Freedom from pain

A 24-year-old Christiansburg woman is regaining mobility and making plans to attend graduate school after treatment put her in remission from years of pain.

Anna L. Mallory

Sunday, December 20, 2009

CHRISTIANSBURG -- Brandy Sachs smiles more these days, even after gaining 30 pounds in one year.

For this 24-year-old, weight gain is a blessing and the least of her concerns.

In October 2008, Sachs weighed 76 pounds after she spent seven days in a ketamine-induced coma. She was the 55th patient to undergo the treatment in Germany. She emerged from the procedure with few memories and couldn't perform natural tasks, such as shivering. 

The coma was designed to reboot her nervous system, and, doctors hoped, rid her of the decade-long bouts of pain associated with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, known now as chronic regional pain syndrome. The little-known condition she was diagnosed with at age 13 caused her to cringe in pain with any touch even as slight as a flutter of her brown hair. Walking was difficult, and her right foot had turned inward and would often swell.

Today, after a year's worth of ketamine boosters, doctors say Sachs is in remission. She's been RSD-pain free for a year and won't have to return to Philadelphia for infusions of the drug for another year, unless any changes occur.

While she isn't entirely pain, or medicine, free (she is on strong painkillers as a result of a back surgery that touched nerves, but that pain is not related to the condition), Sachs said a little pain is better than her previous state.

Always cautious, she prefers to say the condition is dormant, but she's pleased with her progress.

"I have RSD, and I'm always going to have it," she said.

She walks on two crutches and has become more active. She started driving on her own, went rock-wall climbing and can make two full laps around Walmart.

Mentally, Sachs said she still feels stuck at 16. Many of her memories -- and skills -- are fuzzy. Doctors said some memories may never return.

The physical progression also has been slow, although Blacksburg therapist James O'Connell said Sachs has made great strides. She's now working on the stationary bike and the treadmill to gain strength and tone her unused legs. He's trying to get her to wear regular shoes, instead of the orthopedic shoe created for her in Germany.

Sachs goes to physical therapy twice weekly. Just last week, she took her first steps in years without bracing herself.

"I'm so proud of her," said her mother, Lisa Sachs. For years, the mother and daughter could barely hug. "It still makes you smile every time you see her stand up," she said.

Around the house, Brandy Sachs still often uses a wheelchair. That's mostly to navigate the crowds of cats, dogs and people who swarm her parents' small Christiansburg home.

"It's just easier," she said. If she bangs any part of her body too much, the RSD could flare, and the pain might return.

In August, Sachs hopes to enroll in graduate school at Virginia Tech to study sociology.

Her parents said that step will be good for their daughter, whose life was overtaken by the condition.

Sachs' story has inspired many. In July, People magazine featured part of her story.

The family said the breadth of knowledge about RSD and CRPS is growing.

"When we first started with it, they knew nothing," Lisa Sachs said.

Brandy Sachs spent seven days

in a ketamine-induced coma and

went through months of ketamine

boosters to ease chronic pain.

Her physical progression has been

slow, but she is strengthening her

legs by riding a stationary bike and

walking on a treadmill.

James O'Connell applies resistance

to Brandy Sachs' foot during a physical

therapy session as her mother,

Lisa Sachs, looks on.

Brandy Sachs, 24, takes unassisted

steps Monday for the first time in years

during a physical therapy session with

James O'Connell in Blacksburg.

Photos by JUSTIN COOK The Roanoke Times Source 

The Journey Of Another RSD Warrior!!

Allow me to Introduce my friend,
Trudy aka TheMatrix777

To My Readers: This is a three-part series involving my latest treatment for my RSD.

The treatment is called
"Trigger Point Injections"

There is no "cure" for
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) .

The top picture is what I looked like BEFORE I got RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). I was a successful, independent software contractor making a 6 figure salary. So basically, I was very happy....... On Jan 8, 2005 my whole life changed. That was the day of my hand surgery, and my life has never been the same. I had to stop working (forced retirement) and file for disability (SSDI) because I could no longer function without my right hand! A few months later, I lost some use of my left hand too.. and then my legs stopped working. So now I'm confined to a wheelchair.

