My Journey: A Blog about RSD

The Semester Is Almost Over!

2010-11-13T15:05:00.001-08:00

Hello Healers!

I hope you are doing well. The last few weeks of this semester has been incredibly busy. I will be happy when the semester is over and I will get a little break. I still have a few weeks left and a week of finals to get through, so any prayers would be appreciated.

If any of you have suggestions for blog topics please feel free to send me an email at erikkaberry@yahoo.com. Be sure to put "Blog Topic" in the subject in the email since I am getting a lot of emails lately and I dont want to delete any of your ideas.

Sending Healing Thoughts,

*Erikka*

RSD At A Young Age

2010-11-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

RSD is becoming more and more common at a younger age. In past years it was thought that only adults could get RSDS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome). It was thought that children with unexplained pain were either making the pain up, it was physiological, or that they had another form of RSD that Dr's thought was based in the muscular system.

Since more PM's are realizing that RSD can and do happen to present in children more research is being done on new treatment options and the long term-effects of RSD. It is true that children who are diagnosed earlier have a greater chance of going into remission but going into remission doesn't mean your 100% free of having RSD. Once someone has RSD even if they are in remission, it is easier for it to spread and come back with any injury he or she obtains later in life. This can be hard for children and teenagers who want to be active with their peers but have to be careful.

At this point little is know what goes on with those who have RSD long term. RSDSA is currently conducting a survey to try to understand what goes on. The results may not be published for a good while still. I have several friends who have had RSD about as long as I have and have gotten it around the time I did. Both girls seem to be having the same internal RSD symptoms like I have. One girl got diagnosed with RSD in the stomach like I did and the other girl just recently got diagnosed with RSD in her kidney. It makes me wonder if this is one of the long term effects of RSD.

How Much is Too Much?

2010-10-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Due to a recent comment on my last post I thought I should bring this topic up. When You first meet someone whether it be a guy or girl that you are hoping to date or make friends with how much do you tell them about your Chronic Pain Condition? Do you tell them right away or do you try to hide the symptoms as much as possible until a relationship develops? Simply, how much information is too much and when should you let them know?

When I came out of my semi-remission at 17, I realized that I would have to let others know that I had a condition in which the main symptom was chronic pain. When people found out about the RSD they started staying away from me. I then went into my freshman year of college with the mindset that people would have to ask me what I had versus me telling them. I made friends but I was never sure when or how much I should tell them. I always just let them ask the questions and wouldn't go into any more detail unless more questions were asked. I have done this and so far it has worked.

When I first meet and went on my first date with J, I was extremely nervous. I was scared that he wasn't going to like me because of my RSD. Thankfully that was the opposite. He's been a major blessing in my life. I'm very honest with him about my RSD and how it makes my body feel. He helped me a lot when I was in a flair last week and I had a test. I could barely pick up a pencil and he was there to help me. I still have my answer only what is asked concept with him, but I feel like he understands more than others do.

How much you say to someone is up to you. For me the question and answer only what was asked works for me. If people are still curious and want to know more then I have no problem explaining in more detail. Some people are ok with a single answer while others need a more in-depth answer. What you choose to do and what works for you may not be what works for someone else.

How Love is Helping Fight Against Pain

2010-10-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

In recent years new and more research has been coming out about pain.

A recent study that I just read shocked me but at the same time didnt. The article talks about how Love can be a potential analgesic medicine itself. The love can be between a significant other, friends, family, ect.

Here is the article; http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/love-really-is-a-drug-ndash-and-it-can-work-a-treat-with-pain-relief-2106101.html

Any opinions or comments on this?

Since J and I have been dating I have noticed that when I am able to stand it, he is able to hold my right hand. My right hand / right arm is the worst of the two arms. This to me provides a little bit of evidence. It will be interesting if more comes out on this.

Brad's Memorial

2010-10-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

J and I

Hello Health Nuts!!

I hope you are all doing great. Life for me is busyer than ever. It seems that I get done with one subject of homework only to start another. I have at least 1-2 papers due a week, math homework due every other day (M-W-F) and constant studying for my Nutrition and Organic Chem classes.

Last weekend J and I went down to West Virginia for my Cousin Brad's Memorial. It was so touching that 40-50 people would come out to honor his short life. The place where part of his ashes were scartered was absolutely beautiful. I had never been there before, and wasn't use to the roads we had to go on to get there. There was tons of food, ATV rides, and telling stories about Brad's life.

There was a beautiful memorial constructed at the top of the hill. We all gathered there and had a little service. I was put in charge of the little kids painting rocks to put around Brad's memorial on the hill and we did this after the service.

He was painting rocks for Brad but decided to play

After Brad's memorial,J and I went to his Grandparent's house. Due to the stress of the day, the roads, and the long car ride my body was exausted and simply sick. I was happy to go to sleep and to get some rest.

Painting rocks for Brad

I have an amazing family that would come together like this. I love each of them so much and still love Brad even though he isnt on earth anymore.

Hard Time For My Family

2010-09-24T14:14:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying these gorgeous warm days. Today is the first full day of fall, and it was 95 degrees here in Ohio. I wore a cute mini skirt with a tank top. I never believed that I would be wearing this in fall, and in Ohio of all places! I am enjoying the weather even though its playing havoc on my RSD. The constant change in the weather from hot to cold and back is extremly hard on my body. Add on the stress of school and no accomidations (long story and not too happy) it makes it hard but Im making it.

Earlier in the school year, the first week to be exact my Cousin who had Colon Cancer lost his battle. It has been a hard month for all of us but for his immediate family especially. The good thing is we are a close family and we are able to support each other while we are going through this. I will be going to West Virginia tomorrow to join the rest of my family to Celebrate my cousin's life. We are having a get together where he loved to go 4-Wheeling. I am happy that I get to join my family as I didnt believe I was going to be able to. J was able to get the day off tomorrow so we are driving down there tomorrow. Im thankful that I get to spend the day with my family as I miss them and believe it will help being with them.

Ill let you know how things go. Its been hard to post as classes have me busy. I hope to post about Wv soon and about how my classes are going. Also about why I dont have any accomidations right now even though I sent in the proper paper work ahead of time.

Living on Campus With a Chronic Pain Condition

2010-09-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!

I hope you are all doing well. The best thing about today is that it is Friday! I had two classes this morning and didn't have to work which means I started my weekend early (yay!!). Before I go take a little nap, I wanted to write about the benefits of living on campus and how to do that with a chronic pain condition.

For many the prospective of leaving the comfort of home terrifies them. Throw in a chronic pain condition and that anxiety can go through the roof. Most people who have chronic pain also believe that they simply cant go to college. They tend to get this idea from the people around them. Keeping our minds busy actually helps distract us from the pain and keeps the areas of the brain active that can become permanently damaged from the pain if they aren't used.

Tips to Succeeding with Chronic Pain Conditions:

1) When you are on the tour of the college ask many questions. This may be about how big the campus is, about their Disability Services, how accessible things are, ect.
2) Talk to the Dean of the Field you are going into. This is important to do on the tour portion. You don't want to go to a college and then find out that the Dean isn't going to help you if you required accommodations. As a Nursing Student and someone who has RSD with a SCS implanted I know I will need accommodations when I do clinicals. Talking to the Dean, let her know this in advance. that I will not be able to lift patients due to my SCS but will be able to trade off and do something else in place of it.
3) Choose a major that YOU want to do. Many people may believe that physically or mentally you may not be able to handle a certain major. The best major to pick is what you love and what you are interested in.
4) Become familiar with the Disabilities Office Early. Having accommodations is leveling the "playing field" for us who need it. They are there to help you, so take advantage of it. The earlier you set your accommodations up (usually a couple weeks before school starts, you usually only have to do it once) the better. The school is able to get the paper work out to your Professors and set up the accommodations you need. I have accommodations and take full advantage of them, especially since my pain gets worse in the winter months.

Living On Campus:

In addition to what is above here are tips to living on campus.

1) I recommend living with a roommate. There are medical singles available at some colleges and also regular singles. I believe though that living with someone helps you become more social and helps you learn to live with someone else.
2) Get out and enjoy Campus Life! There is so much to do on campus depending on where you go to college you just have to find whats going on. If you are going to college where you don't know anyone then go and mingle at the Activities Fair, Join a Club, ect. The more you get involved the more people you will meet.
3) Stay on campus a few weekends: The last college I went to almost everyone went home on the weekends and this one people pretty much stay. Staying on campus a few weekends will help strengthen the bond between you and your new friends plus it will make you less home-sick.
4) Bring Comforts From Home: I know many of us with chronic pain have a hard time sleeping and well add a dorm bed and it makes it worse. Bringing a mattress topper, sheets and blankets where you like the touch and color will help tremendously.
5) Decorate: My room at school and room at home look nothing alike. In a dorm it may seem hard to put your own creative touches to the room when your not allowed to paint and nails and pretty much a no. I love to get peel and stick wall decorations from either the Dollar Store or Family Dollar. Each year I get different ones so my room is different every year. I also bring pictures of my family, boyfriend, friends, and dog. To make it feel like the space is mine.
6) The best thing about living on campus is that if you need to nap then you can nap. You are able to rest, do homework, pretty much anything between classes without having to drive. I love my 5-10 min walk to class each morning especially since I don't have to fight over a parking space.

If you are not able to attend college, doing puzzles, sudoku, and / or reading are great ways to keep your mind distracted from the pain of RSD, Fribro, ect. and keeping the brain active.

Healing From Surgery / Birthday

2010-09-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Healers!

I hope you are all doing well. I am recovering from my recent surgery pretty well and anxious to get my stitches out soon. They are getting dry and itchy and just not fun to have. I am a little score still and cant lay on my right side that long, or wear clothes yet that squeezes my hip area. I am happy though that I have most of my energy back even though I get completely exausted at the end of the day still.

I started back at school last Monday. I transfered to another college as I knew I couldnt make myself go back to the one I previously went to. It didnt make since to me that I was going to a college that I felt like I was going around in circles and couldnt get out no matter how hard I tried. I studied to the point to that I was making myself physicaly sick with making the RSD in my stomach worse and getting horrible tension headaches. They also wouldnt accomidate me foodwise so why pay all the money I was to go to that school?

I love were I am going now. I live in a suite with 5 other girls, 3 of the girls have their own rooms while I share a room with one of them. The girl I share the room with is also a nursing-transfer student so we are in the same place and taking most of the same classes.

My mom threw me a little BBQ / Birthday Party today. Some of my family and family friends came over to enjoy the last weekend of summer even though the weather was already a bit cool. We went to Whole Foods yesterday to get my Vegan Cake which was delicious. I recieved a few gifts for my dorm, to get my hair done, and some cards. J is taking me out to dinner tomorrow on my actual Birthday. I cant believe Im gonna be 21! I will post pictures after tomorrow.

Thank you everyone for the well wishes from my surgery. I am healing from it wonderfuly and my RSD pain is undercontrol once again.

Surgery Update

2010-08-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was my Spinal Cord Stimulator Battery Revison. I was schedueled to go in around 3 in the afternoon. I had recieved a call from my Dr's office letting me know that I was able to come in earlier since the person who was suppose to have surgery before me cancelled or their surgery was cancelled. This of course excited me since I had to fast starting midnight the night before and I was hungrey and thristy since I wasnt aloud to drink anything either except tiny sips for pills.

Everything with the surgery went well. It was around 7 or so that evening that I got released. My side was hurting but it was still a bit numb from the numbing shots I was given. The day after the surgery when the shots really wore off I was hurting. I was hurting because of the post-op pain, my battery is working wonderfully. My boyfriend came over that night which helped alot. Im not one to lay in bed day in and day out so when Im forced to due to surgery pain I get bored fast. Im not a fan of movies since I know I can be doing something else and more productive. I made a stake of movies next to my bed and well, they havent been watched. J and I finally figured out how to use the Movies on Demand feature and watched a movie the first night he came over. He came over again yesterday and since I was still hurting a good bit we hung out around the house. I did end up venturing out to get a bite to eat which made my day.

Like I mentioned a bit earlier in this post my new battery is working amazingly well. I am so happy I got the re-chargable battery vs the 3-5 yr battery. Now that I have this new battery I can tell that mine was dying and Im not scared to turn it up to get the relief I need. I have noticed that I have recovered faster from this surgery than anyother one including the revision I have done last summer. I think its because of being Vegan and eating more health oriented type of foods. I have been making sure to get more protein during this time since Im healing from surgery.

Pre-Op Tests and Rechargable SCS Battery

2010-08-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I hope you are all liking the new design of my blog. I was creative one night and instead of pulling out all of my scrapbook supplies I came on here and did a new blog design.

I had my Pre-Operative tests done today and surgery is a go on Wednesday. It is not scheduled till around 3:15 in the afternoon so I know that I am going to be pretty hungry by the time they knock me out. I always tend to believe that the fasting and IV are the worst parts of procedures. My body just cant go without food that long and getting an IV well that's another story.

I am excited though that I will be getting the rechargeable Spinal Cord Stimulator Battery so that I wont have to be going through this for at least 10 yrs or so (last how long the battery is suppose to last). I will have to charge it at least once a month or more depending on how much voltage I use but that is worth it to me not to be having to go through this every few years. The battery I have in now was suppose to last 3-5 years and Ive had it less than 3. It will be officially 3 years in December but my Dr and nurses are surprised how quick it went.

