I did have a very close and long time friend die after just being dx.w/RSD. But her cause of death was overdose of opiods. I'll make a long story short. She had problems with her cervical part of her spine, I've known this girl since we where 10 and she cracked her neck since I knew her, anyway she did damage to the neck and after many years of living in CA. and trying to get a proper dx. which she never got in CA. Finally her parents flew her to NJ and went to a PM Dr. and after some testing was dx. with RSD. She had been RX. opiods in CA. but not really the proper ones. Once she got the proper meds.the first round of meds. from the new doctor she took was to much and not the correct dose, by her own doing not the doctor. I believe she did this only out of feeling she felt finally I am getting some help. Her parents found her dead at 46 the next morning. That is my story and very sad.

This is not the first time I have heard that the west coast does not have a very good medical community. I am sure there are great doctors but hard to find.....But I have never heard of any one passing because of RSD.

I am so sorry to hear that gabby cakes. But do agree with you I liven southern California and saw about fifteen doctors without getting diagnoised. Even childrens hospital told me it was all in my head. My parents and went to bosons children hospital for a diagnose

Dear RSDno,
Wow, you are one brave person to have lived with this monster for so long and the after effects of trying to end your life. I don't know how you do it. You are my hero! I did want to die the first year of having this (over five years ago) because the pain was so intense and I had lost so much instantly the first year but then I started praying and realized that God left me here for a reason and each day I try and figure out what it is. RSD affects each one of us in different ways. I am almost quite sure an ME would never put a person passed away from RSD because not many people know what it is...even doctors! So, I believe they would be most likely to put heart attack, stroke, etc... just my two cents. Also, from an ins point of view if the ME put RSD and it came from an injury then workers comp would be sued by so many people they would be out of business. I believe when it is your time to go it will be that time so we need to make the best of our lives and do the best we can each day. Yes there are days I hate my life and yes the suicide rate for people with rsd is 76% in the first five years (very sad), but we just have to do the best each day...it is all we can control in life. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep the faith going. Take care,
kathy

Dear Tmullen and All,
I even had a doctor here in Pennsylvania tell me that he had the same type of injury when he was 8 years old and he NEVER got RSD...so then I should not have it either. I just looked at him like he was an idiot (which he was). I think no matter where you are you will have good doctors and then you will have quacks. The problem for us is trying to decipher between the two! BEst of luck to all,
kathy d

This is an excellent post and makes us all wonder...I have been having a huge problem with high blood pressure and it has made me think about everything I eat, because I have to certainly have to watch my salt intake. I have recently learned that high BP goes hand in hand with RSD and my doctor informed me that if I didn't get my yo yoing BP under control I would certainly have a stroke...he stated that he attributes my BP issues on RSD, so in some ways I feel that RSD can cause someone to die.

is if RSD takes me..I want you all to go with me as I would be lost without you all up there sailing amongst the clouds...I too, believe RSD has an indirect affect on causing us to leave here prematurely... show me the light, baby!!

Much love, Kathy..KS!!

One of those Fox stories mentioned suicides. I know between BT and NT we have seen 4 or 5 to die and all have been from suicide..
I know a lot of people around my area with RSDS and we are all still kicking. It may cause strain on our heart from the pain or maybe bring on other illnesses that can cause death. Haven't heard of a death by RSD only.

Ada

I believe from the stand point of our immune system..Running on 'flight" high day in and day out..This in time must take a toll on us...Opens us up to developing other conditions/illnesses easier than your average bear and that is ultiametly is a disadvantage to us...Our bodies are just not wired to withstand the constant pain and agony RSD presents us with..it takes a toll over time and that indirectly can be a bad thing..But by then I will be buying my ticket for a direct flight up anyway!! Tired of the hurt... heart and body!

Love, Kathy

It would not be listed as primary cause of death but depending on doctor, they would list it as secondary or third. Example if it was an heart attack, that was be listed as the main cause of death, then RSD would be the secondary cause an again it depends on the doctor. As you know with RSD some doctors don't even want to bring the word from there lips. I hope this helps.

You are always so positive Kathy, you are light! My hero
God bless you and everyone here
Lori