"So my wages went down to approx $1,000 a month. NO ONE can live on that. But I had to; I had no choice! Remember: I was the sole support of my family......Talk about a stressful situation, this was it!" I cried every night wondering how I could ever find the money to feed my family. I even went to a contract meeting with a client, in a cast, and pretended I was fine, even though inside I was screaming with white, hot searing pain. In the end, I just could not take the contract. There was just no way I was going to be able to bluff my way through and give the client what he paid for.

RSD tends to spread and mine was no different!!!! It spread like a wildfire! Nothing would stop it ...until Tuesday, March 24, 2009, when I got my first "Trigger Point Injection".............. .

Thank GOD for Dr.Kenneth Hampar, M.D. at the Pain Institute of Nevada

Picture #2 AFTER I got RSD. It's a picture of my right hand. Does it look like a hand? Nope. It doesn't. And it didn't work like one either.......... Now, I can't wait for the day when I don't have to have help with cutting up my food; cooking, cleaning, helping me bathe, brush my teeth, brush my hair.........etc. The list can go on forever........but you get the picture. I feel like a baby. Its humiliating...... I want some self-reliance. I want my pride back. I want to not be so foggy that I fall asleep with food in my mouth from so much pain medicine.

Treatment schedule:

1st Trigger Point Injection: March 24, 2009 2nd Trigger Point Injection: March 31, 2009 1 mo Followup: I hope you will join me. I am very excited, especially after the first shot. I have NO PAIN in my RIGHT HAND! (hint: that is the original site of the RSD)

Please remember: No treatment works the same for everyone. It seems to have worked on my hand, at least the first shot did. How long will it last? I don't know. You will know when i know. Will the 2nd one work to sever the pain cycle forever? I don't know... I have all of these questions and more . I'd love you to find out with me. My next shot is Tuesday. I will be writing the next update the.

Hope to see you soon.

thematrix777


Please click on any of the links in this story to visit her website.

Meet -- "Team RSD" - Racing For Awareness And Research!

Not long ago I came across "Team RSD" because of a comment left on one of my posts. I have to tell you, as soon as I arrived at their website: http://teamrsd.blogspot.com , I was completely impressed!! Not just because of a person being diagnosed with RSD, but because of what that person is doing "DESPITE" of being diagnosed with RSD.

Meet this incredible man; His name is Brian Mehrbrodt and is Owner of "Team RSD".
Since his diagnosis in September 2008 he put together "Team RSD" from Corbin/Dean Racing. The "TEAM RSD" Mustang will be running in the April 2009 Drag Racing Season. "Team RSD" was formed to create awareness of 'RSD' or otherwise known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

With the support of his wife, family, friends and generous sponsors, "Team RSD" will be competing in NHRA, NMRA, and in the local drag racing events in 2009.
RSD awareness will be heightened by highly visible graphics on both the Dragsters and Race Trailers.
In addition, Informational Brochures will be distributed at each event. Magnetic Car Ribbons, and Red Bracelets will be available from any Corbin / Dean Racing Crew Member for a small donation. All donations will benefit RSD awareness and research.

At this time due to RSD, Brian will not be involved in the racing activities, but his son, Corbin Mehrbrodt, will be the driver.
Brian will be his son's #1 fan and attending as many races as possible.

As for myself, I know when "Team RSD" comes closer to my area, I will be there and would be so very honored to meet everyone.
I am so very proud of each and every member of this team, and wish them Many of God's Blessings!!

Please visit http://teamrsd.blogspot.com and show your support for all they are doing!!

Real Magic for us with RSD!

When disaster strikes, there are no magic words that will make everything all right. For if there were, life would necessarily have to be unbearably empty and shallow in order to accommodate them.

What there is, is the opportunity and the obligation to love as you never have before. What there is, is the stimulus to take life to a higher level.

In your moments of most profound challenge, you are left with only what truly matters. And that is a powerful place to be.

When you are forced to experience life at its worst, it compels you to be your best. You must call upon a level of strength you never before knew was there.

And then, you begin to work through it. As you choose to move forward, life takes on greater, more profound meaning.

Choose to love, and choose to live. That is what you can do, and that is where the real magic will happen.

Another RSD Tip of The Day!

If You Have Had, You Now Have!!