I was explaining to J (my boyfriend of 2 months) about RSD and the SCS and he was curious just like everyone is when they first here about it. I have been blessed though with a boyfriend who has taken the time to ask me questions and understand that there are somethings I am not able to do but just because I have RSD doesn't mean I cant be an active participant in life. I think we all need to keep in mind if you or a loved one has a chronic illness / chronic pain doesn't mean their voice shouldn't be heard or they cant participate in activities. We love to have fun just like everyone else.

For those who are about to be getting the SCS and would like to contact me please feel free to. It was the best decision I made and I still love the SCS today. It has helped me gain my life back and there was no way I could have done that without it. I don't feel like I "gave into it" or "settled" for it. Its an amazing piece of technology that people with Chronic Pain have been given access to.

Healing Thoughts to All!

Email: erikkaberry@yahoo.com

Surgery Date

2010-08-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

I had a last minute Dr's appointment yesterday where we discussed my upcoming revisoin surgery for my SCS. I am happy to anounce that even though my Dr. isnt able to perform the revision himself that another Dr is willing to do it. If insurance approves the surgery everything should be a go for Wednesday with the pre-op be the Monday before.

With the revision surgery being on Wednesday will give me time to recover before going back to school on Sunday. Im not too worried especially since this is just a battery replacement.

Surgery + New Job

2010-08-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night I was adjusting the settings on my Spinal Cord Stimulator. The remote in which I was adjusting my battery informed me that my battery needs changed. This is a bit problematic especially since Im going back to school in two weeks.

Another problem is that my wonderful Doctor of 8 1/2 yrs got into a car crash a couple weeks ago and isnt able to use his hands at the moment. I will update when I get my surgery date as his Nurse Practitioner is trying to squeeze me into the scheduel before I go back to school. I may only have a few days to recover from a same-day surgery before I go back.

For some good news I found out last week that I got the Book Store Job on Campus that I really wanted. It is not concidered work-study so I may have to work more and the hours may change week to week but I am not sure of that. I train on Wednesday and with my SCS battery starting to go Im really nervous. I dont want to turn it up more than I have to but I am hurting more since its not working properly. I am thankfully still getting coverage (please pray it stays that way till the surgery).

*Sending Healing Thoughts*

Being Labeled as "Sick"

2010-08-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

When someone is searching for a diagnosis for their chronic pain or they are already diagnosed they are automatically labeled a "patient". When someone is labeled a patient they get this mindset that they are sick. Normally when someone goes to the Doctor they are truly sick. The definition of being sick is your body's immune response fighting against bacteria that either causes pneumonia, influenza, the common cold, ect.

People who are being treated for their chronic pain feel like they get into a rut. Once you get into the unending Doctor's appointments and daily medications you do truly feel sick. It gets to the point that people wonder if its ever going to end and if a depression starts this feeling of "sick" gets ingrained even more.

A lot of those who have Chronic Pain there family and friends tend to "baby" or not expect much out of them. This leaves them in the patient or sick roll. With Chronic Pain especially RSD it is hard to do everything you want or need to do. For those with advanced RSD family members may have to assist them with their daily activities. Even those with less advanced RSD many family members may see that their sister, daugher, loved one; is not able to do what they once were able and get the "sick" or patient mindset.

I have never thought myself as sick. I have RSD but I am not sick. RSD is a dysfunction of the nervous system. We may not feel well at times due to our pain but we can still enjoy ourselves. We can love our lives and have Chronic Pain. Thanks to medical advances people with pain both acute and chronic are living more full filling lives.

Loving Yourself

2010-08-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

For the Average American who is bombarded with the media Loving Oneself is hard to do. Throw in a Chronic Illness or Chronic Pain and high Self Esteem and Loving Oneself is pretty much non-existent.

All people whether they have a Chronic Illnesses / Chronic Pain or not have a choice to make and that is to Love Oneself. That may seem impossible due to life's circumstances and what the media says we need to look like to be perfect and appealing to the opposite sex. Honestly we just need to Love Ourselves and the glow and confidence you have will show your partner or future partner how you take care of yourself, how you love others, and how you will love him (or her).

Here are Tips to Loving Yourself:

1) Be Honest with yourself about how valuable you are or you think you are - After I started taking care of my body better I treated myself better. I got rid of most of the negativity in my life.

2) Share with others - Some people with Chronic Pain or Chronic Illnesses are not able to work but volunteer to get the fulfillment out of it. For me I like to work or do some activity to stay busy while being able to help others.

3) Forgive Yourself - If you were ever told you weren't worthy or were compared to someone you despise, its not true. You are worthy and you are your own self.

4) Learn to let go - A lot of people have had a bad childhood / beginning / moments and have a hard time opening back up. Sometimes its best to talk about those feelings with someone which helps you let them go.

5) Love is a feeling not a choice - Choose to love yourself

6) What is feeling your emptiness? - Fill that place with love instead of objects, food, alcohol, ect.

You don't have to be miserable living with a Chronic Illnesses / Chronic Pain. We can be just as happy as those who are completely pain free and healthy.

Keeping Positive With a Chronic Illness

2010-08-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Many people who develop a Chronic Illness or Chronic Pain have a hard time staying positive during their treatment and life through out their illness. Sadly many Dr's still believe that these conditions such as RSD are caused by depression when depression and other mental disorders develop afterwards.

Thankfully I avoided going into a depression when my RSD came back. I believe this was because I had the support of my family, friends, church family, and online friends. It greatly helps to know that you have support from all these people. Not everyone who develops Chronic Conditions have this support though. So it helps when Movie / TV stars like Michael J. Fox who have Chronic Conditions show us that it is possible to be possible and live a full life.

I recently read an article in Reader's Digest from May 2010. They did an interview with Michael J Fox about a new book he has coming out and how he is able to stay positive. I recommend that if you haven't read it that you check it out.
We all go through a mourning phase when we find out that we have a Chronic Illness or Chronic Pain, this is very normal. Being angry that we can no longer do things that we once were able to do is the next phase. Acceptance is the last phase in mourning. It took me a while to accept the fact that I had RSD. I didn't admit to others I had RSD until people knew something was wrong when I was 17 and I had it since I was 12. Now I love my RSD, yes I love it. I hate the pain but its taught me so much and its made me, me. I also love the fact that its given me the drive to do things some people don't believe I can achieve because of it.

Once you accept your Chronic Illness / Chronic Pain its going to help your treatment plan. If your constantly fighting against your Illness or Pain than your going to be stressed out and in more pain. I really started loving my life its reflected in my completion, the way I act with family and friends, the way I view life, ect. I really don't like when people call me "sick" since I'm not. I don't have the stomach flu, pneumonia, strep throat, ect. Unless you really do have an infection or are classified "sick" by a Dr you are perfectly healthy, your nervous system is just a bit messed up. Yes I still have pain but I'm less apt to focus on it during the day. My SCS remote and meds are with me to help bring the pain down so I'm able to enjoy my life like life is suppose to be enjoyed.

Peace, Love, Happiness

Always,

Erikka

Keeping Busy

2010-07-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Healers!!

I apologies for the lack of communication. I have been having a great time with my family, friends, and boyfriend that Im exausted when I get home. I have been pushing my body and flair one or two days a week but to me its been worth it. Hanging out with friends has been healing for me.

About two weeks ago I discovered roasted vegetables. Ive been reading from other's blogs how good they are. Once I made them I couldnt get enougph. Now Im not going back to steamed vegetables unless a recipies calls for them.

A good friend and I went to the beach earlier this week for some girl time and some R&R. We stoped at a half price book store that was near by to see if there was any Vegan Cookbooks. She had picked up a health cookbook a couple days before and that sparked my inital intrest. I found a book that was more than half off and was well worth it. The book is called "The Vegeterian Family Cookbook " by Nava Atlas. It shows you that you can make recipies vegan by adding soy yogurt vs regular yogurt, daiya cheese vs cheese made from milk. Ive made three recipies with this book and loved each one.

Today at a Garage Sale I got a book that talks about Macrobiotics. Ive heard about Macrobiotics and have been curious so finding this book for a $1 made me excited. I have a month till school starts so hopefully this will keep me busy during the days Im not keeping myself busy.

Thanks all for being great!!

My Trip To WVa, Food Poisioning, Pictures

2010-07-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

I got back from WVa on Sunday evening and since then my mom, dad and I have been getting back into our normal reutein. Like I said in my last post we went down to WVa for my mom's Homecoming and a family get-together. We all had a great time visiting family and catching up with everyone.

The second night we were there we got a fruit platter to share at a cook-out that our family was having. Less than 24 hours later I was extremely sick and believe that I had gotten food poisioning from the fruit we had bought. Unfourtenetly I wasnt feeling well most of the trip but tried to make the best of everything, especially spending time with my adorable cousins.

I am thankfully feeling better and now able to resume my normal eating pattern but feel bad I missed out on some of the family fun.

Alexis, Aiden, and I

The decendents of our family

Aiden and I

Back to West Virginia!

2010-07-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

On Thursday my mom, dad, and I will be traveling back to West Virginia.

My mom is from West Virginia and two of my Aunts and my one Uncle still live down there. We are going down there for my mom's Community Annual Reunion. She grew up with her cousins and other family around her. When we go back its great to see everyone but this reunion gives my mom an opportunity to see everyone who has moved away to different states.

Now West Virgina isn't that Vegetarian or Vegan friendly. So each time I go I have to go shopping and pack me a cooler of food. Now for me that's a little hard to do since I don't exactly plan out my daily food menu. I eat what my body craves and what food we have in the house. I do go off of recipes I want to make during the week when I go shopping but never plan out the day when I am going to make it.

Ive made vegan brownies for the hotel that I know my Aunt from Virginia will love. I have also stocked up on Yves meatless meat and Yves meatless hot dogs. I'm thinking of making cupcakes for the trip and reunion as well since I know my brownies will go fast.

I am really excited to see my youngest cousins who are 4 and 2. I got them some presents that I will be able to play with them.

I will be updating after I come back from the trip. I hope you are all having a great summer and enjoying the beautiful weather. I'm very blessed that I live near one of the fresh water lakes which provides beautiful scenery.

Chronic Pain / Ilnesses and Relationships

2010-07-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Healers,

In my last blog I wanted to address the subject of Chronic Pain / Illnesses and Relationships. Recently I came across a question on the support group I help co-run. The question asked about how each person deals with their partner, family, and friends. I did answer the question on the group but also wanted to answer it here. Dealing with RSD has been trial and error in the relationship department just like it has been in the treatment department. We each have to do what seems right and natural for us, but here is what works for me.

* Significant Other: With any guy I am going on a first date with or seeing I don't mention my RSD. I want my personality to shine through and not the fact that I'm living with a Chronic Pain Condition. I want him to get to know me and if he has any questions I am glad to answer them. If him and I got more serious, I would make sure he understood about my RSD but knows that its not all of me even though it has made me a part of who I am.

* Family: My family has been 110% supportive since Ive been diagnosed. Its been tough to explain to my immediate family about my symptoms and how I am able to manage the symptoms without them thinking that I'm not able to work, be independent, ect. The best way to get your family to understand that you may not need as much help as you once did is to sit down and talk to them. Also easing your way into the activity you want to accomplish will help show your family that you can manage it and may be able to handle a bit more.

* Friends: Its hard for us to understand why our friends tend to "leave" us during a time of crisis in our lives. Others may stay but after awhile they may get frustrated of us never getting better and "leave" also. I have found friends who respect me for who I am and see past the aspect that I have RSD. When I meet them I didn't bring up the aspect that I had RSD. I clearly let them ask any questions they had and still let them.

I hope to do more posts like this. If you have any questions you would like me to address please let me know.

NYC and Relationships

2010-07-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I am back once again. Like I said I had a wonderful and busy trip to the wonderful City of New York. My mom, sister, niece, and I took this trip to participate in the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk with Team RSDSA. I absolutely love that the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk was founded. It has brought together people who are able bodied, those who have amputated limbs due to war or other reasons, those in wheelchairs, and those that can walk but barely just make it across the finish line. This walk helps bring awareness of all of the conditions out there that people live with on a daily basis and brings every person who participates either in person or virtually, hope. I love participating in this walk and meet others who have RSD as well. The first time I participated in the walk was in 2007. My RSD just came back the January before and my mom believed that coming to the walk would be good for me to meet others who had RSD. I couldn't get over this overwhelming feeling I had that I felt normal. There were others around me who understood and felt the same pain I did. So when we went back this year I was excited to feel that again and meet others like me. The final numbers according to RSDSA were that 300 people showed up in person and 190 did the virtual walk, this was the biggest walk to date. I did see my good friend Marsha, whom I meet the first time around. We have stayed in contact since and we were both excited to see each other. I was able to finish the full two miles of the RSDSA portion of the walk. The previous time I could only walk the first mile and had to be pushed the second. I had set my goal for accomplishing the two miles so I was excited I was able to do it. I hope and pray Marsha and I will be able to walk the two miles together in the near future.

*Marsha and I at the Walk *

*Jim Broatch and I - He is the director of RSDSA*

* My sister, niece, mom, and I*

For the rest of the day the walk occurred my family and I explored the city. We took a tour bus and went down to Soho where we grabed some lunch. Later that night we took a night tour of the city which I highly recommend. For the night tour we crossed into Brooklyn over the Manhattan Bridge to see the lights of Manhattan at night. Since I ended up pushing myself at the walk I ended up with a severely swollen right foot and leg. So that my body could get a bit of a rest my mom, sister, and niece went on the rest of the tour the next day while Marsha and I met up and did our own tour. We went to Madison Square Garden and then out to lunch. Due to her initial injury she has a hard time on the phone so her and I text for the most part. It was great being able to talk like we never were apart for 3 yrs.

