Mara's Story with
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
"It all began in January, 1994. I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, RSDS),
now often called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS, CRPS RDS). After 7 Left Lumbar Sacral Blocks and a
Left Lumbar Sympathectomy, I still had a large amount of chronic pain, muscle contractions, inability to
initiate movement (I fell down a lot), edema, goose bumps, and sleeping problems. I tried a lot of different
medications and in 1996 I ended up on Neurontin, Relafen, Skelaxin, Naproxen, and Clonazepem to manage my many
symptoms from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
I was still in pain from the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, but I actually think I got
used to feeling a certain level of pain, and would somehow manage to muddle through the day, always remembering in
the back of my mind to keep going - laying down won't make you feel better.
I scheduled lots of appointments with massage therapists and chiropractors to keep my spine aligned and my
muscles as loose as possible. I even went to an herbalist to see if certain vitamins and minerals would help, which
is when I started taking Nature's Sunshine Products. My doctor felt that due to the chronic pain, I should use
supplements to support my immune system and overall health. My life's priority became managing my symptoms and
pain, trying to keep them at a tolerable level. It seemed at least twice a year I would have the big bang that took
me out a couple weeks at a time.
I lived this way until about 3 years ago (2005) when one morning after I got out of the shower,
the paraformis muscle (the one that presses on your sciatic nerve) in my left buttocks went into a severe muscle
spasm and I fell to the floor. I couldn't believe it - I mean how much worse could it get! I went to the
chiropractor, the internist, and called the neurologist. I couldn't sit, walk, lay down comfortably for any length
of time in any one position. Often, my husband had to help me dress. All my doctors said after 3 years of this - we
think it is time you go back to the pain clinic and see if there is some type of injection or procedure they can do
to release that muscle. I agreed and scheduled an appointment.
While waiting for my appointment at the pain clinic, I met a man selling these products/medical devices - The
Chi Machine and Hot House (Far Infrared Dome). He told me about the two week free trial. I thought it was
kind of a stretch, but I read the information that he gave me and looked at my treatment options comparing the
Chi Machine and Far Infrared Dome to the current RSD treatments being offered (a possible spinal implant pain
regulator, more injections, ketamine) and decided to try the Chi Machine and Far Infrared Dome, especially since
if it didn't do anything in 14 days, I could return the products!.
The first week of using the Chi Machine and Far Infrared Dome, I really didn't notice much. I
did notice that the Chi Machine was relaxing and the warmth of the Far Infrared Dome felt great on my leg muscles.
The second week, my brother in law noticed that I was walking different. He thought my walking didn't seem
as labored or that I was dragging my left leg as much. My husband felt that I was looking better overall
and told me to keep using the machines, we were not going to return them, so I did.
By the end of the first six weeks I was feeling so much less pain and noticed
that even my paraformis muscle loosened up. It was looser than it had been in 3 years! I also
noticed that I had been forgetting to take my medication. I would open up my pill pack to take my nightly dose of
pills and the day was still full of all my pills. I went back to the Neurologist and Chiropractor and the
paraformis muscle was so loose in my left buttocks that the Chiropractor actually thought that I had had a
procedure done at the pain clinic! I told him that I didn't have anything done, I bought a Chi Machine and Far
Infrared Dome and left him some brochures! The Chiropractor said he had heard of the Chi Machine and would be
taking another look at it for his patients with conditions similar to mine. The neurologist thought I looked great
and wondered how it went at the pain clinic - I advised her I didn't go and gave her some brochures too!
Currently, I am doing better than I ever thought I would, and am a long way from how I felt when I arrived at
the pain clinic in June of 1994. I use these products twice a day and am doing well with my pain management.
I have completely stopped my medication of the Neurontin, Relafen, Naproxen, and Skelaxin. I still take one
Clonazapem at night for sleep. I will always need that compression stocking (mostly I think because of the
Sympathectomy), but my other leg doesn't swell any more and my life has improved for the better. I never thought I
would be able to plan to go somewhere on a Saturday and actually be feeling good enough by Saturday to go!
It has been one year this month since I began using the Chi Machine and Hot House and I thank
God everyday for crossing paths with the distributor selling them. I ordered them and feel blessed and obligated to
share my story with everyone in hopes that these products would help someone else. I feel these products
are worth trying for everyone with RSD, or any type of chronic pain syndrome, or other similar neurological
problems like Fibromyalgia to see if they help you as much as they helped me. The Chi Machine is an FDA
approved Class One Medical Device as a therapeutic massager! I always benefited from massage in loosening my
muscles and helping with contractions but in no way does it compare to the results I have experienced using the Chi
Machine.
I, for the first time, have positive hopes for my future and managing my RSD! Thanks for taking
the time to read my story. Stay strong, keep positive (I know how hard that can be), and remember you are not
alone! I always pushed myself and the progress I have made has paid off. I always felt that any treatment or
modality is worth trying for our health, and that our health and wellness should be our own decision. I am glad I
went outside the box and tried something different. Mara 02/17/06
Update 04/07/09: After 4 years I still
use the Chi Machine, the HotHouse, and the Electro Reflex Energizer to manage my pain and
many other symptoms associated with my RSD. I am back to full activity, exercising twice a day and enjoy
riding my bike 2-4 miles a day in the spring, summer, and fall.
It is no surprise to me, that the Chi Machine's three main benefits of increasing your
oxygen, energy and circulation have truly benefited me by helping me to keep my muscles loose and
my edema and muscle spasms to a minimum. The research on relieving pain with low frequency stimulation is
why I purchased and continue to use the Electro Reflex Energizer. I feel the Electro Pads have helped me
target the pain I get in the large muscle groups, like my hips, lower back, and thighs. I have also used
the Electro Reflex Energizer on my hands because they get tired from typing so much. I do use the Electro Reflex
Energizer on my feet and although it seems to slightly excite the nerves, I do think it did help in relieving my
pain. The HotHouse (Far Infrared Dome) is wonderful for helping me relax and relieves the deep bone pain I
rarely get anymore.
I am still taking the Clonazapem at bedtime and feel blessed to have helped many of
you. I don't think I would be able to have such an active life if I didn't have these products to use on a
daily basis! Keep your faith and hope alive! I am here if you need me. Thank you for allowing me to
continue to share my story.
For More Information on RSD and Chronic Pain
American RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
Hope
RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) Syndrome
Association
Neurology
Channel
RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) in
Motion
American Chronic Pain
Association
| 
