Quote:
Originally Posted by betsyherm
Joan,
I very much disagree with your theory on stress. In addition, I think that, if taken in the wrong way, it can be highly harmful to our cause.
I understand that you mean that stress may be a contributing factor in the development of RSD, but the way you stated it sounded like stress *becomes* RSD. This just isn't true. Stress is a contributing factor in MANY diseases, but never does stress alone cause a progressive physical illness! EVERYONE has stress, few have RSD. If there is a link, it isn't scientifically proven...and speculation really *can* be harmful.
I've been on this rant for several weeks now, I know. Please, PLEASE be careful how you speak about stress!
When I first got RSD, I was under no more stress than the average sixth grader. Sure, I strove to be the best at the things I enjoy, but that's a fairly universal trait (as in, I know few people who intentionally set out to fail).
We all find it insulting when a doctor tells us that what's wrong with us is stress, right? So please do everyone here the courtesy of not saying the same thing.
To be perfectly honest, being told that I'm stress stresses me out. We're all different, and we all had different factors that led to our development of RSD. For some, maybe stress contributed, I don't know. I can assure you, however, that there are people for whom stress did not necessarily play a role.
There is NO personality profile that makes anyone more likely to get RSD. It is an insulting idea, and I don't want to see anybody here agreeing with it! We are unique individuals with highly different personalities.
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Hi Betsy,
I totally understand your indignation that people may think that because you have RSD then you must have been stressed to have got it.
I have more many years fought that stereotyping of RSD sufferers as whilst many people I know (and myself)who have RSD are what I would class as 'type A" personalities, I know some also who are far from that description.
Having said that I do believe that the stresses of having a complete lifestyle change, losing careers, financial hardships and constant severe pain are all genuine reasons to become more stressed and therefore impacting our possible recovery. I believe for myself that the enormous stress brought about by my accident has changed my ability to heal both psychologically and physically.
Unfortunately it is well documented that these increased stresses can make our illnesses worse, not just RSD but most illnesses.
The "well meaning" doctors who so flippantly say that you are sick because of stress are definitely not understanding of the intense effect this disease has on every aspect of our lives.
It is a 'chicken and egg" situation. I wonder if we will ever know the truth but please don't let uninformed and careless statements from people upset you, after all those who know you know differently and what others think is just their opinion.
Take care Betsy
Tayla
