others help
support us when we can’t reach our goals alone.
Find a stable, sturdy support system and you too will
rise above all obstacles that may be in your way.
A. M. Styles
Are you afraid of heights? Will you
climb a 25ft A frame ladder to reach for something
that seems out of reach? There are several types of
ladders that we may have to use in life. An A Frame
ladder, extension ladder, step ladder, etc but the true
question is will you climb the ladder even if you are
afraid of heights? Today I was reminded that I do
have an issue climbing ladders especially ladders
that I sometimes think can’t support my weight.
Imagine being 25ft in the air on a ladder in which
you had to climb up and once you are done climb
back down. Talking to someone who also suffers
from RSD they stated they are afraid of heights and
couldn’t imagine being on a ladder that high. I un-
derstand their point because truth be told I am afraid
Thoughts of A Cure
Ever felt so helpless that you just wanted to
scream Your hopes seemed to crash along
with all your dreams. Your life seeming end-
less the turning of the years just seem to fuel
the fire under each one of you
fears. Wondering more and more each day if
anyone even tries to care if they understand
that our pain is completely and totally unfair
you feel like you are fighting an unimaginable
losing war your pain is completely invisible
yet it eats at your very core. Yet a glimmer of
hope appears a cure, it seems so dim at first it
looks like a lush oasis almost able to quench
your thirst. It grows before your eyes your
heart begins to pound this is the answer to
your prayers paradise has finally been found.
Never again will you regret a thing you choose
a life that abounds you survived the pain that
broke you apart gather your family round. You
never know how much the cost of pain, on
them, is bound.
They walk this path beside you, if you are lost
they make you found. They are a valuable
resource their currency love, surrounds.
Don't allow the pain to eat your soul and leave
your heart unsound.
Artwork by @hdawg1995
Design by @RSDAngelOnFire
Poem by Christa Whightsel
but also has crippled her physically. Seeing
the need to create a voice for the condition
Charles has engulfed himself in now telling
many stories from some of the faces of people
living with this condition around the world.
Charles has teamed up with some of the top
doctors to advocates in CRPS/RSD to help get
this message out for the almost 2 million liv-
ing with this condition each day.
Trial by fire is a film based on
CRPS/RSD. Directed by celebrity chef, best
selling author and world diabetes advocate
Charles Mattocks.
Inspired by his mothers diagnosis of
CRPS/RSD four years ago. Charles who is a
world diabetes advocate, celebrity chef and
also a type 2 diabetic himself, set on a mission
to help save his mothers life from this condi-
tion that has not only taken much of her joy
This will be a thrilling yet compas-
sionate documentary that will open the eyes of
many around the world that have no clue what
this condition is and how severe. We hope to
be able to find ways to better treat and fund
the cost of treatment.
Please Support this project.
http://www.trialbyfiremovie.com/
Page 3
Spiritual Corner - Climb the Ladder of Life
Gratitude—Thoughts of A Cure
Our RSD Family of Support— “Trial by Fire” a film based upon RSD/CRPS
pressure falls dangerously low.. He told me to come
back to him when it happens... It took 2 years to have a
flare while he was there!!!! I have pills to bring down
my heartbeat but I can't really use it, because my blood
pressure is usually too low I woke one morning feeling
really really bad and when I measured it, it was 50/30.
It's truly scary to have crps, and no one to help. I have
2 kids (7 and 10). The worlds best husband (who had
cancer these past 3 years - he's clean now, thank you to
a wonderful and faithful God). Ha ha I don't have time
for crps! So I live (mostly) like I don't have it, and then
truly hope I do not die from the pain!!!
That is why it's so nice listening (reading) too everyone
in the chat
group. Getting those
newsletters. Precious.
Thx
Liezel
Liezel sent RAE this picture. Here is a brief story.
