RSD and the Family Impact

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming ordeal. Pain impacts people at their core and can create a significant amount of emotional distress. For people living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), they do not have to wonder what this is like. People living with this disease have a problem with the nerves that impact one of their limbs. These nerves misfire and these signals get crossed. The brain interprets these signals as pain. This pain can create a number of emotional issues. According to multiple studies published in the PubMed database:

RSD is one of the most painful diseases, with patients reporting pain scores on the McGill scale that average a 42 out of a possible 50 points
Studies have estimated that people living with RSD almost universally experience symptoms of depression
Various studies have reported that between 20 and 40 percent of people living with RSD have thought about suicide
About 10 percent of individuals living with RSD have attempted suicide

It is easy to see how devastating RSD can be for an individual. One of the issues related to the pain from RSD is the impact that this disease has on someone’s family members as well. When a loved one has RSD, it can be difficult to see them in such severe pain. They could be unable to return to school, work, or help with chores around the house. Because of this, it is important to explore the impact that RSD can have on someone’s family.

RSD: An Impact on the Family

Chronic diseases such as RSD can have a tremendous impact on the family. Because the symptoms include chronic pain, the visual of this disease can be jarring. Important ways that this disease can impact a family’s quality of life include:

The individual could be forced to give up any form of gainful employment because of the disease
The individual may be unable to give up activities that they previously found joy in
Someone with RSD may be unable to mow the lawn, do laundry, cook, or clean

It is easy to see how this disease can create problems for a family. The ultimate result of this could be both financial and social strain. Because of these problems, it is important for families to anticipate the psychological stress and act preventatively. Some of the strategies that a family may find helpful include:

Do not allow RSD to dominate the conversation in the household. Try to focus on the positives.
Quickly figure out which distraction techniques help to take an individual’s mind off of the pain.
Figure out what sorts of triggers lead to an RSD pain flare and act to avoid them.
Meet with a counselor or mental health professional regularly, as a family, to prevent the development of emotional or mental health issues.

Remember, the treatment of RSD is a family effort, and everyone should be involved in the management of this syndrome.

A Legal Professional can Help

The impact that Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) can have on a family should not be overlooked. Managing this serious disease is a team effort. Between work, school, and chores around the house, the family will feel the impact of having a loved one with RSD. It is natural to feel stressed and to look for support elsewhere. Because of this, meeting with a caring and compassionate RSD Lawyer in Sacramento can be helpful. Some families may be wondering how they are supposed to select a lawyer and could be tempted by the ads on TV that promise glorious results. It is important to note that nobody can truly promise any certain verdict or settlement; however, I can promise that if you decide to work with me, I will place your interests ahead of my own. While I do hope that you choose me to represent you and your family, it is important for you to find a lawyer who understands your needs. Please, call today with any concerns.

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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a family member has developed this painful condition, please give me a call at 916-382-0693 for free, friendly advice.

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