*In Little Italy*

* NYU Medical Center*

*Times Square*

*The WNBA Basketball Court at Madison Square Garden*

Having had a great time in NYC just showed me that I need to do something to help my family and friends understand a bit more about my RSD without scarring them. I feel like people either treat me like I'm 100% healthy or 100% disabled. There are many times when I can walk a long distance but I may not be able to the next day. That is simply the RSD and its hard to predict how I'm going to feel day to day. Its a hard concept to grasp, and would think it would be hard for some people to grasp. I'm going to addressee this topic more as I believe it needs addressed, not just in my life but for all of us who have chronic conditions .

New York City

2010-06-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Wonderful Healers!

I am back from my wonderful trip to the Big Apple. My mom, sister, niece, and I went for four days, Saturday through Tuesday. We primarly went for the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk but also went to enjoy the sites of New York.

I am going to blog more on my amazing experience more in depth in another blog. Right now I am unpacking and Im recoving from the trip for the next couple days. I do want to share about the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk experience.

Sending Healing Thoughts To All of You!

Friends, Food, and NYC

2010-06-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Welness Lovers!

Ive have a great couple days with my friends. We decided to go out to dinner on Monday. Since all three of us are Vegan one of the girls found a restraunt that had not only food for those who ate meat but also accomidated Vegeterians and Vegans. We were suprised at the selection of food that was avaliable and how nice the place was. After each one of us kept debating over what we wanted we ordered since everything sounded wonderful, we got caught up with each other's busy lives. I ended up getting the Tamale Platter with Black Bean Chili on top. M got a Greek Salad with tofu crumbles to replace the cheese. K got a sample platter with various items like a spinach pie and hummus with pita bread. We all loved the food are were trying each other's meals. At the end of the meal we each got a Chocolate Milkshake for dessert. The milkshake was made out of Ricemilk and was more than one person could drink.

Tommy's Website: http://www.tommyscoventry.com/index2.php?section=WhatsOnMenu&page=TheMenu&menu=LunchDinner&menusection=Salads

On Saturday morning my mom, sister, and niece will be heading to NYC. I am more than excited not see one of the most magnificent cities but to see friends that Ive made since Ive been diagnosed with RSD. There are many aspects to having RSD that people look at as negative, but the people you meet is one of the positive things to this syndrome. Without the friends Ive made who have RSD and the support they give I probably would have fallen into a depression. My mom and dad as well as friends have helped so much but having someone who can understand means a lot.

My sister will be running the 5 mile course during the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk. I am really proud of her as she has been training for a couple months now. My mom, niece and I will be walking the 2 mile course for those who have RSD. The last time we were in NYC I walk the first mile and then had to be pushed in a wheelchair the last mile. I am so happy Ive came so far in the last 3 years that I will be able to do this unassisted. It helps remind me that Im fighting this RSD everytime I get out of bed or everytime I walk my dog. I refuse to let this take a hold of my life and participate in things like this to help others who have RSD. Hopefully one day there will be a cure found from the money raised from an event like this!

Achilles Hope and Possibility Website: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2010/r0627x00.asp

RSDSA Achilles Hope and Possibility: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2010/r0627x00.asp

My Firstgiving Page: http://www.firstgiving.com/erikkafightingagainstrsd

** All donations are tax deductable

Healing Thoughts!!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T14:07:00.001-07:00

Hello Healers!

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying spending Fathers Day with your Father whether biological, the male role models in our lives who are there for us, and our Father in Heaven (Spiritual Father).

Over the last week I've been spending a great deal of time with God the Father. Ive came to discover how much He loves us. He loves us so much that He gave His only son to die for us. I doubt that human would willingly give up their son or daughter to help save millions of people's souls. Yet we have an amazing God who would and because of that we are free of the sin we are not only born with (because of Adam and Eve) but also have since we have since we have a free will.

My Pastor is helping me study the Bible this summer. I am going to be reading the Torah, the first 5 books of the Old Testament. Understanding the Old Testament helps us understand the prediction and the coming of Christ.

On Friday my mom and I went to visit another college. It was a Transfer Student Open House where we were able to tour the campus, talk about what credit would transfer and the most important financial aid. I really liked the college and have a big decision to make. Ive been praying about it for a long time and believe I have my answer, Ill let you all know soon.

Its pretty warm here today. I'm about to go enjoy some time on our hammock and a nice big salad later on. My dad and I washed his car earlier and spent time outside playing with my dog Holly.

In one week I will be in NYC with my mom, sister, and niece. I'm excited to spend sometime with my good friend who also has RSD. Her and I haven't seen each other in three years but stay in constant contact. We are leaving for NYC on Saturday and will be there till Tuesday. The Achilles Hope for Possibility is on Sunday June 27, one week from today. I am so ready to kick RSD's butt! I have looked up and have a list of vegan restaurants and I'm excited to try them out.

I hope you are all having a great evening and great Father's Day.

Healing Thoughts To All!

Articles on Headaches and How to Deal with Pain

2010-06-14T13:42:00.001-07:00

Hello All!

Today I opened my email and found some great articles that I thought that all of you may enjoy.

Managing Headaches Without Pain Medication: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/managing-headaches-pain-medication/story?id=10642271

Skin Color Affects Ability to Emphasize With Pain: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/27/race.empathy/

Ginger Can Help With Muscle Pain: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1280005/A-pinch-ginger-help-reduce-muscle-pain-heavy-exercise.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Hope You Enjoy!

Healing Thoughts To All :-)

Update :-)

2010-06-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Wellness Lovers!!

Hope your all doing well, soaking up the sun shine and enjoying the beautiful weather we've been having.

I've been enjoying being filled with God's spirit and learning about Him more through His word. I love being able to connect with God more through eating whole natural foods and knowing Im treating my body as best as I can.

I got Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Cancer Documentary from our local library and spent the humid day re-learning from it. I watched it when if first came out on NBC several years ago but wanted to watch it again and get anything I could from it. It did make me crave some pasta with tomato sauce with broccoli. Don't ask me why I got this craving especially since tomato sauce is very acidic but I can say it was delicious.

I am still taking my daily walks with my dog. Around 6:30-7:00 in the evening she comes and finds me to let me know that its time for our walk. She a little dog but holds her own. When we get back I get her a fresh bowl of water and she takes a long nap. I'm blessed to have her.

Sorry for the long time between updates.
Healing Thoughts To All of You!

Good Food and Good Memories

2010-06-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Wellness Lovers!

This week has been full of Delicious food and the memories that come with it, visiting a friend from school on the way to see my Grandma, and two Graduation Parties to end it all.

On Tuesday my mom and I went down to visit my Grandma. She is currently in a rehab facility since she just got out of the hospital. Once of my friends from school is near to where my Grandma is at. We stoped at her house and visited with her and her mom for a good hour to two hours. She lives in a rural area, more than I do. They have lots of land and many of their neighbors have farm animals. At their house they had chickens, which I loved. I don't want any but loved to watch them walk around. It also confirmed why I am vegan and why I cant eat them and their eggs, it definitely wouldn't seem right now. We then went and visited with my Grandma for a good couple hours. My Aunt (her daughter) told me her son was having a hard time eating dairy and wheat products so I let her know about the dairy alternatives to cheese (daiya) and other things that might help. It just seems more and more people are having a harder time digesting meat and dairy products.

After the visit with my Grandma my mom and I went to Whole Foods to pick some things up that we cant get at stores near us. At the store I started craving a dish that Ive had so many times when I was younger. My friends mom and her mom (friends Grandma) would make this dish and I would eat over there frequently. Recently my friends Grandmother passed away and I too thought of her as my Grandma so this dish reminded me of her. We bought some gluten free noodles for the dish and other goodies. To make the "Goolosh" we added homemade canned tomatoes, the pasta, green bell pepper, a little bit of onion, and black beans. It tasted just like Grandma Judy's and was absolutely wonderful.

Sweet Potato & Beet Chips, Gluten Free Pasta, Earth Balance Butter,

So Delicious Yogurt, and Strawberries...yummy!

"Goolosh" - Pasta with Noodles and Tomato Sauce with Black Beans

Yesterday was the Graduation of the High School I am an Alumni of. It seems so weird Ive already been out for two years already. On that note we had two Graduation parties that we got invited to. At the first party I filled up on some delicious fruit. Here in the north our fruit season isn't until mid June or so. It was nice to be able to have a fruit salad and taste all of those flavors. At the second party one of my friends also happens to be vegan so I was able to eat some of the food that her mom makes for her. I had also brought me some hummus so that I could could have a dip for fresh vegetables. At least I know what to do for the next Graduation Party. I have one more and then one is being thrown at my house for my cousin which will make it even easier.

At one of the Graduation Parties. I have been friends with these

girls for years. The girl I am sitting next to is also vegan.

Sending Healing Thoughts!

Learning New Ways To Re-Think Symptoms

2010-05-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a book on these last few weeks on how to not to be controlled by your symptoms. The book is called "Stop Being Your Symptoms and Start Being Yourself" a 6 week Mind - Body Program to Ease Your Chronic Symptoms. The book is by Arthur J. Barsky M.D and Emily C. Deans M.D. I'm going to be honest, its taken me a little while to actually get into the book and still at times do not agree with it. There are several things though that I do agree with and think many of the ideas other people may feel helpful.

The book starts off talking about how since medical technology has advanced more people are living longer. Since people are living longer we are contracting more conditions, syndromes, or diseases that we wouldn't have otherwise including dementia and althestimers. Also because of medical technology many people expect to be cured of their conditions, syndromes, or diseases. When a person's symptoms aren't fully alleviated or the person isn't cured of the condition, syndrome, or disease the person gets disappointed. The person either blames their Dr that they are not doing their job or the Dr blames the patient that they are making up their symptoms.

The book also talks about the difference of symptoms and disease. A symptom can be produced by more things than physical disease; they can be produced by our life experiences, expectations, beliefs, and emotions" (pg 19). This is evident in those who have an optimistic outlook on their treatment. Those who are optimistic outlook do have symptoms but are less apt to focus on them. Also it is also evident in those who expect a cure or total remission of sorts. When I got diagnosed with RSD I knew my life was going to change. I did want remission but knew I had to get through every day and did so with the help of my family and friends. After 8 years I still have that support and realize how blessed I am everyday.

Dr's for the most part are taught to diagnose and treat their patients. When they find nothing wrong there is nothing to treat. This is hard especially with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy where nothing shows up on x-rays, CT's, MRI's, or other medical tests. Doctors are left to diagnose the patient by ruling out other conditions and focusing on the symptoms. That is also hard to do since not everyone who has RSD has the same symptoms. Someone may swell like a balloon while person's limbs may turn different colors, while another's may do both.

I will post more about the book when I have read more. I have found it interesting pretty far and so far a good read.

On Saturday my mom and I went to the store to get some fresh vegetables and fruit for the weekend. It was absolutely crazy there. I would go and grab something and almost get ran over. My tension headache from the night before came back full force and I was pretty much down for the rest of the evening. That night my dad had went to cut the watermelon we had bought. We were all so excited since it was the first one that we got this year. It ended up having some kind of worm type holes. My mom ended up taking the watermelon back to the store since it wasn't worth eating. Today we went to my sister's house. We had a Birthday type gathering for my other sister. I brought my vegan burgers and munched on some raw vegetables. There wasn't much I could eat other than corn which I eat with nothing on it (yum!). I had offered to make a cake or cookies (vegan of course) but was shot down by my mom earlier this week. I'm nervous about when I go to NYC what I'm going to eat. I'm going with all meat eaters, and even though I love salads, I do like a bit of variety too.

As I mentioned above Ive been having some trouble with my neck and my tension headaches are back. The only way I know to rid of them is to get my neck massaged and don't have an appointment for a month. If you have any suggestions I will take any at this point.

Healing Thoughts To All of You!

Life Is Good!

2010-05-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hi All! I hope you are all having a great week and enjoying the lovely weather, I know I am. I have to keep this a little short since my dog is waiting for me to take her on our nightly walk.

I have been having an awesome time eating foods that are nourishing my body, one bite at a time. I actually became a little attached to a veggie sub I started making. My dad had left over hoggie buns from his lunch this week so I grilled one on our stove grill and cut up some fresh vegetables that we had (green pepper, cucumber, celery). I added a bit of spinach and veganise and olala it was soo good! Its perfect for a hot day way no one doesn't want to cook.

Not too much has been going on here. I went to my Pain Management Dr's yesterday to get my SCS reprogrammed. He suggested that I get it reprogramed last time that I saw him. All I had to do was see his nurse practitioner and the Medtronics Representative. The Medtronics Representative checked my battery and let me know the reason that I had to turn my battery up more is because my battery is starting to go. I have a 3-5 year battery and I have had it implanted since December 2007 so it will be 4 years in December. She gave me the signs to look for and my remote will let me know when to call the Dr. I just hope it doesn't happen during the school year. She told me it shouldn't and that I probably have a year left but that is just an estimate.

