One key thing that families affected with CRPS needs is trust and honesty in communication. It won’t hurt for you to open up to your family, especially since they’ll probably feel vulnerable and helpless as well. Remember that this is a disease that is hard to pinpoint, and harder to cure, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that your family feels like they can’t do anything. It’ll help both of you if you an open, honest heart-to-heart, as long as you don’t make the mistake of venting out your anger and frustrations on your family member.

Another thing you should always keep in mind is that money is power. The more you know about the subject, the more you can do about it. Take the time as a family to go online and look at the many sites dedicated to CRPS. You can even go together to support groups so that you’ll know how to act as a family in facing the disease.

Virtually, this disease is here to stay, and any amount of cajoling or threatening from your family members is not going to make it go away. This is the moment when you need your family the most, to guide, to support and to advocate. Family members should always keep in mind that this is not a joke, and you are not milking this. You are really in pain, and the constant medications and treatments are a burden on you, as well. In return, maybe you can help out as little as well. Put a little effort into being just a bit more affectionate towards them, do small chores around the house, basically just show them you’re grateful.

Don’t forget to also bring your children into the fold, as they are often overlooked in such matters. Once you find your balance, take the time to talk to your kids, and tell them as much as you think they can handle. Don’t underestimate them too much.

Older children can be even more of a blessing, as they can understand more about your condition and have all the willingness to help out, but without all the resentment and bitterness. Laying it out in a way that they can understand can help a lot. Younger children need to have it simpler. Tell them that even mommies and daddies can get sick, and that you need their help to get better. They’ll love doing whatever they can for you, no matter how big or small. It makes them feel good to know that they can take care of their parents too.

And for those family members that are just a big headache, just let them be and take them into stride. Find time to set them aside and talk to them sincerely. You can even ask if they can go with you to a doctor’s appointment so that they can learn more about the disease firsthand. Perhaps then, they will get what you’re trying to tell them.

CRPS is not something that you can take on your own. You’ll do a lot better knowing your family is there to support you as it helps you not only heal faster physically, it also eases the emotional wounds.

A plethora of options for medications exist for pain control and other symptoms associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Medications that are given are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antidepressants, anti-convulsions, and muscle relaxers.

Nerve blocks, often performed by pain management doctors or anesthesiologists, are a common option for CRPS patients. Common blocks like the SGB or Stellate Ganglion Block and the LSB or Lumbar Sympathetic Block are done for pain in the arms, legs, and feet. These are performed in an operating room using a fluoroscope, also known as a “live x-ray” that guide the surgeon to the target nerve area to block.
Physical Therapy is also an integral part of any pain or healing regiment. It helps keep the affected area moving and responding to stimuli and strengthens muscles. Unmoved muscle may atrophy and this can cause severe pain for the patient. Touch sensitivity can also be solved by desensitization routines that can be included in a therapy regiment. Aquatic Therapy can also be helpful for joint pain sufferers as it removes the pressure of the patients’ weight on themselves. Warm water is highly preferred as cold water may sometimes bring pain to CRPS sufferers.

Lidocaine infusions, ketamine infusions, and continuous epidural infusions are available for those who do not want to undergo surgery. Infusions are given intravenously while being monitored by a doctor or an allied health professional. The initial treatments take about an hour, the purpose of which is to ascertain if there are any side effects and if the treatment properly removes the pain. Ketamine comas are not approved for use in the United States.

For those with severe symptoms, doctors may suggest these surgical options, implantable spinal cord stimulators, morphine pump or symphathectomy. Great care should be taken before undergoing these procedures. It is best to consult your doctor and other patients who have gone under these procedures to see if these can work for your lifestyle.

Natural and Holistic training and treatment regiments may provide relief, healing, and relaxation to a patient’s life. Examples of these are acupuncture, massage, herbal supplements, tai chi, and qi gong. One can eliminate certain foods and drinks that can cause or add to the pain.

A psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist can help a patient deal with the imminent stress and emotional problems a CRPS sufferer will encounter. It is also helpful to inform family and friends about the patient’s situation and symptoms so that they will be prepared for any changes in schedules and routines of the patient.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a manageable and treatable condition. With proper information, preparation and research, one can be ready to face the changes and procedures that a CRPS sufferer needs to face.