Living With CRPS

CRPS/RSD is a life-altering chronic condition. Living with CRPS/RSD offers many challenges to those who are affected by it. Challenges include difficulties with diagnosis, coping strategies after diagnosis, caregiver concerns, differences in the problems faced by adults and youth, insurance, workers’ compensation and other issues.

What is always at the forefront of any discussion of CRPS/RSD is that it is a condition characterized by one of the most severe levels of pain – 42 out of a possible 50 on the McGill University Pain Scale.

But the goal that RSDSA keeps in sight is to help patients function better and live a fulfilling life.

A small percentage of those with CRPS/RSD are not able to achieve that objective. Sometimes the result is that they take their own lives. It is important to note that suicides are almost always the result of complex issues beyond the fact of physical pain. But, given this reality, we also make resources available for suicide prevention and aftermath.

Here on the RSDSA website you can find:

  • A list of symptoms and a checklist to help with diagnosis
  • Information and resources for the newly diagnosed
  • Tips and tools for living better with CRPS/RSD
  • Education and information for caregivers
  • Information about new and existing treatments
  • Age-specific information about living with CRPS/RSD
  • Blog posts on relevant topics
  • Stories from others living with CRPS to offer inspiration and hope

There is always help here to assist in answering your concerns and questions. Please contact us directly if you require further information or have a story to share. Please join the RSDSA community for updates and our newsletter!

The Experience and Impact of Having CRPS and the Need for Early Diagnosis & Treatment

Three CRPS Warriors and a caregiver speak on the experience of having CRPS. Doctor Getson and Doctor Harden discuss the importance of early diagnosis.

CRPS Treatment and Research: What’s New? with Sean Mackey, MD, PhD

Sean Mackey, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Anesthesiology at Stanford University. He serves as the Director of the Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab as well as Co-Director of the Stanford Pain Research and Clinical Center.

Living With Pain with Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD

Dr. Harkavy-Friedman discusss the experience and impact of having CRPS and the need for early diagnosis & treatment.