After the Dr's Appointment my mom and I went to Khols. Since I have lost so much weight in the last year because of becoming vegan I dong have any shorts (besides athletic ones) to wear. I got some really cute shorts and tops which fit me with out me having to go and getting a bigger or smaller size. I had a gift card too so the clothes were needed and were a gift to myself for all of my hard work this year. Also to show off a bit in NYC (we all like to show off, admit it!).

Well I'm off to go on my walk. My dog won't stop crying...lol. I'm reading an interesting book about medical symptoms and would like to share with you some concepts. I will have to next time.

Healing Thoughts!!

* P.S. The Concert on Monday was awesome, I got to see Friends I havent seen in a while. Its always great to get away and enjoy some music for awhile.

An Amazing Weekend! + Pictures

2010-05-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

From Friday to Sunday I went to West Virgina to visit my extended family. I haven't been to Wv in about 2 or 3 years so it was great to see my family especially the ones that hardly travel. Due to my RSD I do not like traveling for an extended period of time so it took some will power to get through the 4 hour drive both there and coming back.

During the stay in Wv I finally saw my cousins whom I haven't seen in several years, actually I meet one for the first time. The two of them, are two and four years old are absolutely precious and didn't want to leave my side all weekend.

Alexis and I

Aiden, Alexis, and I

I also got to visit the cemetery where my Grandparents, Uncles are buried. My one Uncle, Uncle Bud I was especially close to before he passed away about 7-8 years ago. I believe I mentioned this but during finals I had a realistic dream that he was there and I ended up waking up crying. I believe with my whole heart that he helped me through finals.

Alexis and Aiden picked "flowers" for me

My mom and I went and bought some flowers today. I wanted a plant for a planter I made the first semester of school but when we got it home it was too large. I ended up getting fresh parsley since I end up using a lot when I marinade tofu or vegetable pizza. I am exited to use it any tips on using it would help.

Tonight I am meeting up with one of my good friends and we are going to a concert that our Church is having. One of our friends that grew up in the Church with us will be opening for the band so we are both excited for this concert.

I hope you enjoy,

Healing Thoughts!

The Obsticals of Chronic Pain

2010-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Over the last 8 yrs I have lived with the pain of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Its hard for me to describe to anyone who doesn't live with this type of pain day in and day out what this does to you physically and mentally. Going to bed with pain and knowing that your going to wake up and experience it all over again can be trying at times. In my case I am a very light sleeper, so I do feel pain when I am sleeping. People may find this to be a hard concept but when you have RSD its reality. Last night esspecially when I would only sleep an hour at a time due to my right arm feeling like it was on fire.

I have never gotten to the point where I have needed help by a Professional for the mental obsticals that RSD has thrown my way. I am not saylng that seeing a Psychiatrist is a bad thing. For many people it helps them express emotions that otherwise they couldn't. I do recommend if you or someone you know has chronic pain to go see a Psychiatrist that has specialized in Pain Managment. I have been able to surround myself with people who support me. I surround myself not only with my family and friends but with others who have RSD. Those of us with RSD can support each other by understanding what each other is going through, encouraging each other through various treatments, and simply be there for one another.

I meet one of my good friends who has RSD on facebook. She and I quickly became friends and a short time later we were able to meet in NYC when I went to participate in the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk in 2007. Even though her and I are several years apart in age we are have a bond because of the pain we experience each and everyday. I havent seen her since 2007 and I am looking forward to seeing her this summer.

One of my friends from my college, has Cerebral Palsy. Him and I have great talks whenever he comes up to visit as he graduated from the college in 2009. He made a donation to RSDSA on my behalf. He also posted about the walk on his Disaboom site. If you have a chance please check it out. He posts reguarly about Cerebral Palsy. Here is the link to his Disaboom site, click here http://www.disaboomlive.com/Blogs/zachary/archive/2010/05/17/achilles-walk-for-hope-amp-possibility-team-rsdsa.aspx

Before I end this post I do have to let everyone know how strong people with RSD and Chronic pain are. Well actually anyone who has a "disablility" (I hate that word) is strong emotionally and physically. We have to find ways to get things accomidated for us so that we may have an equal chance just as everyone else does.

Vegetables Anyone?

2010-05-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been full of healing food, time with my precious dog, and spending time with a good friend.

Ive always loved food and discovering new flavors and creations. I made a great sandwich on Friday which included cucumbers, and tomatoes that were marinated in spinach and herb and parsley herbs along with some olive oil. I grilled the cucumbers and tomatoes and put them on toasted bread with the extra marinade on the bread. It was delicious and I had it again today for lunch.

I made a vegetable pizza tonight for dinner. I love making these especially since they are simple to make. I usually add any fresh vegetables we have in our fridge which included a green bell pepper and onion this time. I added parsley for the pizza taste and added some daiya cheese. I normally don't add daiya cheese but decided to for a change.

Since I came home from college my dog Holly is supper happy that I am home. I have taken her on a few walks if my body and the weather allows. She is always willing to play with her new toy and lets me know quite a few times a day. The following is a picture of Holly and two of her toys. I believe this was taken on Friday after her and I were playing for a good half hour or so. She was out for the count.

Last but not least one of my good friends and I got to spend a good amount of time together yesterday. Her and I hardly see each other do to our schedules. She wont be here over the summer due to working at an amusement park. Her and I went to see a movie and then went out to eat. I ended up getting a Black Bean Burger with Guacamole on top...yum! I don't have any pictures of our outing but we had a great time.

Book Recommendation

2010-05-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to be able to live near one of the greatest private teaching hospitals in the country. I'm not saying it is the best but one of the best (also according to U.S News and World Report). I was diagnosed with RSD by an orthopedist at the Cleveland Clinic and refereed to my current Pain Management Dr, whom I still see today.

Dr. Michael Stanton-Hicks has dedicated his life to his patients. He is constantly at conferences helping teach others about RSD and Chronic Pain, in other countries treating those with RSD, or at the Cleveland Clinic spending time with his patients (treating them). He will spend up to 20-30 minutes with each of his patients. He likes to know what is going on with us medically, if anything has changed pain wise, he also likes to know how our life's are going. My last appointment I brought my homework since I knew it would be a long appointment and he started laughing because he thought it was hilarious that my algebra book was so thick and heavy. I hope and pray ill be able to work with him after I graduate from college.

Recently my Dr. wrote a book on Pain Management, The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Pain Management. I am already done with the book and wanted to recommend it to all of you. It is a must read for everyone who has a chronic pain disorder, knows someone who has a chronic pain disorder, or just wants to learn more. Dr. Stanton-Hicks talks about the different types of chronic pain (the different types of pain), how it can be treated with conventional therapies and alternative therapies. He also talks about different syndromes / diseases that can cause chronic pain like RSD, firbromyalga, and cancer. In the back there is also a mock pain diary so you can show your Dr how much pain you feel at different types of the day. Over all its a great book. I know I posted this before but here is my Dr. talking about the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QIc4hZlRJQ

My Avacados

Hemp Protein Shake...yum!

All the way to the top of the glass!

Today was my recovery day since my RSD is going a little out of control due to all this rain we are getting. I am trying to eat as many healing foods as I can to keep my body functioning at its best. I made some homemade guacamole today. I had some on a vegan burger and it was delicious. I am currently enjoying a hemp protein smoothie with a banana and strawberries. I use to only drink my shake every other day or so but now my body is craving them.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Healing Thoughts!!

A Day for ALL Women

2010-05-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

First I want to say Happy Mothers Day to everyone who has raised a child, is currently or is currently raising a child if it is yours biologically or not.

I have been blessed by being surrounded by so many wonderful women who have helped raise me these last 20 yrs. These women range from my 2 grandmas (one is my great-grandma, both on Dad's side) my aunts on my Mom's Side, my friend's mom who is like a second mom to me and my mom of course. Its hard to mention all the women who have been an influence on me because I could keep going on and on. These women have also been influenced by their mom's and other women before them which simply amazes me.

Mother's Day is a day to recognize those women who have taken the time to raise a child. It is also a day to take the time to help influence the younger generation. I'm not talking about influencing them in a bad way but to show the younger generation how women come together to raise a child and how we all come together to get things done. As Pastor Mark said today; God put something in women that he didn't in men. He gave women the ability to nourish and care. My Professor last semester said that women will always feel guilty whether it having to go to work and leave her child or staying home with sick child and worrying about the person who had to take her shift at work. Women just have this guilty feeling because we care.

Pictures from Last Night:

My neice and I

My Aunt, Mom and Sister

After all these years of have RSD and after 2 years of living away from home (in a dorm) it makes me realize how much my mom cares and loves me. During two of my hospital stays my mom never left my side, she came to all of my procedures, and still comes to my Dr's Appointments to help advocate for me. I love my mom so much.

Last night my mom, sister Missy, niece Cassie, and Aunt Barb went to the Horse Racetrack. I didn't know what to expect since Ive never been there. The only think I knew about Horse races was from Pretty Woman...lol. Since I was over 18 I was allowed to gamble on the races. I just helped my mom in picking out her horses instead. The horses I picked always ended up in the top 3 except for 2 races out of 8. I had a great time with my family, we had a nice dinner and a nice evening together.

Today we had brunch for Mother's Day. I had a Tofu Scramble which was extremely good. I then helped one of our good family friends learn about veganism and introduced her to almond milk and coconut milk yogurt (my favorite). I actually just got done sending her some recipes so that she can try them out this week. She is from India where they follow a mostly Vegetarian / Vegan diet anyway. The couple became Americanised in some of their diet and she wanted to know my "secret". I hope she does well this week and I will let you all know how she does.

Sending Healing Thoughts to All!

Healing for All of Us

2010-05-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

As I continue on this journey I my past experiences with RSD come back vividly. Since the day I was diagnosed to this present day I have prayed for a cure for RSD to be found. If a cure isn't found in my lifetime then at least in the lifetime of my future children.

During my RSD journey I have encountered the word CURE and HEALING several times. Right now I do not believe theses are possible unless God has personally healed the person Himself. Many years ago when I was new to my Church the Pastor at the time did a sermon on healing and why God only heals a few people and not everyone. I remember the Pastor saying that not everyone gets healed from their aliments due to God not trying to hurt us emotionally or physically but to see how strong we are. Also He gives us these conditions to help us find who we are and what we were put on this earth to do. I personally think since I have not been "cured" or "healed" at this point in my eight year journey that I was meant to have this for some reason. I believe this reason is to help others with RSD.

I do believe though that some of the damage done to my body by the RSD can be reversed by a whole foods plant based diet. Our body is meant to be treated with food that will benefit our bodies and not foods that will harm it.

Last night I had an opportunity to talk to my mom and aunt about why I choose to eat like I do. My aunt was floured with how this lifestyle helped and is still helping benefit Bethany and many other RSDers and even those with cancer (http://www.crazysexylife.com/). They have both seen how these foods have benefited me in the short time Ive been full vegan. I just really wish they would at least try to switch over also.

The picture above is of my little girl, Holly with her Cupcake. Yesterday I did a spring clean out of my room. I got rid of all the clothes that no longer fit me. I had gained so much weight thanks to my pills and inactivity. Last year I started loosing a significant amount of weight when I got rid of beef from my diet. Now that I am vegan I am at my healthy weight for my age and height. This makes me even happier cause it gives me an opportunity to go shopping!...lol.

My Life Over the Past Week

2010-05-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, I'm back!!

I have had a very tough week full studying for finals to early morning hours, taking the finals, catching up with friends one last time, and packing up my room. I am more than exhausted. About half of my dorm room is still in the cars waiting to be unpacked tomorrow.

My dog was absolutely excited to see me and I was just as excited to see her. She's more like a person who can't talk than a pet. She's followed me around the house since Ive been home with her tail high in the air. She even lucked out since her Birthday was the other day, she got her Birthday present a stuffed cupcake. She was excited and immediately started playing with it.

As much as I love my school I was happy to be able to come home and make me a nutritious vegan meal. I made me a vegan burger with cauliflower and broccoli on the side. It makes me happy to know that I'm now able to focus on myself for awhile. I know especially the last two weeks or so I have been following my diet but have been neglecting how my body feels. My RSD has been hurting bad but I will now be able to rest when need to and not have to stay up to study for tests, well at least for a month anyway.

I will be updating more now that I have more time. Again sorry for my absence.

Those Who Motivate Us

2010-04-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I was filling out a scholarship application and it got me to thinking about what actually motivates me. Each of us has something that motivates us whether it be a significant other, a goal, or even a life long dream. These motivations help us get through the everyday grind. They help us realize the bigger picture in the long run.

When I was twelve I never realized how much my life was going to change once I sprained my left wrist. My life has been blessed from the people who have been put in it, the challenges I have had to face, and the accomplishments I have made. I say that I'm blessed from my challenges because they have helped me learn about who I am this also includes getting RSD. If someone where to ask me if I could take it all back, I honestly don't know if I would.

About six months after getting RSD my Uncle got very sick and passed away. From watching the nurses taking care of him in the hospital came my desire to become a nurse. From my continuous treatments and visits to my PM's office my desire to become a nurse has grown simply from being with my Uncle the last weeks of his life. My Uncle was always supportive of me and stepped in as a substitute Grandfather he had passed away before I was born. It saddens me to know he isn't here to see me in college. I have two motivations; my Uncle and my RSD, both have helped me realize how blessed I am to be in college and be succeeding.

Refreshed

2010-04-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a great time to help me get refreshed for the upcoming week. As I mentioned before I have several tests before finals and I needed an environment to study and need to get some healing food. One of the things that helped me loose the tension this weekend was to cook.