If you have the ability to complain about something, you also have the ability to take the positive action that will make it better. And taking the positive action is infinitely more effective than merely complaining!

If you have cause to get angry, you also can turn the energy of that anger in a positive direction. You can then resolve it better for all concerned.

If you have reason to be frustrated, you also have the motivation necessary to get beyond it. No frustration ever has to continue troubling you!!

If you have experienced disappointment, you also have learned valuable lessons. Look ahead, apply what you have learned, and transform your disappointment into a positive turning point.

If you have known loss and sadness, you also have gained a profound understanding of how very precious life is. Take the opportunity, for which you've paid so dearly, to raise yourself to a whole new level of meaning and fulfillment.

If you face a difficult challenge, you also have the opportunity to grow stronger, more capable, wiser, experienced, and resilient. Embrace those opportunities, for in them you will find the sweet substance of life!!

Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody's looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you're misunderstood.

~Charles Swindoll

Think Before You Speak

'Some people!' snorted a man standing some distance
behind me in the long line at the grocery store.


'You would think the manager would pay attention and
open another line, 'said a woman.


I looked to the front of the line to see what the hold up was and saw
a well dressed, young woman, trying to get the machine
to accept her credit card.


No matter how many times
she swiped it, the machine kept rejecting it.


'It's one of them welfare card things.


Damn people need to get a job like everyone else,' said the man
standing behind me.


The young woman turned around to
see who had made the comment.


'It was me,' he said, pointing to himself.


The young lady's face began to change expression.


Almost in tears, she dropped the welfare card onto the
counter and quickly walked out of the store.



Everyone in the checkout line watched as she began
running to her car.


Never looking back, she got in and drove away.


Several minutes later a young man walked into the store.


He went up to the cashier and asked if she had
seen the woman.


After describing her, the cashier told
him that she had run out of the store, got into her
car, and drove away.


'Why would she do that?' asked the man.


Everyone in the line looked around at the fellow
who had made the statement.


'I made a stupid comment about the
welfare card she was using.


Something I shouldn't
have said. I'm sorry,' said the man.


'Well, that's bad, real bad, in fact.


Her brother was
killed in Afghanistan two years ago.


He had three young children and
she has taken on that responsibility.


She's twenty years old, single, and
now has three children to support,'
he said in a very firm voice.


'I'm really truly sorry.


I didn't know,' he replied,
shaking both his hands about.


The young man asked, 'Are these paid for?'
pointing to the shopping cart full of groceries.


'It wouldn't take her card,' the clerk told him.


'Do you know where she lives?' asked the man who had
made the comment.



'Yes, she goes to our church.


'Excuse me,' he said as he made his way to the front
of the line.


He pulled out his wallet, took out his
credit card and told the cashier, 'Please use my card.



PLEASE!' The clerk took his credit card and began to
ring up the young woman's groceries.


Hold on,' said the gentleman.


He walked back to his
shopping cart and began loading his own groceries onto
the belt to be included. 'Come on people.


We got three kids to help raise!' he told everyone in line.


Everyone began to place their groceries onto the fast
moving belt.


A few customers began bagging the food
and placing it into separate carts.


'Go back and get
two big turkeys,' yelled a heavyset woman, as she
looked at the man. 'NO,' yelled the man.


Everyone stopped dead in their tracks.


The entire store became quiet for several seconds.


'Four turkeys,' yelled the man.
Everyone began laughing and went back to work.


When all was said and done, the man paid a total of
$1,646.57 for the groceries.


He then walked over to
the side, pulled out his check book, and began
writing a check using the bags of dog food piled near
the front of the store for a writing surface.


He turned around and handed the check to the young man.


'She will need a freezer and a few other things as
well,' he told the man.


The young man looked at the check and said, 'This is
really very generous of you.


'No,' said the man.


'Her brother was the generous one.


Everyone in the store had been observing the odd
commotion and began to clap.


And I drove home that day feeling very American.


We live in the Land of the free, because of the
Brave!!! Remember our Troops of Yesterday and Today!!!

A great example of why we should be kind and patient.


Kindness is the language the blind can see and the
deaf can hear.


Never judge someone...until you have walked a mile in their shoes.


May God's many blessings continue
to be with you - ALWAYS!!!

