CRPS AND MEMORY PROBLEMS

Another in our series of popular questions we get asked at American RSDHope;

I SEEM TO BE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY MEMORY. 

IS THAT PART OF CRPS/RSD OR IS IT BECAUSE OF THE MEDICATIONS? 

CRPS/RSD causes short-term memory problems. This is due to problems related to the Limbic system of the brain. In addition to memory problems, changes in the limbic system can also cause depression and insomnia. 

This is part of the Fourth of the FOUR MAIN SYMPTOMS OF CRPS. 

For more information on more symptoms of CRPS/RSD see the following link; ADDTIONIAL CRPS SYMPTOMS

I think that perhaps this is one of the most difficult aspects of the disease to deal with for loved ones; aside from the financial impact and the issue of seeing your loved one in constant pain and having no ability to stop it. Dealing with someone on an everyday basis who forgets so much can be tough; 

"When are we leaving?" "I told you, 3 pm", "No, you didn't", "Yes, we discussed this three times today" , "We did?" . "Wow, that movie looks good." "Yes, it was. we saw it twice already." an hour later ... "This movie looks familiar, I think we've seen it before", "You think?!"

And all of this can happen in the course of one morning!

Not to mention the difficulties that this causes with medications, Drs and medical records/histories, picking kids up, helping with homework, and so much more. It takes special and wonderful people to love CRPS patients!  We appreciate them greatly!

Hope this helps!

Peace, Keith

American RSDHope

CRPS PATIENTS - FLU SHOTS

It is well into flu season and if you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, best get your behind down to your Doctor, your local pharmacy, local clinic, or wherever shots are sold and get one! Or use the new mist if you have an aversion to the shots. 

Most places will accept Medicare for payment for the flu shot. 

Do you need to be careful of the actual injection itself? For fear of it aggravating your CRPS? 

You should always take as many precautions as you can any time you have any type of injections; whether it be as simple as a flu injection (not normally a big deal) or something more involved like taking blood. 

Make sure they do not use any needles in your CRPS affected area; if you have it in your arm/hand, make sure they use the other side for example. If you are having blood drawn, ask them to use the smallest needle possible, even if it takes a little longer to accomplish the purpose. 

Why do CRPS patients need a flu shot? 

Our immune systems are compromised because of the disease and we are more susceptible such things as the flu, coughs, colds, etc. 

Remember, you can't protect yourself from everyone else who carries the virus unless you are protected. The germs are passed on through the air, shopping carts, hand-shakes, door-knobs, and a hundred other things we touch every day.

 

So, take a few minutes and save yourself a winter full of misery. This years flu shot protects against 14 of the major flu's. Not flu-proof but pretty close :)

Keith 

American RSDHope