I absolutely love putting different ingredients together and knowing something scrumptious is going to come of it. Also since becoming vegan I have become more receptive to trying new food and love to discover new flavors. On Saturday my dad and I went to the store and bought some stuff that we just generally needed. I of course brought stuff that I could bring back to school and would help me get through finals. Things like celery, strawberries, apples, ect. that are convenient yet nutritious. I also bought some vegan veggie burgers which I had one of that night. My dad made burgers on the grill and I had my own vegan version. I was happy though that he went for the vegetarian backed beans when I suggested it and he even ate them. I say this because anyone who knows him knows he is extremely picky.

I had two tests today, I started the day off with a almond milk, banana, apple and hemp protein smoothie. I defenitly see a differnce in how I feel, compared to last semester at this same time. I am still tired and hurting RSD wise ect., but I have more energy too and my stamina is up. I am always excited to discover new foods that I can eat and their "powers".

Here are two pictures of the meals I made over the weekend.

Tofu Scramble

Made Sunday Morning

Rice, Beans, and Almonds

Made on Sunday

brought the rest back to school

Sorry the pictures are dark, I took them with my phone.

Until next time!

Sending Healing Thoughts to all!

How Food Can Make a Difference

2010-04-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

Since I was little Ive always love "healthy food". I would be the one that would have to be forced to eat the steak on my plate or would pack a salad for lunch during high school. When I found this world of food and how it can help heal our bodies and how it can help prevent certain genes from being turned on it simply blows my mind.

When I was 17, my RSD spread into my right arm from me slamming my pointer finger on my right hand in my car door. I ended up getting sent to a Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital with a Tunneled Epidural Catheter in my spine (like a pregnant woman's epidural but more complicated and somewhat portable). My roommate was another girl who had RSD, she and I became quick friends. She was wheelchair bound, couldn't feel her legs, and highly allergic to several medications that she was put on to treat her RSD. Bethany had went into remission but her RSD came back when she stepped on a nail and had to get a tetanus shot. I am telling you all this because she is the one that inspired me to follow this diet.

Bethany and I both developed an infection in our spines from the TECS at the same time. She and I ended up being "paralyzed" for a good period in time. My symptoms wore off with in about two weeks, Bethany's persisted. After a couple months of no Dr's Bethany decided to go 100% raw Vegan and after a while on this diet she started getting movement in her legs. Today she is pain free and walking all over the place.

When I heard of Bethany's success I couldn't believe that food could have such a huge impact. That same year I stoped eating beef to give it a try. Within a month of the beef being out of my system my pain levels went down, I was hooked and was a believer. It took me a while though to cut other things out of my diet though. After a 1 1/2 yrs of not eating beef I gave up all meat and shortly after became vegan. I didn't see the reason to stop eating meat but to still consume dairy products. I also believe that I am lactose intolerant which doesn't mean much being vegan.

At this point in time on my RSD journey I don't believe I will be completely pain free. I do believe though that my life style choice is going to help with my RSD and to help prevent other health conditions in the long run. Its taken a little effort on my part on planning meals, reading food labels, and explaining my life style but I'm loving every minute of it.

Right now I am at how trying to recuperate from several long weeks at school. I have one week left before finals and then I am officially done! I have three tests next week and three finals so I may not be on much this weekend or before finals. After the stress is relieved I do want to post about my theory on how I think RSD can be developed even before we are born.

Until next time!

Information Overload

2010-04-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for my absence, I hope you will understand. Last weekend and the last few days have been crazy and that is an understatement. I have been in a flair, had to study for two quizzes for yesterday, deal with social issues, had a test today, and haven't gotten more than 5 hours of sleep each of the past two nights.

I am absolutely exhausted and don't know how I am upright at the moment. I have so much to do in such little time. I have finals in two weeks, 2 comprehensive exams, 1 not. Before finals I have a lab practical and 2 tests scheduled.

Since my body is pretty run down I have been trying to fill it with healing food and foods that will help aid me especially since finals is coming up and no one is a fan of finals. I have started using a hemp protein powder and mixing it with almond milk and a banana. It is absolutely delicious, according to one of my friends its "disgusting" but its actually good and I know its helping my body heal itself from the wear and tear I put on it.

Even though I throughly enjoy school I am looking forward to summer (im taking a summer class). Im looking forward to going to Farmer's Markets and getting truely fresh vegetables and spending time with family and friends outside. I am also looking forward to forgeting about days where I feel like this.

Who Are You?

2010-04-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

WHO, What, When, Why, How? Are the questions we are taught to ask and answer through Elementary School through College. These questions not only apply to us being in school but our everyday lives also.

We tend to let society define who we are. A lot of people if asked to define themselves usually define themselves by their profession; teacher, mom, college student, ect. People dont realize that this is letting society define them and thats not exactly 100% a bad thing. We do need to find who we really are.

The only way to find who we really are is to find ourselves in God. Building a relationship with God is the way each one of us will be able to find our real selves. Having a relationship with God has helped me with my journey with RSD. God has shown me that I am stronger than I thought I thought I was. He has also given me a desier to help others who also have chronic pain by becoming a Nurse and then hopefully a Nurse Practitioner.

Today was a beautiful day and I was able to spend a great amount of time outside with some great friends. Friends also help define who we are since we spend so much time with time. My good friend Rebecca and I made a door sign for my other friend Mike since it was his Birthday. Rebecca and I had a great time collecting the supplies from Campus Activities and making the sign itself. We also had 6 balloons which Rebecca blew up (I have bad lungs) and we hung them all over Mike's door along with the sign. I got a call and he was very appreciative of it. :-)

Sending Healing thoughts to all!

Live, Lauph, Love

2010-04-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

The past couple days have been hard for me. With the temperatures suddenly taking a downward turn and the rain coming in my body didn't know how to handle it. Thankfully the extra pill I was allowed to take helped the pain a little as well as extra rest. On Thursday night after my last class I was truly excited to change and know that I could stay in the rest of the night and sleep in the next day.

Every once in a while I'm in class I will doodle on my notes when nothing too exciting is going on. I have heard that doodling during class or during a meeting can actually improve memory. Here is a study that was conducted of doodling http://www.newsweek.com/id/186738. The thing that I doodle the most is "Live, Laugh, Love". We have all seen these words on plaques or picture frames but what do they really mean? Well here's my interpretation.

Live:

Evey one of us lives a life, but do we really live? There are people that don't start living their life until they get diagnosed with a chronic condition. My RSD taught me to live my life and to never take advantage of the good days I had.

Laugh:

Each of us needs to be able to laugh at ourselves. If we aren't able to then what gives us the right to join in the jokes positioned at others? Each of us makes mistakes and being able to laugh at those mistakes not only shows other people we have a sense a humor but can help lower stress levels as well.

Love:

Loving one another is important. Forming relationships is one of the most essential components of being a human. We all might have great relationships with our pets but eventually we are going to need human contact. Love conquers hate and finds compassion for the people in your life who have hurt you emotionally and physically. A lot of times we forgive for ourselves not for the person who is hurting us.

The Warm Weather is Here

2010-04-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I am truely excited that the warm weather is here. For me it means a slight reduction in pain levels, hopefully. With the amount of rain and humidity that comes with spring I do start to flair a bit more than the other months. I cant deny that I rather have the warmer weather though.

I saw my Pain Management Dr today. I dont see my PM too often, maybe about every 3 to 4 months. Lately I have a an increase in pain and was going to switch over to the nucynta but it was simply too strong for my body to handle. We talked about other options. I am going to stick to my regular pain medication but I can add an extra pill or two of Ultram during the day as needed. I believe this is going to help significantly. My Dr also asked about my SCS. I love my SCS and think its one of the best decisions that Ive made regarding my health. It takes away the majority of my burring pain that I experience. According to my Dr it seems to do that and my pain medicine helps with the stabbing pain. He suggested that I get my SCS re-programed so that I have several options or programs to work with. Right now I have two programs; 1. Im up and walking, sitting, ect. 2. Laying down (spinal cord is compressed).

We also talked about how my stomach has still been giving me trouble six months after the first symptoms started. It was suggested that I start writing a food journal or diary and keep track the foods that cause me a problem. I told him about my switch to veganism and how when I did do milk products I would get sick so I stopped. Also how veggies help me from getting sick, Im guessing because they are high fiber foods. I am going to do the food journal though starting tomorrow and see if I can actually pinpoint what is making me sick or if I actually do have RSD in my stomach like I think I do. The thing is though most people with RSD in their stomach cant absorb foods and vomit them up, I think the RSD is just affecting my pyloric sphincter (the part of the stomach that lets the food pass from stomach to intestines). In the meantime I am still on the Levsin before I eat which helps but is a pain to remember to take before hand and takes forever to dissolve in my mouth.

Ive been hurting a bit more lately due to the rain and moisture in the air. Im not sure if its a good thing when your able to predict when its going to rain just by your pain levels going up.

Amazing Life

2010-04-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have such an amazing life. The last couple days have been quite amazing. I spent almost all of Friday and Saturday outside enjoying the gorgeous weather. Sunday was spent with my family, Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus.

On Saturday my dad and I spent some time together. Him and I planted around 500 onion sets. The quote from me to him was "Its weird I kind of like getting dirty". Later on Saturday my mom, Aunt, and I went to Olive Garden. We shared a nice meal and thankfully they offer great vegetarian meals that can be easily made vegan. My mom and I then had to run into our local Walmart to get some items for our Easter Dinner and for my vegan granola bars. When we came out it had dropped 16 degrees within 15 minutes a change that I had predicted thanks to my arms hurting like crazy at Olive Garden.

For Resurrection Sunday mom and I got up early for Church. I woke up a bit earlier like I usually do to search and open my Easter Basket. Many of the treats I cant eat so I simply left them at home. My parents did get me a air popping popcorn maker since most popcorn have milk in them. After Church my siblings came over to enjoy a meal and each other's company. I made myself a vegan chili and sweet potato. My mom had also made several of the items so that I would be able to eat them.

I hope you are all doing well and had a great Easter as well.

Firstgiving Website: http://www.firstgiving.com/erikkafightingagainstrsd

Sending Healing Thoughts!

Vegans are Limited? I think Not!

2010-04-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am officially home for Easter break! I came home last night and spent a nice evening with my parents, aunt, and dog.

I made a trip to my local Giant Eagle today to get some food for the weekend and for Easter. Last night I decided to make a Black Bean Chili over Sweet Potatoes for my Easter meal, this already has my mouth watering. I discovered that our Giant Eagle or Giant Eagle in general is getting more vegan friendly. I am ecstatic about that and just wish that my school cafeteria would put the effort toward getting vegan products. They had a boca burger for maybe a week and the staff didn't know what they were or how to cook it. When I asked for it they were frozen and like I said, they didn't know how to cook them.

At Giant Eagle I found Vegan lunch meat, Vegan Cheese, and Dairy free ice cream. They still have the Morning Star Products and it looks like they are getting more organic and dairy free products on their shelves. I am very thankful since Whole foods is a bit expensive even though I do like their products.

I am getting my hair done a little later today. My mom and I are then headed to the mall so that I can get the knot out of my neck. I'm excited that the weather is beautiful today and I got to enjoy a
beautiful walk with my dog!

Self Esteem

2010-03-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

The average women (or man) struggles with self-confidence thanks to their peers and not to mention some of their elders. When you throw a chronic condition into the mix it makes the situation a whole lot messier.

As has been stated in my Nursing Anatomy Class; when your treating the body of the patient your dealing with what is also going on mentally. As anyone with RSD or any chronic condition will admit, the procedures are not too glamorous. The side effects of the medicine cause us to gain weight or lose too much weight. This affects us mentally and the fact that our peers are "healthy" affects us too.

Throughout my journey with RSD Ive always believed that I need to be stronger than the RSD. Thanks to me getting educated in nutrition I feel a renewed confidence that I am stronger than this syndrome I have. I am in pain but I know that I can get up each morning and fight with the medicines I take, foods I eat, and how active my body stays. Many people believe that they are being punished, but I honestly believe that I was given this for a reason - to help others who simply need the help.

Friends, Food, and Love

2010-03-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend was an exceptionally great one for me. This weekend was full of Food, Spending time with Friends, and learning the true meaning of Love.

Starting on Friday I got to spend some quality time with my mom. My mom, Aunt, and I went to a favorite restaurant of ours, California Pizza Kitchen. There we got to catch up over amazingly good food. I got the Vegetarian Pizza.The waitress was nice enough to let me know that they were able to leave off the cheese for me...yeah! I enjoyed the delicious pizza full of veggies, I really missed pizza and I never realized it.

Today my mom and I went to Church for Palm Sunday Service. Almost all of us are taught the Palm Sunday story and it is told to us each year. It is nice though to be reminded that God loved us so much that His only Son died for our sins. Easter has always been my favorite holiday. Not because my family comes together, its because we celebrate that Jesus has done this remarkable deed for us. I find it truly amazing.

After Church mom and I went to Whole Foods. We picked up some food that we both wanted through the week and grabbed some lunch. I had squash soup, it was exceptionally good. We then stopped at a friends apartment and visited with them a bit.

I am looking forward to Easter Break even if it is only a few days away from school. At least it will give me a break and a time to catch up with my classes.