Ideas to Empower YOU in Pain Survival !!

Remember to have fun—and seize the day!

Self-Care -- Relaxation/Meditation

* Take a long bubble bath and light some candles.
* Slow down—and breath deeply…
* Use aromatherapy—relax to your favorite scents.
* Meditate, with a group or by yourself.
* Listen or make music (i.e., play a CD, sing or play an instrument.)
* Get a massage by a professional masseuse – or someone you love…
* Seek out things that make you laugh—remember, laughter is the best medicine!
* Buy a bouquet of flowers to cheer up your surroundings!
* Grow something—commune with Mother Nature!
* Stir your imagination—imagine a pleasant experience, moment, sensation…
* Make or craft something (i.e., knit a scarf, do pottery, etc.)
* Go to an outdoor concert, and don’t forget to pack a picnic.
* Treat yourself to a manicure and/or pedicure. Be a Queen for a day!
* Explore an antique store—lose yourself among the treasures…

Cognitive/Mental Strategies

* Practice mindfulness—be in the moment…
* Try art therapy (i.e., paint or draw a picture that shows how you feel!)
* Use narrative therapy (i.e., write your pain experience.)
* Keep a gratitude/affirmation log (write down three things you’re grateful for each day.)
* When depression and/or anxiety hits, don’t fight it. Know it’s a part of the natural pain experience.
But don’t hold on for too long…
* Accept that everything you’re feeling is real and normal.
* Take a class, learn something new—and stimulate your mind!
* Wear a bright color—they excite the senses!
* Reflect upon affirming, positive memories…
* Read a great book—or a breezy romance novel.
* Express your true and authentic self. You’re the only you!
* Think positive, affirming things about yourself.
* Take a trip, even if it’s a virtual one.
* Seek support through a professional pain counselor.
* Make a change and surprise yourself (i.e., get a new haircut, try a new recipe, etc.)
* Get dressed up and put your make-up on, just because it makes you feel good!
* Keep a positive attitude, hang in there and keep the faith!
* Practice appreciation for your healthcare providers—more often than not, they’re trying their best to help…
* On a bad day, remember what Scarlet O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day!”
* Notice and appreciate the splendor of the season changes…
* Learn a foreign language…or two! Exercise that part of the brain that doesn’t read pain signals.
* Choose something you love, and do it every week, same day and time. A joyful routine gives you something sweet to look forward to…
* Don’t let your pain define you. Remember that while pain is now a part of your life experience, it’s not your identity.

Care of the Body

* Exercise regularly and keep your body moving. Hydrotherapy in warm water is especially effective with pain conditions.
* Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, lean meats, etc.)
* Avoid or quit smoking!
* Practice good sleep habits—enjoy waking up refreshed and renewed.
* Be open to alternative and complimentary therapies (i.e., acupuncture, guided imagery, etc.)
* Have realistic expectations about therapies (i.e., have you given your physical therapy regimen enough time to help?)
* Educate yourself about your pain condition. But don’t obsess and let it consume you…
* Listen to your body talk—you know it better than anyone else!
* Learn to say “no”—avoid stress by not over-burdening/committing yourself.
* Spend time in the sun—and don’t forget that all-important sun block!
* Practice good posture. A well-aligned and supported spine is virtually guaranteed to help any pain condition.

Relationships

* Do something nice for someone—it feels good, and that energy is sure to come back your way.
* Learn to forgive those who have disappointed you throughout your pain experience; anger is further fuel for pain!
* Adopt a pet. Unconditional love is good for the soul…
* Give someone a hug—who knows, you might just get two back!
* Volunteer for your favorite charity, school or organization. Doing good is chicken soup for the soul!
* Throw yourself a party. Celebrate an accomplishment with family and friends!
* Get involved in your community (i.e., attend neighborhood council meetings, help plan a block party, etc.)
* Seek out fellow chronic pain sufferers through on-line discussion boards and support groups at medical centers. These bonds could last a lifetime.
* Don’t forget about lovemaking with your partner. Intimacy is second to none to revive the soul and senses!
* Spend quality time with a child or children (yours, nieces or nephews, etc.)—they’ll help you see the world with eyes of wonder!
* Have an afternoon tea with some girlfriends.
* Accept an invitation to a party or other social event, even if you’re in pain. It’s great misdirection—and you’ll probably find yourself having a dandy time!
* Be open to talking to family and friends about your pain experience—and answering their naturally inquisitive questions. If they’re curious, they probably care. Try not to shut them out…
* Remove toxic people from your life—as stress and strain that comes from bad relationships makes pain worse. It’s appropriate to walk away from inappropriate people!

