How to Raise Awareness for RSD

Most people have never heard of Reflex Sympathy Syndrome. This condition causes the worst chronic pain there is. It is characterized by unbearable burning, deep aching, changes in skin color of the affected limb, stiffness, and extreme sensitivity even to the most gentle of touches. There are physicians out there that are not educated on this condition, and are perplexed and at a loss as to what to do when a patient presents with the symptoms. Absolutely atrocious, is that many patients may be accused of faking it or as seeking attention. Even worse when the patient is seeking painkillers to relieve thier pain, they are accused of being addicted! We have to make the world aware of this debilitating and agonizingly painful condition. For all those that wake up in the morning, knowing that thier day will be full of grueling pain-this is written for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be aware that Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy can occur in anyone at any age. Most people suffer from RSD after a simple injury such as a fracture or a sprain and some can not remember when an injury took place. The only sign that a patient is suffering from RSD is that they have immense pain out of proportion to their injury that is not relieved.
2. Write to your Congressional and Senatorial Representatives. Even if you do not know of anyone that suffers from this disease, you will help to bring awareness to this debilitating and life changing condition.
3. If you suffer from RSD, explain how RSD is affecting your life in your letter. Tell your story and describe what an average day for you is like.
4. In addition, tell them how this painful condition has affected your loved ones.
5. If you do not have access to a computer, look in your phone book and contact your local town office.
6. Create a petition and ask family and friends to join. The more signatures you gain, the louder the voice of RSD patients become.
7. If you suffer from RSD or know someone who does, write a newsletter or create a blog. The more people that read your articles, the more often that RSD information will be passed along.
8. Patients need a cure and every moment that we stand idly by, someone is crying in pain feeling depressed and all alone. Raising awareness will help fund research.
9. Raising awareness helps those who suffer from RSD attain SSI benefits or Workman' s Compensation. Insurance claims can be processed faster.
10. Raising awareness will help the medical community treat their patients. Many patients have to see numerous physicians before a diagnosis can be made. The earlier that RSD is treated, the higher the success rate.

Tips & Warnings

• RSD patients need your help.
• Every little step counts towards a greater future to find a cure.
• The action you take now will help RSD patients everywhere.