—South Africa. Possibly. I really have no one to talk
to about crps not even a doctor. My house doctor still
don't know I have this (really don't care, because he
thinks it's in my head and I say it isn't), the other
doctor in town is horrible with this. I went to him
after 3 months of spasms in my back. He went to
stand behind me and then snapped my neck like a
chiropractor would. I have no idea how I got home, I
was in bed for 3 days. It's now in my neck and
head. Had to cut my hair!!! We go to a bigger town
for hospitals and specialists. I have asthma (now you
might need Google translate!) and I went to my inter-
nist (Afrikaans), physician (I think) who treats my
asthma, told him about my crps and that when it flares
my heartbeat sky rockets out of control and my blood
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a
disorder that can be accompanied by severe pain
that is often both chronic and resistant to conven-tional therapy. Harbut and Correll previously
reported the successful treatment of a 9-year case
of intractable Type I CRPS with an intravenous inpatient infusion of ketamine in an adult female
patient.
Objective. The purpose of this study was to
ascertain if indeed the use of subanesthetic inpa-
tient infusions of ketamine provide meaningful improvements in pain scores, and thus, quality of
life, in patients suffering from CRPS. To achieve
this objective we focused our analysis on the relief of pain obtained by patients undergoing this
novel treatment option developed at Mackay
Base Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
Results. A total of 33 patients with diagnoses of
CRPS who had undergone ketamine treatment at least once were identified. Due to relapse, 12 of
33 patients received a second course of therapy, and two of 33 patients received a third. The de-
gree of relief obtained following the initial course
of therapy was impressive (N=33); there was
complete pain relief in 25 (76%), partial relief in six (18%), and no relief in two (6%) patients. The
degree of relief obtained following repeat therapy
(N=12) appeared even better, as all 12 patients who received second courses of treatment experi-
enced complete relief of their CRPS pain.
The duration of relief was also impressive, as was the difference between the duration of relief
obtained after the first and after the second
courses of therapy. In this respect, following the first course of therapy, 54% of 33 individuals
remained pain free for 3 months and 31% re-
mained pain free for 6 months. After the second infusion, 58% of 12 patients experienced relief
for 1 year, while almost 33% remained pain free
for >3 years. The most frequent side effect ob-served in patients receiving this treatment was a
feeling of inebriation. Hallucinations occurred in
six patients. Less frequent side effects also in-cluded complaints of lightheadedness, dizziness,
and nausea. In four patients, an alteration in
hepatic enzyme profile was noted; the infusion was terminated and the abnormality resolved
thereafter.
..... Conclusion. This retrospective review suggests
that limited subanesthetic inpatient infusions of
ketamine may offer a promising therapeutic option in the treatment of appropriately selected
patients with intractable CRPS. More study is
needed to further establish the safety and efficacy of this novel approach.
The full article published in Pain Medicine, the official journal of the American Academy of Pain
Medicine. is very extensive and includes all the
numbers and charts you could want. This will be an invaluable tool to share with your Drs.
Since this study was completed, much more has been learned and the success rates and relief
obtained have improved significantly.
http://www.rsdhope.org/ketamine-
articles.html
share information with others that under-
stands their pain. I will say that Christa
actions on bringing so many together to
bring awareness and a place where others
can meet and talk to people sharing their
life experiences.
Christa is definitely a Fighter in every
sense of the word. Creating the platform
for others to come and share stories has
been a great help to so many who feel or
Christa is the founder of RSD Doesn’t
Own Me. She founded RCDOM in Au-
gust 2009. Her mission is to remind peo-
ple with RSD/CRPS that life is still worth
living.
Christa has brought awareness to thou-
sands of individuals while at the same
time bringing those individuals together
to provide a place where everyone can
find information, ask questions, or just
felt alone at one time or another.
So if you get a chance show Christa some
love by letting
her know how
much she is ap-
preciated for
starting RCDOM.
A. M. Styles
Page 4
RSD Fighter’s Wall— Liezel
Treatment—Ketamine
RSD Fighter’s Wall—Christa Whightsel
RSD ANGEL EXPRESS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
with shed light on learning to understand how
our own feelings and thoughts may differ.
What do you think this person is feeling? Ask
yourself and others around you to talk about it.
You can Google “Emotional Intelligence” to
find more information. R.A.E. will be starting a new series in the
newsletter to focus on helping others under-
stand and relate to how others maybe feelings.
We know that everyone views or understands
emotions differently based upon their own
experiences and/or perceptions.
