 | ||||
©
2000 - 2006 LAStarz.com -- All rights reserved. Photo © 2005 MSN.com
Feel free to link to this site, but please do not duplicate our
autographs, original photographs, licensed images, content, or
unique concept
without authorization. This site is not affliated with all
of the organizations mentioned within; and each owns their
respective names,
trademarks, and service marks. This site is best
viewed at 1024 x 768, though some pages have been modified for
800 x 600 screens.
Finding Joy in spite of Pain
| ||||
Paula and other Hot Hollywood Stars at the
It's easy to criticize another person's behavior, especially if you don't understand what's going on behind the scenes. This has been the case for American Idol judge Paula Abdul, who, after reading criticisms and negative comments about her "erratic behavior," came forward to talk about her 25 year battle with chronic pain. In the May 2 edition of People Magazine, Paula shared that heavy medications made her chronically nauseous, sleep-deprived and loopy (see Paula Abdul, My Secret Battle).
Paula announced she suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a rare neuropathic disorder that causes intense, unexplained pain. The condition is the same or similar to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS); the two diagnoses are often found in the same category and, like Fibromyalgia (FMS), are often misunderstood and extremely difficult to live with. Paula suffers from RSD; I'm being treated for CRPS, FMS/myofascial pain, carpal tunnel (CTS) and several other diagnoses, resulting from failed neck surgery. Having endured chronic pain for the last 7 years, I can verify that it's not easy. It affects self-esteem, relationships, and every aspect of daily living.
Chronic pain patient Paula Adbul gets kisses and support from fellow American Idol judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. American Idol won Favorite TV Show at Nickelodeon's 18th Kids Choice Awards. Check out our extended coverage & pictures from the Mattel Gift Retreat.
For more information and treatment options, visit: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome Association
I'm not a celebrity like American Idol judge Paula Abdul, but, like her, I have also tried to keep my chronic pain a secret, even though it often prevents me from reporting to you as often as I'd like. In addition to ADL's, simple things that are taken for granted - like using your computer and keyboard - become unique challenges for chronic pain patients. Thanks to some very special specialists and my recent 6 week absence - I was learning to live and hopefully work with chronic pain - very soon, I hope to be set up with a reclining workstation that will allow me to function more consistently. Anyway, back to Paula ...
"If people only knew what I've gone through with pain and pills," Abdul told People magazine. "I'm dancing for joy at the fact that not even a year ago I was in so much pain I could barely get up." In the People article, Paula offered advice for others suffering from chronic pain: "Find a support group. It's so isolating, you can easily fall into a deep depression."
Paula speaks the truth; it's our turn to applaud her for her bravery for putting a popular face to a few of the invisible, mysterious, debilitating, very real, life-changing diseases suffered by so many. Like Paula, let's all let loose and try to find the joy in life!!
4/23/05: There is an important update on the RSDSA website, which clarifies that Paula Abdul takes Enbrel for Arthritis and Pamidronate for CRPS. Daniel J. Wallace, M.D., Paula Abdul's personal physician, says "Paula has been treated with Pamidronate for her RSDS. Second, she is on Enbrel for inflammatory arthritis, which is unrelated to her RSDS." Also be sure to read RSDSA's Response to Paula Abdul's Stories in the Media.
8/01/05: Funny television trivia - Pain Management infiltrates pop culture!! If you listen to the overhead PA system in your favorite hospital based TV shows, you might notice a new call for assistance that goes like this: "Pain Management call X555 please." So far, we've noticed this in ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and in the Ecotone episode of HBO's "Six Feet Under."
Wishing you the best ... Linda
