CRPS and emotional flooding?
 

I was just officially diagnosed yesterday with CRPS though 2 previous doctors were fairly certain this was the case. It's only been about 2 months since the onset so I have every reason to be optimistic about treatment. . .

My CRPS began in my left hand. After 2 months I have less frequent episodes but they are getting to be a much faster onset and more severe each time.

Now before the CRPS I would say that I was a very emotionally healthy person with good boundaries, sense of humor, calm and extremely positive.

My question is this, whether I'm in significant pain or not, my emotional life has changed dramatically. My doctor says it's because of the pain but I can't make that connection. Even suffering a very mild embarrassment with a completely safe and loving person my knees start to shake and I feel like I'm going to fall down. Getting angry at my daughter (grown woman) generated horribly negative thinking and surges of adrenalin. The part of my brain that I still seem to have control over was horrified at the unhealthy thinking that sprung from . . . . where? These are just two examples of what seems to be some emotional operating system that is unrelated to my true feelings. Bouts of weeping that honestly don't seem to be related to my level of pain or any true emotion. (though the weeping usually lasts about three days following any episode or flareup)

What the heck? Is this part of the CRPS? It started at the same time. Does or did anyone else have similar symptoms? Physical reactions way beyond what one's emotional state warrants?

Thank you amigos, in advance, for your concern and sharing. I've read many posts here and you all seem extraordinarily kind and compassionate.

Andrea

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

What you describe could be this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudobulbar_affect

Please discuss with your doctor, as there is a medication out that may help.

Others here will be along soon, to discuss other possibilities.;)

Yep, I've been there. It's awesome they caught it early. You have a chance to go into remission. Your emotional state can be part of your CRPS. I have problems at times controlling my anger, and bouts of crying sadness. The pain never leaves us so our mental state is all over the place at times. If I'm in a flare I really try my hardest to stay away from people. That way I can't inadvertently hurt someone else emotionally. My children are young. 1 is 2 years, and the other almost 2 months. So me getting really angry can really hurt them. Also I become road rage queen from hades. I'm the person that will chase you down and beat you with my cane when I really hurt. That's when I wish someone would try to car jack me so I have a reason to beat them. We all go through some mental and emotional problems at some point with this horrible beast. The pain is the main cause, also our lack of control. I will pray that you go into remission, and that your emotions stabilize as much as they can with this beast. Keep smiling, and positive.

Hi Andrea! So sorry you are having to deal with CRPS and all its lovliness! I think all of us suffering from this have shared these symptoms/reactions/feelings...whatever you want to call them. I am struggling with some of that myself right now. RSD/CRPS affects the limbic system of the brain. See the link below for some explanation:

http://www.rsdhope.org/crps-symptoms.html

There is also more great info on that website www.rsdhope.org.

All the best,
Nanc
:hug:

Thank you. That didn't describe me but it was very interesting. Mine is more an exaggeration of emotional response accompanied by physical symptoms like shakiness in some cases or adrenalin in others or the weepy weeps in still others. I'm actually very interested in the topic in general - if only I could retain what I'm learning for more than a nano-second. My doctor told me that's very normal for CRPS (the memory problem).

Thanks again Super Moderator. Well named.

Thanks Nanc, the limbic involvement feels like a fit. That physical surge and overreaction has a very primal and crude feeling about it. It's interesting AND awful to realize how my "higher thinking" was ready to follow along with supporting terrible thoughts even though I wouldn't normally think the things I've been thinking. Like there's an attempt by my limbic brain to overwrite my real thoughts and feelings.

Oy va voy. It looks like my higher brain is going to have to pull rank over and over to stay in charge. This is where being stubborn and hardheaded might finally pay off. <wink>

I'm having a good day today so it was a good time to talk about this, gather information and develop some strategy.

My heart goes to you to be living this while raising children. I can scarcely imagine the endless stress. I snapped on one of my granddaughters while in the pain zone and we both felt worse than ever. Wishing you strength, a reprieve from pain and lots and lots and lots of love.

All good suggestions above......just another thought - unusual thoughts and amplified feelings can be a side effect of some medications. Please discuss with the prescriber. I wish you wellness (and welcome to the group) ~ lottie

We all do what we have to. If I start getting overwhelmed I step outside and scream. I live in the country so I won't get the police called on me lol. Just one of my neighbors calling to ask if I'm ok. Thanks for reminding me that it can also be a side effect of some meds. Darlin you're not alone in feeling like this. That's the wonderful thing about this site. You can get on here and vent, or whine and we don't judge.:hug:

Welcome Andrea, sorry for the reason you had to find us.
Yes, RSD/CRPS effects us all so differently. I've had my emotional bouts
with this disease as well. Not exactly as you've described but still irregular
for me.
I guess that's the reason so many of us are prescribed an antidepressant with
side effects of nerve pain suppression as soon as we're dx'd.

This is a great, understanding (we get it) group. I think we've all had our rants
on here and we see each other through.