Being an Optomist

2010-03-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

There are many factors that affect how a person responds to treatment when they have a chronic condition. Attitude is one of the major factors that comes up. With RSD it is hard to exactly be "positive" but having a glass half full type of attitude is going to be more helpful then a glass half empty type of attitude.

When my RSD came back at 17, I had to get home tutored because my pain was so bad. I literally thought my life was over especially since I hardly had a social life and I was in the most horrific pain. I knew if I wanted to turn my life around I need to do it myself. My friend and I would try to find one thing that entertained us everyday. We would make sure that these things were positive and would put a smile on our faces. I started developing a different attitude about life and about my RSD. I actually didn't hate my RSD, I accepted it. When I would go in for treatments I would make sure I had my sister paint my toenails a hot pink, my signature color. The Dr's and nurses loved the fact the my toenails were pink and could always identify me by that. I would go into procedures or surgery smiling knowing that this could be the procedure or surgery that could be the one that provided me with the relief I needed, thankfully my SCS did it.

Now that I am in college and around a diverse group of people I can see how being an optimist helps with not only chronic illnesses but also life in general. I help co-run a group on Facebook called RSD aka Really Sucks Dystrophy. I love helping co-run the group. I have actually made some of my best RSDer friends from the group. Ive noticed though that people's attitude's about their RSD are reflected on how others feel about their disease. This was actually mentioned in a NY Times article that if the group's attitude is negative then the members attitudes in the group is most likely going to be negative the same goes for the positive side.

I know RSD isnt the easiest disease to live with but we can have a say if it is going to control our lives. I refuse to have a negative attitude and let my RSD affect me like that.

NY Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/technology/25disable.html?WT.mc_id=TE-SM-E-FB-SM-LIN-OSN-032410-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click

My friend Haley and I, Summer 2009

A Great Day

2010-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have been exceptionally busy the last few weeks with multiple tests. It seems like I have one right after another. Once I get done with one I start studying for the next. Last weekend there were several points that it seemed that I just couldnt study anymore. Thankfully my family came to the rescue with a family dinner earlier yesterday evening celebrating my Mom's and Sister's Birthdays. We went to a Mexican Restraunt which is about halfway for me and for my family. I'm not a big fan of Mexican and getting a meal which could satisfy my diet and wouldn't kill my stomach was hard and pretty much impossible. My other sister had gotten a vegetable fajita dish that I should have gotten and she let me have some of it.

Much to my mom's and sister's surprise my brother and his wife had asked the staff bring in the cake that was bought for them. The staff sang to them in Spanish, it was so much fun. I broke my no eggs, no milk just for a little piece of cake and I didnt eat the frosting or artificial coloring.

The warm weather has been teasing us here. It is currently Thunder Storming out. Im looking forward till the day that the nice weather is here to stay for awhile at least.

Sending Healing Thoughts!

Achilles Hope and Possibility 2010

2010-03-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

My mom and I will be attending the Achillies Hope and Possibility Walk this year in NYC. My mom, sister, neice and I went in 2007. I am excited to go back this year to see my RSDer friends and support a great orginization. In the Achilles Hope and Possibility Walk, there are two portions. One portion is the 5 mile run and then the walk after that. RSDer's have the option of either walking the 5 miles or the two mile walk. I am excited since in 2007 I wasnt able to walk the whole two miles and I am looking forward to doing so.

I am asking you and would appreciate if you could make a donation on my firstgiving page. All the money goes to RSDSA. They use the money torwards resarch and awareness projects. They are an amazing orginiazation and have supported my family and I throughout my journey with RSD. My page will be open for awhile. Thank you!

Firstgiving Page: http://www.firstgiving.com/erikkafightingagainstrsd

School Lunches

2010-03-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

School Lunches have never been known for their great nutritional quality. I remember packing my lunch all the way through school (thanks to my amazing parents). Only buying my lunch on the rare occasions that I forgot my lunch or something "good" was being served that day for lunch.

Now that I am in college I miss those days that I would open my lunch box or bag and find a cute note on occasion from my mom. These days I struggle to find a nutritional meal in our college cafeteria and most days leave hungry. My parents have been supportive with my life style and help me keep my room stocked with vegetarian soups, fresh veggies, and frozen veggies for the occasion that I cant make it to a meal or that I just need something to eat.

A teacher in Illinois is finally sticking up for her students. At the start of the 2010 year she started eating lunch everyday in the cafeteria to see the nutritional quality of the food. She has a blog if you would like to follow along. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet but will soon.

Here is the article: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/would-you-volunteer-to-eat-school-lunch-every-day-to-prove-a-point-this-teacher-did-1157394/

Here is her blog; Fed Up With Lunch: http://fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com/

Treating Pain

2010-03-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Treating chronic pain has been tough for all Doctors alike. Doctors are not taught in medical school how to treat chronic pain. Actually most Doctors do not like taking on chronic pain patients, especially those with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Doctors dont like taking on chronic pain patients because they are so hard to treat, RSDers especially.

I have been blessed with two amazing Dr's who fully believe in me. My Pain Management Dr has been looking for a cure for RSD and wont give up until he finds one. He is devoted to his patients and making sure they get the best pain relief possible.

Here is an article on treating Pediatric Chronic Pain. Thankfully I was able to find an amazing Dr who has helped me get through these last 8 years.

http://news.ufl.edu/2010/03/03/pediatric-pain/

This Is The Life

2010-03-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Im sorry I havent posted in a little while. I have been increadibly busy with school work, no one ever said being a Undergraduate Nursing Major was easy but is rewarding. Ive taken time out of this week to enjoy the nice weather that was here for what seemed like a brief moment.

I attend a Small Private Catholic College in Northeast Ohio. I love it here because if you have a question for one of your Professors, you are able to meet with them after class or during office hours due to their open door policy. I work for a Professor for my work-study and she understands when I cant come due to not feeling well or if I have a test scheduled. I am mentioning this because when I was on Spring Break my friend Mike went to Nationals for Racewalking. He was #2 in Ohio behind a kid who went to a college in Southern Ohio. Well Mike went to Nationals and with 2 laps left to go in the race, he paced the kid who was #1. Mike became the National Champion of Racewalking. I know many of you dont know what it is so I will post the video of the Nationals Race. The same week our Wrestling team went to Nationals and won. So NDC a small Catholic College has two, National Champions, one is a team and one is an individual. Being a former High School swimmer I know all these athletes (especially Mike) has put a lot of time and effort into getting where they are, congratulations NDC!

I am looking forward to the days were it says warmer longer. I know that everyone is going to enjoy being able to get outside once again even if it is to study or read a good book.

Sending Healing Thoughts!

National Racewalk Event:
http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/236514/313625

My Everyday Life

2010-03-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

This first week back has been busier that I have expected. It seems that my body is able to endure more than I believe it is capable of. I already miss spring break and the comforts of being able to access whole plant foods at every meal. I do believe the way I am eating is helping my body keep up with what I am needing to do.

I have been blessed with Professors who care about me and want to see me succeed as a nurse. They are especially tough though which helps demonstrate how much they want us (the students) to succeed. They want to make sure that when we are certified that they wouldn't mind us being their nurse. This semester particularly I have been using my Nursing skills, thanks to A&P. I have been able to think more like a nurse and Im so excited about that.

I am looking forward to this weekend when I can get a little more rest than I have this week. Being a nursing major isn't easy especially when RSD is thrown into the mix. Oddly I am enjoying the experience.

Im Back!

2010-03-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

I am currently back at school. Spring break not only reminded me about what life is really about but showed me that I need to help out more when I am home which isn't that often. I love my parents they have always been there for me and would do almost anything for me. My aunt who is currently staying with us is the same way. I wish her body would hang on even longer than it wants too. She did mention to me today that she might switch over to my type of lifestyle. I was so excited when I heard this. I haven't been pushy this last week just eating lush salads, craving broccoli, and baking vegan desserts for the family and my friends here at school. I was so happy to here that she is considering making the switch.

As I mentioned over the last week I have been filling my body with nothing but the best foods. My mom and I today went to the store to get steamed veggies just in case I cant find anything in the Cafeteria or if I end up missing dinner. In the frozen section this time I found fake riblets and Chinese sweet and sour ch'kn. I am so happy that the vegetarian companies came out with a Chinese meal since I have been craving Chinese for a while.

On Friday a few good friends of mine and I went out to lunch to one of our favorite restaurants. One of the girls is vegan so her and I like to swap recipes and tips. On the way to the restaurant I ended up spraining my left ankle. I do believe it is sprained rather than the RSD setting in. I have my RSD in three of my limbs; bilateral in my arms and my right leg thankfully not my left leg. I have it wrapped and have been trying to keep off of it to let my ligament heal properly.

That is pretty much it for now, I still have been getting knots in my neck and shoulders which are causing my headache. I am guessing this is caused by the way I study, hopefully changing different positions will help.

What is Beauty?

2010-03-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

What constitutes someone being beautiful? Is it how skinny are girl is?, how toned a guy's muscle's are?, or how much makeup we can put on our face?

Beauty is defined differently in different parts of the world. For people in the United States beauty is everything. Today on the Oprah Show, Oprah had Jessica Simpson on. To see more about the show click here http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Beauty-Around-the-World-with-Jessica-Simpson. Jessica Simpson may not be the greatest role model but she is a beautiful girl. She was talking about how the tabloids tell girls that they are not beautiful. Jessica Simpson has been in the tabloids alot because of her weight fluctuating. Magazines talking about the weight of different celebrities directly influences how girls think about themselves. Girls get a low self esteem due to the fact that they see beautiful girls in magazines that are a size 0 and have flawless skin. The magazines talk about how each one of us should look and which products we need to buy. They want us to believe if we buy a certain product we will feel a certain way, then a new product will come out and because our skin didn't totally clear up from the first product we go out and buy the other product. The same goes for weight loss products, why do you think there are so many on the market?.

Real beauty is our personalities, our souls, our dreams. Society may tell us that we are not good enough and that we'll never be good enough. I have just realized within the last couple months that I am beautiful. That people see a beautiful girl inside and out. The thing that still gets me hung up a bit is my RSD. Due to my hypersensitive skin I am not able to wear jeans. I also have to wear a scarf on my right arm to be able to wear a sweater. It seems that some people are not able to get past the fact that I wear a scarf on my right arm. I simply do this to protect my arm from 1) being touched and 2) the different fabrics from my sweaters. I do like to be stylish though and love to mix and match outfits together. Makeup is another favorite of mine even though it conforms to the western standards of beauty. Real beauty is what is going to ultimately attract people to you and keep them there.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone is going to agree on who is cute, or what looks good. What society thinks of beauty will continue to evolve just like it has over the last couple hundreds years.

Keeping Busy

2010-03-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

The past couple days I have kept busy but not like I am when I am at school. I finished the remaining homework I had this morning which will let me spend more time with my mom and aunt. My mom and I may even go on a little road trip on Thursday to see my cousins near the Ohio - Michigan border. This is about a four hour drive and we would be coming back on Friday. My RSD of course isn't going to be too happy but it will be nice to see them since I haven't seen these cousins in a good while.

Like I said I would I made the Vegan Banana Bread today. It looks absolutely amazing. When I put the ingredients together it started smelling so good. It also smelled amazing when it was baking. I am looking forward to eating the first slice once it is cool. I am looking for recipes for the left over tofu I have so if you have any suggestions (especially desserts) please share.

Putting the Ingredients Together

The Finished Banana Bread

Tough Week

2010-02-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

This past weekend has been a tough one for a couple of good friends of mine as well as me. My friend's grandma past away late last Tuesday night. She was also like a granmother to me as well. Growing up I only really had my Great-grandma and Grandma on my Dad's side. These particular friends let me call both sets of grandparents Grandma and Grandpa. Ive always felt like I was their grandchild so for me it was like losing a grandparent. Her memorial service was yesterday. To help out the family my mom, dad, and I helped with the food peperation and just helped provide moral support. Since I am on Spring Break this week my mom and I are going to try to stop and see her husband ("my Grandpa"). I am hoping to make and bring him some Vegan Brownies I found a recipie for.

On the lighter side of things I found a great recipie for Vegan Banana Bread which I am going to make tomorrow. I am happy to be home so that I am able to experiment with Vegan / Vegeterian Recipies. At Walmart tonight I found the meat substitutes for ground beef, ch'kn
nuggets, and even bacon. I know they are made out of soy but at least I will be able to get some protein and eatting healthy while not giving up some of the things that I once loved. I am eatting my green veggies too. My stomach has been bothering the last few days. I am guessing this is due to the death of "my grandma". Spring Break came at the perfect time.

I will let you know how the Banana Bread turns out once I make it.

Sending Healing Thoughts to all of you!!

Pain Management

2010-02-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

I have always been blessed when its came to Pain Management. When I was first diagnosed at 12 yrs old by a Orthopedist I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic's Pain Management Dept, to the Orthopedic's college who happens to be the head RSD Dr. in the Department. Since then I have gotten great care.

My Dr. has always listened to me, my file is even red flagged, not by my choice or my mom's but my Dr's. He understands that if something is wrong that we would want to get in asap, and does his best to do so. He has fit me in between his scheduled appointments before. I am very grateful that I have my Dr. He's treated me for the last almost 8 yrs. He has never given up on me and as said by his Nurse Practitioner that Im one of his miracle patience, since I was able to re-gain my life.

