KS -

Good question! In "The Brain in Chronic CRPS Pain: Abnormal Gray-White Matter Interactions in Emotional and Autonomic Regions," Neuron 2008;60:570-581, reference is made to a couple of studies that have shown differences between the (abnoral) brains of people with CRPS than those with fibro or chronic low back pain. So the short answer is this: chronic pain causes physical changes in the brain - some of which is apparently reversable with sucessful treatment - but different conditions effect the brain differently.

And in fact, some of those changes, specifically with respct to "Regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBS)" are believed to assist in maintaining the condition, especially in chronic (or "cold") CRPS. See, E.G., Fukui S, Shigemori S, Yoshimura A, Nosaka S, Chronic Pain With Beneficial Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Changes Assessed by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2002;27(2):211-213, FREE FULL TEXT AT http://www.rsds.org/2/library/articl..._Yoshimura.pdf


I've got at least one other study locked up in the c-drive of my currently defunct old computer, which I hope to get to soon.

Mike

When I would visit my doctor, I would say, "I'm not trying to brag, but I used to be a really smart person. Since this RSD came along, I am not anymore..... and I miss it."

I worked 13 years at the same hair salon and was considered "the brains" there. I was the top Colorist Consultant, for both my colleagues and the clients because I was a genius when it came to both math and science. I could look at a person and pop a guaranteed to work formula in a matter of seconds, and multi-task like crazy. Lots of times, I never even had to keep a record of a clients haircoloring formula because I had an AWESOME memory. All that changed after I had my car accident that changed the RSD. Both co-workers and clients became frustrated with me (let alone, me being frustrated myself) because I couldn't "pop" formulas out of my head like I used to. And my ability to multi-task went out the door! I went to working on 5-7 clients at once to snapping at people saying "I can only do one thing at a time" because if I didn't concentrate on what I was doing, I would FORGET what I was doing!!!

Also, you brought up a great point about this problem being from meds or RSD itself. I believe it is from a combination of both, or even from RSD or meds alone; my reasoning behind this thought is because I have gone on long periods of being on meds and long periods of being on NO meds.

Great post........ the problem with the short term memory is truly a hard, frustrating problem in my life and I really wish I could just accept it

Vanna

Thanks Vanna and Thanks Mike....

Losing our short term memory is fustrating..I try to giggle it away but inside I know its a problem and real!! Largely my wondering thought is how far will this go?? Will we remember to brush our teeth one day or did we already do that???? Mike, I can see how the Chroinc pain could definately be the problem as we are tired... but also changes in the brain itself knowing the area affected by RSD... we just have to give up one more part of our self to this monster... sad!!!(can you tell I was scientist by trade?)...Vanna, I hear you, sweetie.. In that you were a pro at what you did and many held that professionalism to you...daily...My job the same..we or should I say I did techniques in my work for 25 yrs... everyday!!! Then one day..not long ago I would start a process..walk away..and forget that I started it until one of my co-workers would say, Kathy..did you do such and such.. Oh yea..I did.... feeling foulish... and once again laughing at myself but this really scares me inside...and like I said..I am med free..as my tummy kicks everything so far back out...

painfree gentle squeezes all....KS

Welcome to the club... thats the worrst... I ask a question someone answers it.. and I sit with a confused look on my face- I cant remember what I just asked!!! Aiii!!! lol... I like that Vanna... I used to be a smart person. Let me tell you, honestly I really used to be a really smart person. And then Rsd came!! Who knows what happened, for whatever reason behind it, I cant remember. Mike-- wow. my brain hurts from reading that... very interesting, except in 5 minutes I probably wont remember what i read... lol. I just have alot of laughter about it now!
Hannah

I can surely relate. I wanted to take a Methadone earlier for my pelvic pain and headed to the bedroom, ended up in the bathroom wondering where I was headed and what for. Finally remembered.

I go see my Dr. and sometimes I feel so stupid trying to find the right words when I am talking to him. Luckily, like other friends of mine, they can figure out what I'm talking about. I feel like a fool sometimes trying to talk to people and not getting the right words out.

Like Vanna said also, I think a lot of us were pretty smart in our day before RSD and it's just made us look not so smart at times. I was always proud of my Math, Spelling, and being able to learn most anything. Boy has that went out the window.

Ada

Ada...

I can so relate..just the other day.. I sat in front of 13 ladies from my work..so sweet they came by for lunch since I have left... anywho... I was telling them a story when all of a sudden, you can imagine this..my mind went totally blank..I mean totally.. and I sat there to where is was an uncomfortable amount of time....trying to re-gain my thought it took so dang long...it actually became embarrasing... it seemed like minutes.. but man was I feeling lost..my mind left me...so I understand your bathroom trip..

Nice to talk with you...KS

I needed to take a LOA because I caught myself making mistakes on the job. I am a CPA and started to mess stuff up, just couldn't keep it all together. Plus I was getting sicker and was just so tired all the time. I really, really needed a rest when I finally took my leave. But it was so hard at first getting used to NOT having anything to do all day!

XOXO Sandy

I don't think I have anymore trouble remembering things, but maybe I just haven't noticed.... is this what I have to look forward too!! YAY!! HA!

Same here but my memory loss is supposedly from my meds. Its hard to get good grades on tests and stuff when you cant remember things.

one thing that helps me is if i walk around a room relating objects in the room to whatever im trying to remember then when i sit in class i can walk through the room in my mind and i see a object that reminds me of something in say like chemistry. it takes some getting used to but it might help

Unfortunately, courtw84... it may be but lets hope not...And Sandy..well said as being so tired from our usual routine was beating the blue mud outta me/us...I was not any good to my work any more nor myself...but my heart said stay but my body said...I surrender!!!!Even now my days here at home are no way near as productive as I thought or wished..I am snail pace now... I surely don't want a crystal ball for our future... no way jose'....!!!!

Hugz, Kathy