So to start the conversation/topic each issue
of the newsletter we will include an image for
everyone to look at and determine what they
feel/believe the person is feeling. We hope this
will start a productive conversation on how
each person’s perception may differ along
The Support for Survivors RSD/CRPS of
Middle Tennessee met at Claim Jumper
restaurant in the Opry Mills Mall on Sep-
tember 26, 2015. The purpose of the
meeting was to bring patients, family
members and caregivers together to share
stories, learn more about their conditions
along with discuss new treatments op-
tions/therapies. “We provided support
and continued building lifelong friend-
ships. We try to meet in Nashville area at
least once a month. Currently our next
meeting is set for the last Saturday of
September. The time and location is be-
ing determined but will let those know in
the area when and where.” In the photo
from left to right (Omega Kimoto, Lori
Catron, Shawn Catron, Sam Yanaris,
Melissa Proudfool Svedsen).
Submitted by Omega Kimoto of Support
for Survivors RSD/CRPS of Middle Ten-
nessee.
(conference call free to callers) to possi-
bly talk to others across the world. So if
this is something that you think maybe
something you would like to be a part of
let us know by emailing us at
[email protected] or on the
rsdom.org website.
Currently at R.A.E. (RSD Angel Express)
we are working on other ways to bring
others together to communicate with fel-
low RSD sufferers. We know there are
group meetings and online chats that take
place. We have heard from some who
find it difficult to participate in these
activities because of limitations. Well we
would like to have our readers feedback
on possibly setting up a phone bridge
If you or anyone would like to be on the
emailing list please send an email to
a.m.styles247@gmail.
Page 5
E.I. (Emotional Intelligence)
RSD Fighter’s Wall—An Army of Fighter’s
Just an Idea— From R.A.E. Staff and Support System
E.I. (Emotional Intelligence) - is the ability to
recognize one's own and other people's emotions,
to discriminate between different feelings and label
them appropriately, and to use emotional
information to guide thinking and behavior.[1] There
are three models of E .I.
start to appreciate everything from your family to
sunshine.”
Savor a Beautiful Day: Hassett says that chronic pain
patients should set aside a block of time each day
for their own pleasures. “It helps you focus on what
you have.”
Practice Intentional Kindness: Do one kind thing a day
for yourself, a stranger and someone you know.
Write 3 Good Things Every Day: Hassett said that
concentrating not only the fact good things hap-
pened buy Why They Happened can promote resil-
ience
The focus of this year’s Women in Pain Conference was
on the topic of resilience. It was sponsored by the non-
profit For Grace which for a decade has championed the
fight for better diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain
in women.
The whole idea of resilience is receiving a lot of atten-
tion in research these days.
Stanford’s Drew Sturgeon, Ph.D, is conducting a study
on the topic of resilience. (He has surveyed some readers
of the National Pain Report). He is asking why do some
people who suffer from chronic pain are able to stay
productive while others are not? His study is being
reviewed and should be ready for public discussion in
the next few months.
He was also enthusiastic about the work of the confer-
ence.
“There’s no doubt we need more education about pain
treatment in general, and the idea that so many women
go to their doctors with genuine pain complaints and
aren’t taken seriously is troubling- alliance with one’s
healthcare provider is a valuable part of the treatment
process,” he said.
National Pain Report—09-13-2015
http://goo.gl/dyoZW0
A University of Michigan researcher told the 8th Annual
Women in Pain Conference that positive language and
emotions can have a real effect on chronic pain patients.
Afton Hassett, Ph.D. was speaking on the topic: Resilience
in the Face of Pain to about 100 persons attending in Los
Angeles and a world-wide audience on the internet.
She said that 30% of patients that I’ve studied are resilient.
She understands why that number isn’t higher.
“Chronic pain patients do what they have to do in order to
survive,” she said. “They have to go to work, pay the bills,
and take care of their families.”
And one important thing gets lost, she said and that is the
“joy” in life.
She outlined a number of things that she recommends
chronic pain patients can do to enhance resilience.
Create a social support round robin: More social interac-
tion and engaging with friends and even people you
don’t know is a key step.