Assertiveness

* Remember it’s your body—and ultimately all possible treatment options are your choice.
* Be prepared for your doctor visits (i.e., have questions ready, be educated about your pain condition(s), etc.)
* Partner with your doctor. You’ll get better pain care results if you work as a team.

Find a good advocate at your health insurance company.

* Bring a family member or friend with you when you go to a doctor’s appointment. They can advocate for you—and it’s good for your doctor to know someone cares and is watching out for you.
* Examine and weigh your therapy options—the biggest “guns” may not be the answer for you.
* Don’t let your doctor pressure you into a therapy that you don’t want to do!
* Interview your pain management provider (i.e., What kind of therapies do you support for my condition?, Are you open to alternative/complimentary therapies?, etc.)
* Remember, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to pain treatments. We’re all unique—and what helps one person may not help another.
* Seek out references with any doctor referral (i.e., talk to other patients, look up his/her standing with the state medical board, etc.)
* Make sure your treating healthcare professional is assessing your pain level during each visit—remember, pain assessment is “the fifth vital sign.”
* Find out if your hospital and/or clinic has a “Patient’s Bill of Rights”—and if so, make sure your treating healthcare professionals are following it.
* Learn about the potential side effects of any and all medications you are considering or presently taking. Sometimes their adverse side effects can create more harm than the problem you’re taking the medication(s) for.
* Run—don’t walk!—from any physician or other healthcare professional who doubts, dismisses and/or discounts your report of pain!
* Encourage your family and friends to educate themselves about your pain condition(s) (i.e., provide them with website resources, articles, etc.)
* Educate yourself about all of your therapy/treatment options (including complimentary and alternative choices)—this will enable you to make the best, most informed decisions about your pain management care.

Clinical Advice

* Using a rating scale such as 0 to10 (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain) is a useful way to communicate your pain to others and assess changes in your own pain.
* Use the rating scale to rate how much relief you are receiving. For example, if your pain therapy relieves your pain from a “10” to a “7”, this is a good step. But knowing your pain is a “7” should suggest that you still require additional help.
* Prevention of pain is key. Anticipate things that bring your pain on (exhaustion, dehydration, stress, etc.) and make every attempt to prevent pain versus responding only when it happens.
* When taking pain medication, always consider what non-drug treatment you could use along with it. Using heat/cold/massage/relaxation can diminish anxiety and distract you from the pain until the medication can begin working.
* Discover accurate and effective words to describe your pain (i.e., burning, stabbing, aching, pins and needles, electrical, throbbing, etc.) to help your healthcare provider with diagnosis and treatment.
* For chronic pain problems, it is generally better to take medications on a regular, around-the-clock schedule rather than only on a “prn”/as needed basis only when pain is severe.
* Fortunately, there are many choices of analgesics (be it traditional, complementary or alternative)—so if a particular pain therapy that has been prescribed doesn’t work or causes side-effects, ask to try another.
* In general for chronic pain, long-lasting medications are preferred to offer several hours of undisturbed sleep or activity.
* If your doctor prescribes physical therapy, be sure to find a therapist you have a repore with. Explain your symptoms carefully, and go over your doctor’s report together. Also be sure to immediately alert your therapist to any pain you’re experiencing as a result of a therapy exercise.
* “Breakthrough pain” is pain that occurs in episodes between doses of medications. Discuss this with your physician to determine if breakthrough medications are needed.
* Inactivity or decreased function is a major problem in chronic pain and results in muscle weakness, dependence, depression—and this cycle only worsens over time. Try to maintain activity if at all possible.
* Depression and anxiety are generally an integral part of the pain experience—and can become severe. Don’t hesitate to tell your pain management provider about these feelings and indeed ask for a referral for a support group and/or psychologist. Your doctor should know psychologists who specialize in pain.

Together, we THRIVE!!