I think its important that people are able to get the pain relief that they need. If its going with traditional western medicine, non-traditional eastern medicine or even a bit of both. Pain affects your body by causing other parts of your body to hurt. Having ways to help treat that pain whether it be pain medicine, SCS, acupuncture, or even food is not only going to help you feel good knowing that your doing something to treat your pain but actually reducing that pain.

I have had a supper busy week. For my pain I am back on my original medicine, ultracet and tramadol. My Dr has suggested I take two Tramadols since I haven't tried that yet. I have been on two ultracets but taken off because the amount of tylenol. I was then reduced to one tramadol and the pain was bad. I was then put on the one ultracet and one tramadol (taken together) to help reduce the Tylenol amount but get the benefits of the Tylenol). I am still deciding what I am going to do since it seems that my body needs the tylenol in the ultracet for the anti-inflammatory affect. It would also help if it stoped snowing!...lol Driving home today for spring break it looked more like winter break, especially when I got to my exit which is right were the snow belt is.

Here is a youtube video of my Dr, Dr. Michael Stanton-Hicks on Pain Management
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QIc4hZlRJQ

The Affects Of Pain Medication

2010-02-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

Pain Medication can be a RSDers best friend and worst enemy. For me I absolutely hate taking medicine. The more medicine I take the more I feel like my body is being stuffed with substances that shouldn't be in it.

On Thursday my new pain medicine, Nucynta arrived at my house. My mom brought it up to my school so that I could switch myself over. I didn't think I would have that much of a problem with it. I did realize that the Nucynta was stronger than my current medicine but didn't think much of it since my pain has gotten worse. I started on Friday and just simply thought my body was overly tired from my massage. I was entirely wrong. All weekend instead of catching up on studying like I normally do I just wanted to sleep. Since I wanted to sleep during the day my body didn't want to sleep at night. This has never happened to me before when switch or going on meds so I caught on very quickly. Since the Nucynta was every 8 hours I tried not to take any pain meds when I woke up in the wee hours of Sunday night / Monday morning hoping to get all of the Nucynta out of my system. Since most of it is out of my system and I am back on my original pain medicine I am somewhat starting to feel like myself. I should have went with my gut instinct and stayed with the original medicine.

Since I had a bad reaction my mom is calling my Dr tomorrow to let them know how things went. She called today but my PM and his Nurse Practitioner both were not in the office. Hopefully they will be able to find a pain medicine that I will be able to function on. I need to be able to think clearly and not want to sleep all day, after all I am a college student.

My First Massage

2010-02-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

Healing: the natural process by which the body repairs itself

Pain, Hurting: a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

Pain is when the body is telling us something is wrong. There are many people out there that try to ignore the pain that their body is creating. Even with Chronic Pain disorders our body is trying to tell us that something isnt right.

I had my massage today hoping that it not only help my ongoing headache but my stressed muscles from my RSD as well. When the massage therapist was working on my neck she found my tender spot on the left side. After to the massage she did let me know that since I was so tender there that I could possibly have a deep knot that needs rubbed out slowly. She does believe that this could be the cause of my headache since I am constantly doing homework looking down. Also I carry my books on my left shoulder which puts extra stress on my left side. It was great to get the knots out of my back and shoulders and possibly find the reason for this headache.

I am going to be stretching my neck side to side to see if that makes a difference periodically during studying. I felt extremely tired a good couple hours after the massage and feel asleep for about and hour and a half. She told me this would happen and to stay hydrated.

After the massage I stoped at Target to get a few things for the week.

Strawberry-Granola

Cereal

Tazo Green Tea with Honey

Sending Healing Thoughts!

Let the Healing Start

2010-02-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

It is now my turn to a natural way of healing as a way to help my body heal. My Primary Dr left me voice mail today and confirmed that massage therapy would be a good way to get rid of this persist ant headache. She also recommended acupuncture but at this time I am going to just go with the message due to the fact that my skin is extremely hypersensitive from my RSD. I do understand where she is coming from with recommending it I am just not sure I am ready to try it. I have my first message therapy appointment on Friday. I am looking forward to this appointment and Im very optimistic that this will help not only my headache but my RSD as well.

Through this all I have been able to keep up with my school work. I am extremely thankful that I have friends that understand that sometimes I just dont feel well and that sometimes I need to lock myself in my room to study because of my major. I just ask for everyones prayers that this headache goes away as mysteriously as it started.

Lets Start The Healing!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

The heart is a complex organ, not only emotionally but also physically. The last week My Anatomy and Physiology Class has been learning about the heart and its functions. This past weekend I have been studying about the route of blood through the heart and the path it takes to go through the body to help us sustain life.

To me, Valentines Day isn't only about Celebrating the love a couple shares. It is also about showing our family and friends how much we love them and appreciate them. Last night I went to my sister's house to celebrate 3 Birthdays that take place in the month of February. It was nice to see my family and spend time with them but the increased activity made my rebound headache much worse than I could have imagined. I thankfully made it back to my dorm and after an hour of studying had to quit and decided to pamper myself.

Finally a week after this rebound headache has started it is no longer on the whole left side. I am hoping this means that it is finally starting to go away but I don't want to jinx it. I am going to call my Dr tomorrow if it is still present and to see what is going on with my Pain Management. My new pain meds are suppose to arrive on Tuesday and I am looking forward to some much needed relief.

Soy Milk vs Cows Milk

2010-02-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

Since October of 2009 I have had several digestive issues. Thankfully I am being treated with a medicine called Levsin that relaxes my stomach before I eat. Since it relaxes my stomach and the nerves at the end of the stomach the food is able to go into the intestine and be digested from there. If I dont take my pill before I eat or immediately after I get excruciating stomach cramps exactly where my stomach is located. My Primary Doctor and Pain Management Dr isnt sure if this is my RSD or if this is something else at this point.

I have noticed though that I am not able to drink cows milk due to the fact that my body isnt able to digest it normally, or like it one did. I notice one day over Winter Break after I drank a nice glass of milk my stomach ached and ached. A person proposed that I should try Soy Milk even though I was extremely nervous about it. After the first glass I haven't looked back. I am hooked on the goodness of soy. I have done my research on it and I know that people are especially hesitant about it because of the amount of estrogen in it. For me I do believe that Soy Milk is the best choice since I have been raised on Cow's Milk for the last 20 yrs. I am happy to know that Im not supporting an industry that abuses its animals by injecting hormones to make them produce more milk when humans especially adults were meant to be lactose intolerant in the first place. Somehow our genes got manipulated and adults were able to start digesting milk. Does it make since for humans to be able to drink milk when the rest of adult animals are lactose intolerant? For me its Soy Milk, I dont miss the aching, cramping stomach pain that I once had with Cows milk...yippy!

***I still have my rebound headache it is getting slightly better though. My Primary Dr said it should feel much better 48 hrs after the start of the steroid which is tomorrow. I have been a little nausea's because of the steroid due to my weak stomach but thats not a big deal. I may call tomorrow to see what the plan is Pain Management wise since my RSD pain is worse.

Rebound Headache

2010-02-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

I have finally found the name for my 3-4 day headache. I also found out that the headache that I have been suffering from is actually common. It is common in people who have chronic pain conditions that take pain medication to treat it. Cruel isn't it?, I believe so. Since I was 12 I have been off and on pain medicine to treat my Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. When I was 17 I went on the pain meds pretty much all the time. How else was I going to manage the stabbing and burning pain I feel every minute of every day? I do have a Spinal Cord Simulator implanted but it only helps relieve the burning pain I feel.

In my last post I did mention that I had a headache exactly the same as this almost a year ago. Instead of going to my Primary Dr I waited it out and ended up going to the ER, a Neurologist, and my Pain Management Dr. Finally my Pain Management Dr came to the conclusion that it must be a virus that got into my brain and it was causing it to spasm. This time around though I wasn't going to go through 6 weeks of sharp stabbing headache pain on top of my RSD once again.

Last night I was diagnosed with Rebound Headaches. Rebound Headaches are headaches caused by the pain medicine I have been taking, even migraine sufferers can get them by taking their preventative medicine. Our bodies get use to the pain medicine that we are taking and essentially need more of it. It doesnt mean that we are addicted just chemically dependent. Since we need more to get the relief we once needed we take more and therefor end up causing these headaches. In my case I do not take an opiate for pain reliefe. I take more of an non-narcotic-narcotic mix so it surprised me that I could get these headaches.

For my treatment I am currently on a tapered steroid and anti-nausea medicine at night. My Primary Dr is going to talk to my Pain Management Dr so that they can see what is the next step in my pain treatment. I am guessing I will be changing to my new prescription on pain medicine sooner than my mom wanted (she wanted to finish out my current prescription). I do believe that getting on the new medicine will help prevent these. Due to my RSD and because I am so busy with school I cant get off of my medicine which is the best preventative measure. My Primary Dr did mention that I might have to go on a steroid taper whenever I get these headaches for the time being. I will let you know more when I do. I thought it was interesting that these headaches can occur just because a person is treating there pain. Especially pain so bad like RSD where the main treatment is pain medicine.

Here is a website explaining Rebound Headaches:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rebound-headaches/DS00613

It is Still Here

2010-02-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

It is the third day and I am still stuck with my migraine like headache. In the Semester of Spring of 2009 I was hit hard with a headache exactly like this one that lasted a good 6 weeks. Even after a trip to the ER with an IV of 3 different Migraine medicines nothing helped to relieve the pain. I went to see a neurologist and even had an appointment with my Pain Management Dr scheduled around then. When I saw my Pain Management Dr he had concluded that it was due to a virus that had went into my brain from a chest cold that I have had 2 - 3 weeks prior. It thankfully went away two weeks after I came back to school. The total duration of the headache was around 6 weeks.

I am scheduled to go to my Primary Doctor this afternoon. Unfortunately I have to miss my evening class for this appointment. I am overwhelmed and exhausted from this headache and cant imagine it going on 6 weeks at this point. I will post more details when I get them.

And Here Comes The Migrain...

2010-02-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

I love the weekends, but what college student doesnt? On Friday I dont have classes so I usually spend the day catching up on homework. Saturday is pretty much the same, except I didnt have much to do this weekend except starting to read for the upcoming chapters in my classes.

My brother decided to have some people over for the Super Bowl and since I didnt have much to do I was going to meet my mom and some of my family out there. I had a slight headache before I took my shower and it just started getting worse after. I took two Motrin and took my migraine medicine. After awhile it became unbearable and I had to grab some ice and lay down. After forcing myself to sleep the migraine finally went down a little bit. I am hoping that by morning my migraine / headache will be gone.

I haven't gotten one of these horrible headaches in a long time and hope I don't experience one again for another long time. My Pain Management Dr's Nurse Practitioner think it may be allergy related but I don't see how it can be when I got it in the middle of winter and I know its not a stress headache. Its been busy this semester but has been going well so far. I also wonder if this has connection to RSD since migraines are neurological based too. I guess I will have to ask at my next Dr's appointment.

Spreading Awareness

2010-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome aka Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome; is a chronic neurological condition characterized by

severe burning / stabing pain
extreme sensitivity to touch
tissue swelling
excessive sweating
pathological changes to bone and skin

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) has changed my life. It has changed my life in ways I could never imagine. I never thought at 12 yrs old that a sprain of my left wrist could leave me in unbearable pain that tops the McGill Pain Charts. It will be 8 years this March, that I have had this syndrome. Due to the fact that there are several symptoms of RSD (above) and the Dr's and Researchers are not able to pinpoint the exact cause of RSD it is classified as a syndrome. Due to the fact that there is no exact cause, the treatments that RSDers are given are mostly experimental. Some treatments are routine by now but not every treatment works for every RSDer's pain. The same goes for medication. Every person's body isnt going to react the same to the same medicine therefore finding a treatment that works is very hard.

People who have Pain or even Chronic Conditions are seen as depressed or end up developing depression due to the fact that family members and friends don't believe their pain. I have been blessed in the fact that I have not developed depression. I have kept myself active by being able to go to College and have been surrounded by people who support me in my fight with RSD. I am able to openly talk to my mom or a friend about my feelings about how I feel especially if I get stressed over a test or just how my day went.

This morning I was awoken by the familiar pain of my constant companion. Everyday I am reminded how badly we need awareness of this condition when I talk to RSDers online about how much pain they have experienced that day, it absolutely kills me inside. We can modify our diets all we want to but RSD will always be prevalent. It will be rearing its ugly face until a cure is found and Doctors and Politicians are Educated about how much PAIN people are living with day in and day out.

*RSD Symptoms (Above): www.rsds.org
*McGill Pain Index: http://www.rsdhope.org/ShowPage.asp?page_id=116

** Im still sticking to my vegetarian diet, its actually proven that red meat increases inflamation.
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/health/are-the-foods-you-are-eating-keeping-you-in-pain.html

The Human Body

2010-02-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". Erma Bombeck

The quote right above by Erma Bombeck is one of my favorites. I have always believed that God has given each of us a Talent and we are suppose to embrace that talent for the good of others.

I have wanted to be a Nurse since I was 13 yrs old. It started when my Uncle was in the ICU at the VA Hospital in West Virginia. He had complications from two major diseases. The nurses who took care of him in the ICU were absolutely amazing. You could just tell from their domineer that they loved their job. Since my Uncle was so sick they let us stay in the ICU as long as we wanted to. One nurse in particular helped my family. We were scared and exhausted. This nurse had found out that I was spending my 13th Birthday in the hospital with my Uncle and she went to the gift shop and got me a card and Crispy Cream Donuts. She didn't need to do that but had went out of her way.