Keep a Gratitude Diary: She suggests that your write down
three things you are grateful for each day, and make
sure there are three different things each day. “You
Please remember, when you call a Suicide
Prevention line, be sure to clarify when you
speak to them that the reason your calling is to
help get your mind off of doing this.
As we all face this monster every hour of
every day, all year long, sometimes we say
things healthies can misunderstand. For exam-
ple, if we say we have the means to end it (i.e.
medicine or whatever) many of us are stating a
fact, not making a threat. But healthies do
NOT always understand that, so please be
very clear if your speaking with someone
other than a fellow sufferer (and even some of
us are mandatory reporters from previous jobs
so it's wise to clarify to us too) if you're having
a rough time and just need to talk.
Because when a someone at these facilities
think statements are made threatening suicide,
they have a make a judgement call if they need
to call local emergency response teams. They
have to determine by your statements if you
are in a moment of crisis or if your able to
keep yourself safe. And unlike CRPSers,
healthy persons may sound like us when
they're in a moment of crisis, whereas ours has
been a lifetime. But these phone personnel
don't know what we deal with every moment
of our lives. They only know this moment.
Please Note: I was notified by a friend their
confidant called this line and they were com-
mitted because of their call.
I decided my best course of action to un-
derstand what happened was to research this
further by calling the National Suicide Preven-
tion line. This line routed me to a more local
office based on my phone number. I talked
with them & educated them on CRPS and
encourage them to learn more about the
"Suicide disease." I also asked them how we
need to communicate to them using phrases
I've heard from many members of our commu-
nity to identify WHAT we should say to help
clarify when these phrases are not a threat, and
are simply stating our life facts.
So please use words to help explain as best
you can if these statements are simple facts of
our "new" lives or if you're truly needing a
break from the world and the strength it gives
the monster in us.
I'm pretty sure almost all of us have consid-
ered it, but the important thing is making sure
we communicate properly when we're think-
ing about this. So please share this, bookmark
this, make sure you can find this easily when
and if you ever need to call. Because with our
brain fog, the last thing we want is for you to
forget/can't find this in that moment of need
for someone to help us down and they misun-
derstand you.
By: Naanad
Page 6
Positive Emotions Can Help Fight Chronic Pain
From R.A.E. Staff and Support System—Suicide Prevention
NEWSLETTER TITLE
The RSD Angel Express is a publication designed to bring awareness to CRPS/RSD
Disease. It is the creation of several RSD Administrators from different support groups in
hopes of sharing stories, medication information, and giving a voice to many who may feel
they are not being heard. Please share this newsletter freely. It will be published quarterly
and may also have interim “special editions” to highlight different events taking place
within the CRPS/RSD Community. For more information, conduct a search for different
support groups and/or non-profit organizations. We are NOT medical, legal, or nutri-
tional professionals and will not give advice on those subjects. Please Consult Profes-
sionals in those areas. We are here to provide support and education.
If you want to submit ideas or stories please email to [email protected].
Broken Window Pane of Pain
As you sit back looking out the window pane you
realize how much pain you are in as you watch life
pass you by. You begin to rise above the pane to
wipe away the tears off the window or is it rain?
None the less you know that in order to stop living
a life behind the pane while being in pain you
have change that which you see your life. No more
pane for life can’t be viewed from a broken pane
but life can be lived while still in pain. Replace the
broken pane so that the window of life is clear to
you and that you know that in life we can see the
world in a different way.
A. M. Styles
Reaching Out—Broken Window Pane
Up Coming Schedule of Events
• Sept—Pain Awareness Month—
Beautify in Blue your town or Wear
Blue to show support (Email us with
photos and we will post in the next
newsletter)
• Sept 12— 2015 CRPS/RSD Walk for
Awareness (http://rsds.org/event/
achilles-2015-walk-for-hope/ )
• Nervember—RSD Awareness Month
• RSD Doesn’t Own Me—Weekly
chat—Http://www.rcdom.org/chat
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 Labor Day
8 9 10 11 Let’s Never For-
get
12 CRPS Walk For Awareness
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
September 2015