Hi Geordie

CRPS and RSD are essentially the same beast doing the same nasty things to us... There are two types of CRPS, Type I (no obvious nerve damage) and Type II (known nerve damage). But the symptoms and effects are the same, and basically RSD is CRPS/CRPS is RSD. There is a school of thought among some doctors that splitting CRPS into two types isn't that helpful for the patient, as it makes little difference to the treatment we need...Hmm...

RSD is the old name - it used to be called Sudecks Atrophy (?) and a few other things before RSD. Then qute a few years back a panel of experts decided to rename it CRPS as this was felt to be a better definition of the disease. Obviously there is contention about that decision but I do just wish all the doctors would call it the same name, then all the patients will call it the one name, and we can stop having the confusion of two names.

Good luck to you Geordie, hope you have a good evening.

Bram.

Thanks Bram
Yes I sussed the Rsd and Complex RPS name change
But the Chronic regional pain syndrome is a new one on me do you know if it's just the same thing?

Sorry it's so short I'm thumb typing on this touch pad thing and hands are throwing flames out

Take care

My finger pads are getting very sore now too...

It is just the same thing with a different name. There's arguments about both acronyms, and whether they are an accurate reflection, but there's a lot of opinion and subjectivity about it - I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to change the name, but CRPS was felt to describe it more fully. Obviously not everyone agrees!

Hope your hands cool, going to give mine a rest now. Flaming Fingertips is about right...

Take care,

Bram.

According to Dutch researxh there are 2 variations of RSD/CRPS ype 1 and the second need to be treated differently.

Do you think they used the term "chronic" instead of "complex" in reference to the time you have been enduring this condition/disease? I've noticed many doctors will add "chronic" to diagnostic terminology when the condition/symptoms last longer than 6 months. Certainly it adds to the confusion but, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it as the ICD billing codes (at least here in the US) is what is relied upon more than the actual diagnostic term itself. You can ask your doctors billing office or insurance company what diagnostic ICD codes your doctor is using and then look it up to see what it refers to, to give you peace of mind or a better understanding of what your doctor is referring to by the name he/she uses.

The 'Complex' part refers to the fact that it is a disease with many components, symptoms and effects on sufferers, andinvolves more than one system in the body. CRPS is a 'Chronic' condition because it is long-term (expected to last years).

As in the difference between pain types - 'acute' (short term) and 'chronic' (long-term).

Bram.

Thank you all for the replys I think it must be as you say the chronic just means long term.
I have now been officially dx with this crps although it has been mentioned several times.
It was pain management that made the dx and prognosis is it can't be cured just help trying to control pain.
It takes a bit to get your head around this as to why it can't be cured,I have nerve damage small fiber through this.

Thanks all

To me it doesn't matter what they call it. I just want to be treated appropriately. I don't want drs saying its all in my head or Im a drug seeker. I want to be treated as a person with a very painful chronic disorder that needs to be taken serious. Yes its complex, yes its chronic. Instead of them bickering about names they need to figure out how to treat it effectively. That is my concern. Call it CRaPS or what ever just treat me appropriately like you would treat someone with arthritis, or some other chronic disorder. Don't treat me like a pariah, or drug seeker. I would prefer not to take "drugs" to manage this pain. I would rather be able to get up in the morning and say wow today is going to be a good day. Not well crud I'm already hurting so how many meds will I need to take today and sorry sweetheart we can't go to the park because mommy hurts really bad. I want to take my sons to the park and climba and swing and slide with them. So tell the researchers to stop haggling on a name and research and find a good treatment that helps me be able to be with my children.

there have been over 39000 trials worldwide to find a cure for cancer without doing so for RSD/CRPS that number is 74 so I'm sorry but until every medical professional and every goevernment in every country knows what this is there is no chance of a cure.

Hi again Kevscar. I agree that more awareness needs to be made of this horrific disorder. I have had so many drs make my rsd worse because of lack of knowledge of it. Since November is RSD awareness month, I am passing out flyers from RSD Hope to drs offices and others that I think may be able to help find a cure for this disorder. It can't hurt and hopefully maybe if we all try to spread the word it may help increase the chances of finding a cure. Take care my friend.