Being a nursing major, I have to learn how the Human Body works. It has helped me understand why nutrition is so important to maintain health, especially if someone has an illness or has had surgery. It has also helped me understand what is going on with my RSD. When I learned about the nervous system it made since in some people that the pain signal could keep on going if a nerve is damaged or hit the right way.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can help the patient and the patients family too like my Uncle's nurse helped my family.

Good Friends

2010-01-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

It is always hard to find a good friend. A friend who will stick by you when you need them the most. For each of us we have at least one or two people we can turn to when we need to talk or vent.

For me friendship is a precious thing. Many people can say that they are friends but don't really let the other person in emotionally. It is simply hard to do that and if one of the people betray that trust than a part of the friendship is essentially gone.

This is an important topic for me because I believe I have many friends, but only a few good ones. Unfortunately when you have a disability or illness no one wants to be friends with the person who is in pain all the time, takes medicine, etc.

Finally the Weekend is Here

2010-01-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been very busy for me. My mom is coming up tomorrow to drop somethings off and we will be spending some time together. Im looking forward to seeing her and going to see Lovely Bones which Ive wanted to see even before I came back to school. It will be nice to take the day off from studying but will be back at it tomorrow night.

Even though I didnt have class today, I stopped in to see my Chemistry Professor, he helped explain about Orbital Diagrams (eww...lol) in which electrons exist. Seriously why can't Chemistry be a little bit easier? I ventured out back into the freezing cold this evening for my first trip to Whole Foods. I got myself a wonderful salad full of greens and spinach with Soybeans, Green Pepper, Cucumber, and Walnuts topped with Balsamic Vinegar. The Balsamic Vinegar troubled my stomach a little but it calmed down once I took my stomach relaxing med. Im looking forward to my next meal from there.

Hope you enjoy the pictures from the last couple days!

My green tea in a personalized cup

The salad from Whole Foods...yum!

What is Health?

2010-01-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

As stated in my Monday / Wednesday 1:00 Nursing Anatomy and Physiology class, What is Health? While the person who has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Fibromyalga may have a dysfunction of their nervous system aren't they considered healthy? No one can exactly define health. A person may have several disorders or syndromes and live out their lives without many real complications.

With a person with RSD I do consider myself healthy. I have had to have medical intervention to help control my pain and still continue to take medication. I am at the weight my height is suppose to be at, I eat tons of veggies and fruits making sure I get sure I get what my body needs to stay afloat especially living in a dorm. Since I have gone complete vegetarian and I am trying to keep my stress level low I feel much more energetic and "healthy". My stomach does bother me a little but not as much as last semester, the less stress is helping.

I wanted to bring the topic up because I thought it was an interesting one. What do you think the definition of Health is?

Respect

2010-01-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

Respect; To take notice of; to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy of special consideration; hence, to care for; to heed.

Living with RSD has helped teach me a lot about life. The biggest lesson it has taught me is that you have to respect yourself before you can respect others. It took me a while to accept myself for who I was and respect myself because of it. I had to accept the fact that I had this unrelenting pain and most of the time no one would understand what I was going through. I took that fact started realizing that no one really knows what the other person is going through. Another RSDer maybe able to empathize with another RSDer but their situations are not going to be exactly the same.

Once you are able to accept yourself and fully respect yourself it is easier for you to respect others. This is true when it comes to relationships, it makes it easier to accept that person for who they really are.

Stress and How it Relates to Life

2010-01-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Stress can be very potent in someone's life. A little bit of stress here and there can build up to be a lot of stress for some people. Especially if the person already has a chronic condition the stress can worsen their condition.

For me I tend to get very stressed out. I like knowing I have some kind of control over the situation that I am in. I believe that once I got RSD I realized that I didn't have control over the pain I was feeling, the RSD did. Since than I have been trying to be in control and get control over the pain by taking medication and getting a SCS. Still I am in the habit of wanting things to go a certain way and if they don't, getting very stressed out over it. This has caused extra pain and now issues with my digestive system. I have noticed lately that my stomach hurts more when my body is stressed from lack of sleep or from being stressed out. This is simply because the digestive system shuts down during times of stress. I have also been avoiding certain foods that cause me to get overly sick.

I am hoping that I will be able to control the amount of stress that my body is able to take. So far one week into the semester so good.

Im In a Mini-Flair

2010-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been going well. Getting back into school and clearing the cobwebs out of my head has been nice. The only thing that has been a little tough on me is conditioning my right arm to start writing more than it did over break. Due to my RSD it gets flaired up a bit when I don't use it for one activity for a little while and all of a sudden I'm back at it. Making it a little worse it the fact that I cut my finger nail on my right thumb last night. During my shower the stand that hangs on the shower head fell down. Instead of it falling on me, my gut reaction was to grab it resulting in a razor cutting my nail down the middle. It hurts pretty bad so I have been trying to move it so the RSD doesn't get any worse.

Before my shower incident I had my Chemistry Class. My Professor Commented on the fact that I look much healthier than I did last semester which I took as a huge compliment. I dont have any classes on Fridays so tomorrow Im looking forward to sleeping in a little bit and studying. Tomorrow is going to be a nice relaxing day.

Getting Back to Reality

2010-01-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

IMannozzi and I Its nice to be back at NDC. It is nice to see the familiar

surroundings and friends who I haven't been able to see in over a month. Yesterday my new roommate and I got things settled in our room and got to know each other. I spent the rest of the evening catching up with friends and getting ready for today. My first class was Intermediate Algebra, not my favorite at all. At least I do know someone who went to my High School in the class. Him and I actually were on swim team together until he graduated. I saw him again last year at a party when he informed me that he was coming to NDC. I have another class tonight at 6. It is a Chemistry lab. I'm not looking forward to that one either but I know that it will help me reach my ultimate goal.

Thankfully everyone in this suite likes to stay warm like me :-) so Ive been doing ok pain wise. Its hard to get use to walking building to building once again especially in the cold.

The Last Couple Days

2010-01-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

In the last couple days my mom and I have been doing last minute errands before I go back to school. On Friday we rode down to NDC to take care of a few things. I was given permission to look at my new room and to start moving things from my former dorm room in there. To make things easier mom and I started moving things. We were there from about 4 to about 11:15 at night with about a 1 1/2 dinner break at one of our favorite restaurants near the college. We were able to get 98% of the items done with only the major things needed to be done (bed placed, rug moved, fridge moved). During our dinner break mom and I went to California Pizza Kitchen, a delicious high end salad-pizza restaurant. I ended up getting a nice Cesar Salad and Vegetarian Spaghetti.

I will be going back to school in the next few days. School doesnt start until Tuesday but I have the option of going back tomorrow. Im looking forward to seeing my friends who I havent been able to see over Winter Break.

Becoming a Pain Survivor

2010-01-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

I help co-run a RSD Group on Facebook, when I came across a plea from a sister who's brother has RSD my heart went out to their family. It mostly reminded me of the start of my journey with this condition. I was scared, nervous, and didn't know what to expect.

Ive always been able to express how I feel both emotionally and physically. Thanks to a great friend who also has RSD, I was able to accept my new life and embrace it. I had to see a pain psychologist due to getting a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted. She re-assured me that I could become a nurse I would just need a few accommodations in the work force.

Over the years these tips have helped me become a pain survivor:

1. Find someone you trust that you can talk to, it can be a family member, friend, or therapist

2. Find time to relax and decompress from your day, pain is often worse at night so let those muscles start to relax

3. Find a hobby or start volunteering

How to Manage Chronic Pain with Food

2010-01-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

Since I last saw my Primary Doctor I have become stricter on my vegetarian diet and I am feeling better because of it. The more fruits and veggies I eat the better I feel both with my RSD and with my stomach issues. I have been having a hard time because of the cold, so Ive been trying to stay as warm as I can so that my body doesn't over react.

Yesterday after Church I made my mom and I a great vegetarian and filling lunch. I steamed some cucumbers and carrots with some salt and pepper. I then wrapped the vegetables in a tortilla wrap with a tad of Italian dressing. It was great and it left me wanting more. I love discovering new recipes and craving veggies instead of food that isn't healthy.

I came across an article that connects food and how it affects chronic pain. The article as talks about other remedies that can help relieve pain. Please check the article out. I am hoping to get more Omega 3's, Omega 6, and Omega 9 into my diet so that I can get the best anti-inflammatory affect that I can.

http://www.alive.com/website/1375a4a2.php?text_page=1

Distraction and Life

2010-01-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

With a pain as severe as RSD it is helpful to come up ways to help become distracted from the pain. Every person who has Chronic Pain has their own techniques to distract themselves during the day. Over the years I have came up with a good number of things that helps keep my mind distracted when I am experiencing a good amount of pain.

One of my main distractions is school. Due to studying my mind is distracted and I am focused on something else instead of my pain. I also stay distracted by spending time with my friends. They help in ways that they don't even know. Another good distraction is my dog. I'm not home much but when I love spending time with her when I am.

Of course life isn't perfect and these distractions are not going to work for everyone. They dont work for me every time I have a painflair either. I hope that you all have distrations that work for you.

Please check out http://fightingagainstrsd.tripod.com/id25.html for ways other RSDers survive living with RSD.

This Is Me

2010-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Ive always been an upfront person. I will not disrespect people's opinions but will tell them what I am thinking. I guess you can say that I have a bit of my mom in me.

When my RSD came back full force at the age of 17 I lost a part of myself. I wasn't the athletic girl that I once was. I had to quite swim team halfway through the season because my foot was acting up too much. I could barely make it through practice without wanting to scream. When I got the RSD in my right arm I had to give up driving, get home tutored, and lost many friends. It became to the point in my senior year of high school that no one wanted to be near the "sick kid". Once I got my SCS I was elated because for me it meant freedome. I wasnt painfree but able to function enough to go to college.

Once I got to College and was living in a dorm I was able to find the true me. I was able to take time to accept my pain and get to really know what I wanted to do with my life. I believe I will forever have chronic pain. At the same time though I believe that I can make a difference in the amount of pain I experience by what I eat and simply how I view my life.

Having A Bit of Courage

2010-01-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face we must do that which we think we cannot.

Eleanor Roosevelt

At least once in a person's life, a person has to dig within them and find some courage. With and RSDer we have to dig down and find that courage more often than the average person.

I have had to find that courage since I was 12. Since my diagnosis I have had to endure 9 nerve blocks, 2 Tunnled Epidural Catheters, a stay in a Rehab Hospital, a trial Spinal Cord Stimulator, and a permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator. If it wasn't for God and my family and friends giving me the courage I need to go through all of this then I dont know what I would do.

Im simply blessed for the life I live. Im blessed that I have access to fresh vegteables and have a wonderful Pain Management Dr who believes in me.

Where do you get your courage from? Is it from your friends and family or from other people who support you?

Food and Health

2010-01-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered Kris Carr's website Crazy Sexy Life (CSL). I have considered myself a polo vegetarian since October of 2008 when I stopped eating beef. After I stopped eating beef I lost 20-30 pounds within a year. I would still sneak pepperoni or eat sausage not realizing the effects it was having on my body. I stopped eating anything that have beef in it as well and limited the amount of meat I consumed. In the summer of 2008 I discovered my love for organic yogurt. I never liked yogurt until I tried it. Many times for breakfast I will cut up an apple and mix it with the french vanilla flavored yogurt.

I believe that food and health are connected. Kris Carr believes the same thing. She has taken a holistic approach to her health. I am hoping in this upcoming year that I will be able to follow by example. So far I am having fun finding recipes that I like and putting the food together. I love all the colors of the food and how I am feeling after I eat. I am hoping I can keep it up.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T19:58:00.000-08:00

(Picture of my Dog Holly)

I hope each and everyone of you has a happy and safe 2010! My family and I are going to watch the ball drop from our cozy family room, as we do almost every year.

As the year winds down I am particularly thinking about my health. It is said that the #1 made resolution is to work out and to get in shape. I don't particularly need to get in shape but I do need to make a resolution to help reduce the stress within my life. I do deal with stress particularly well but it does make my RSD worse and is making this new medical issue worse or even causing it. I have been put on a new medicine that will hopefully relax the muscles in my stomach and my intestines. If this medicine works then it is unlikely that I have RSD in my stomach.

Starting Off

2009-12-29T21:27:00.000-08:00

So Im starting off hoping that this blog will help me not only raise awareness of RSD but help reach out to other RSDers and help them as well as I, understand this condition that we live with on a daily basis.

At this point it seems that my RSD is somewhat controlled but it has spread. I originally got RSD when I was 12 in my left arm. Thanks to an amazing Dr. I went into a semi-remission for a few years. Three years after my first episode of RSD I sprained my right ankle and it spread there. Since I was active on my high school's swim team I was able to get into another semi-remission. Not long after I sprained my ankle, about two years I smashed my pointer finger on my right hand and it spread to my arm. Ive been battling my RSD in all three limbs since. I now believe it has spread into my stomach. I can barely eat without getting nauseas and it hurting like nothing else. There has been several days that I can barely get out of bed because the pain and the nausea is so bad. Dr's haven't found anything wrong with me, and my Pain Management Dr. does believe that my stomach issues can be RSD.

Im hoping this blog will help others as well as me as we all battle this little thing called RSD. We all half to be strong even though sometime we just don't feel like it.