I also found this:
In the first few months of abnormal sympathetic function (acute RSD/CRPS during the first 6 months) the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems show a significant plasticity and can adjust their activities to preserve the immune system. However, after two to three years, (chronic RSD/CRPS) this power of plasticity and ability to fluctuate the balance of the immune system disappears. As a result, the immune function is thrown off balance with resultant development of frequent infections, and in the long run, development of a tendency for cancer. Certain treatments influence the plasticity and balance of the two systems positively or negatively.
We also have this 3 years mark in cfs where the immune system changes.
More similarities:
MYTH - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD/CRPS) is rare.
FACT — It is not a rare disorder and may affect millions of people in this country. This syndrome occurs after 1 to 2 % of various fractures, after 2 to 5% of peripheral nerve injuries, and 7 to 35% of prospective studies of Colles fracture. The diagnosis is often not made early and some of the very mild cases may resolve with no treatment and others may progress through the stages and become chronic, and often debilitating.
MYTH - RSD/CRPS will burn itself out in 6 months.
FACT — Many patients who are not treated early will experience spread of RSD and this may become a lifelong problem. Even with early treatment this may become a chronic condition.
MYTH - Children do not get RSD/CRPS — limb pain in children is psychological.
FACT — RSD/CRPS can start as young as 3 years of age. This is not a psychological condition. Children may develop psychological problems when physicians, parents, teachers, and other children do not believe their complaints of pain.
MYTH - Patients continue to complain because of secondary gains. They are looking for sympathy and are gaining satisfaction from this experience.
FACT— As with any group of individuals there is a small percentage of RSD/CRPS patients who get satisfaction from a chronic illness. The vast majority of RSD/CRPS patients were active, productive individuals prior to this disease and do not enjoy the pain, the loss of independence, the loss of
job or inability to attend school and the loss of income.
The most devastating aspect of the illness is that physicians, other health care professionals, employers and especially friends and family members do not understand how much the patient is suffering. They are not looking for sympathy, only understanding.
MYTH - Once RSD/CRPS is in remission, it does not come back.
FACT — It may subside for years and then recur with a new injury. The reoccurrence should be treated immediately.
MYTH - There are no symptoms except pain, swelling, heat or coldness, and color change.
FACT — There are many other symptoms including movement disorders (difficulty starting movement, increased tone, increased reflexes, tremor, muscle spasms), weakness, fatigue, skin rashes, frequent infections, migraine
headaches, and others may be found as more data is accumulated.
MYTH - Family and friends find this condition easy to understand.
FACT — RSD/CRPS is difficult for many physicians to understand. It is not surprising that family and friends do not understand the patient’s pain and disability.
MYTH - RSD/CRPS occurs in psychologically unbalanced people.
FACT — Persons who get RSD/CRPS are not any different than the rest of the population psychologically. Once they get RSD/CRPS and they are in constant pain they may be depressed and suffer other psychological changes. When RSD/CRPS symptoms are relieved these changes disappear.
MYTH - Every patient has the same results from a medication or treatment.
FACT —There are many forms of treatment and combinations of treatment and medication. What is highly effective for one, may not work in another. Medication dosages may need to be adjusted to get the best results.