Lessons from the Washing Machine: Living With Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Rsd - Chronic Pain

Because of a knee injury, Ruth has developed a disorder known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS ¿ I) is the newer term for the disorder. The hypothetical rationale for RSD is a nerve becomes damaged (could be from something as simple as a splinter), does not repair appropriately, and, therefore, causes excruciating chronic pain. The pain in turn causes the body to compensate resulting in skin, bone, muscle, and more nerve damage. Ruth discusses the diagnosis, treatments, coping with excruciating pain, and dealing with the losses associated with RSD. She also talks about the effects chronic pain has had on her marriage and her faith in God. Ruth L. S. Miller, an RN for over 30 years, has a Master of Science Degree in Nursing. She is certified by the State of California as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She also holds Associate and Bachelors Degrees in Nursing and Religious Education. She previously was board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Association as an Advanced Practice RN.