RSD Article # 4
THE RSD JOURNAL
February 1994
Volume 1 Issue 1
We Are Back
The RSD Journal is back after a tong absence. We apologize for this long delay. We will be
publishing the RSD Journal four times a year. We would welcome everyone's input and ideas
for this newsletter.
The Personal Side Of RSD We would like to keep this feature of our
previous newsletters alive. We would like to hear from you, our friends. This section of
our newsletter will be devoted to sharing your personal story, with our readers on how RSD
has entered and affected your life. If you are interested in sharing your story with us,
please send it to: The RSD Journal C/O Eric Phillips, International RSD Foundation,
P. O. Box 1145 Lakeville,
MA 02347-1145. Thank-You.
New Books
There are two new books that have just been published pertaining to RSD. The first book is
called: A Manual For The Diagnosis And Treatment of RSD., it is written by Ellen G. Wattay
P.T., Ph.D. You can order the book by writing to Dr. Wattay
at: PO Box 2867,
Salisbury, MD 21802. The
cost of the book is $12.00.
The second book is called Chronic Pain: Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy/ Prevention and Management, it is written by Hooshang Hooshmand, M.D.. You can
order the book from the Publisher, CRC Press, Inc., 200 Corporate Blvd., N.W.., Boca
Raton, FL 33431. Or you can call them at 1-800-272-7737. The cost of the book is $95.00.
It's In The Computer
Interactive Communications: In today's world of computers there are many types of
Interactive Services, such as Prodigy, America On-line, CompuServe, and many others. Last
May I got interactive with Prodigy, and this has enabled me to communicate with others who
suffer from RSD all across the U.S.. By using a service like Prodigy I have been able to
communicate with over 90 people since last May. This has helped me to get more information
about RSD out to the people who suffer from this problem.! am still amazed that I can turn
on my computer and talk with so many nice people from across this country. It's a great
way to make new friends, and it seems that every day there is someone new on Prodigy with
RSD.
Special Guest Speaker
Hooshang Hooshmand, M D at our March 12,1994 meeting. See page 2 for
details.
Page 2
Next Support Meeting
Our next meeting will be held on Saturday March 12,1994 at 1:00 P.M..
at the Goddard Memorial Hospital., 909 Sumner St., Stoughton, MA.
Our Guest Speaker will be Hooshang Hooshmand, M.D. of Vero Beach, FL.
Dr. Hooshmand is the author of a new book entitled Chronic Pain: Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy / Prevention and Management.
The subjects of Dr. Hooshmand's talk will be as follows:
1- RSD, mechanism of development.
2- Manifestation of RSD.
3- Diagnostic methods.
4- Management of RSD.
5- The crippling causes of RSD.
A-Pain.
B-Movement disorder.
C-Cerebral dysfunction.
D-Fatigue, depression, insomnia, suicidal attempt,
immune disturbance, hypertension, and heart attack.
6- You are not crazy and you do not need a Psychiatrist.
7- Invasive surgery, sympathectomy and amputation are out.
In addition Dr. Hooshmand will be talking about causes of RSD such as diabetes, electrical
injuries, heart attacks, and stroke.
Also Dr. Hooshmand will available to talk with us Sunday morning March 1994. Location and
time to announced at meeting.
Also refreshments will be served at the meeting.
Please RSVP by March 1, 1994 to Eric at (508)946-9888. We would like to know how many
people are planning to attend this meeting, so that we can have sufficient seating for
all. For anyone who is planning on coming in from out of town we can send you information
for hotel accommodations.
Thank-You!
We would like to thank the following people:
Mike and Pat Amboian for hosing our annual July get together. Thank you we had a
great time.
Dr. Ralph Beasley for speaking to our group this past October. It was both interesting
and informative.
Attorney Rick Lawton and Attorney Luke Sweeney for speaking with our group this past
December.
They have been most helpful with the legal aspects of RSD.
I would also like to thank the following people for referring patients to our support
group.
Attorney Rick Lawton and Attorney Luke Sweeney from The Law Firm Of Lawton and
Lawton in Brockton, MA.
Tippi Haag-Olson from The Law Firm Of Lubin and Meyer, P.C. in Boston, MA.
Marsha Randall from the MDA in Dedham, MA.
Mabel Woo from the United Way of Mass Bay in Boston, MA.
Andrea Wilde,R.N. and Kelly Malmquist, R.N.,PMC from the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical
Center in Lebanon, NH.
Dr. Rex Carr from West Lebanon, NH.
Page 3
RSD and Old Man Winter
It is the beginning of a new year, February 1994. We are in the middle of winter here in
New England-actually it feels more like a deep freeze this year. For those of us who have
RSD, winter can be an especially difficult time. We have less daylight, find it more
difficult to get outdoors and enjoy any fresh air, feel more "cooped" up, and
wonder, "will winter ever end?". Some of us experience more depression at this
time of year, and consequently, our pain seems to increase. We become less active and more
focused on our pain. Winter can bring with it more stress and can test us in ways that we
have not been tested before.
I think it is. important and helpful to find ways to. cope with the complex problems that
seasonal changes bring, and the affects that those changes have on our RSD. The following
are a few of the things that are helping me get through the hardship of this winter:
1. Plan ahead- schedule something that you enjoy and can look forward to doing.
2. Maintain contact with others. The desire to hibernate can leave you feeling isolated
and alone.
3. Exercise your sense of humor. Laughter is good for the spirit and your belly.
4. If you have a hobby, jump into it. Focusing on something other than your pain is
helpful.
5. Try some relaxation and meditation. Give yourself a refreshing break during stressful
times of the day.
6. Read a book that you been wanting to read.
7. If possible, volunteer your time with an organization that will appreciate what you can
offer.
8. Perk up your appearance. A haircut or new clothing can help to "perk" you up.
These are just a few ideas that can help us to endure the winter months. If anyone has
other suggestions, please share them with all of us. Remember, here in New England winter
arrives every year and spring follows. Hang in there and be good to yourselves. This is
not an easy time of year, but you are not alone. Reach out to share with others.
Marcia Perron
ICD Code
RSD now has its own specific ICD code. It has been classified into four categories:
1. 337.20- unspecified site.
2. .337.29- other specified site.
3. 337.21- upper extremity.
4. 337.22 - lower extremity.
We encourage you to inform your health care professional of the new code. It is critical
that all health care professionals begin using the RSD code immediately so that more
accurate statistics may be obtained about the number of people afflicted with RSD.
Meeting Dates
Included in this newsletter you will find our 1994 Calendar, highlighting the
meeting dates in bold print.
If you have any question or comments about The RSD Journal, feel free to contact Eric at
(508)946-9888, FAX (508)946-3338.
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