In this post
Introduction
I am Bee and I have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, (CRPS) I have had this since I was 10 and no one knows why I have it.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition showing severe symptoms.
These are constant pain that usually affects an arm or leg.
With this severe condition, you may get constant pain that usually affects an arm or a leg.
My pain is in my knees, feet, hips, right elbow and right side of my jaw.
Living with CRPS is a daily struggle. This impacts every aspect of my life, from physical abilities to emotional well-being.
In this post, I will delve into what Complex Reginal Pain Syndrome is. How it affects my daily life, and how to manage the pain.
I will also discuss the emotional toll of chronic pain. I want to discuss the importance of finding support and sharing your experiences with loved ones.
Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
CRPS is a rare but serious condition. The most common way people develop CRPS is after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack.
The pain felt is often out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
There are two types of CRPS:
Type 1 = which occurs without a nerve injury.
Type 2 = which occurs with a nerve injury.
I have type 1. No known injury or trauma.
Facts About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome:
1. Numbers: CRPS is pretty rare. Affecting about 200,000 people in the United States annually and 16,000 in the UK.
2. Symptoms: Symptoms include continuous burning or throbbing pain. Sensitivity to touch or cold, swelling, changes in skin temperature, and joint stiffness.
The symptoms I have in my feet are different to the symptoms in my knees. This adds to the unusual state of my case.
3. Diagnosis: Based on medical history and symptoms. There is no definitive test for CRPS. Diagnosis is difficult and only when everything else has been ruled out. I didn’t get a diagnosis till I was 35 years old.
4. Treatment: Treatments include physio, medications, nerve blocks, and in severe cases, surgery.
My Daily Struggle
Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome means dealing with pain, that is not only constant but also unpredictable.
On good days, I can manage some level of exercise, be able to drive my children to groups and hoover the house.
On bad days, even the simplest tasks can become impossible.
The pain can make it difficult to do anything!
I struggle to work, focus, communicate with friends, or even do daily self-care tasks like getting dressed and walking.
When I have a flare-up this often leads to anxiety and depression. I struggle to leave the house, I keep to myself and avoid connections with others.
This creates a vicious cycle of pain and emotional distress and can go on for at least a month.
Managing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
While there is no cure for CRPS, there are some things that you can do to help manage your pain. Doing these can help improve your quality of life:
1. Medications: Painkillers and antidepressants are some of what I am on. I will be honest, sometimes they help manage symptoms, and sometimes they do not. Talk to your doctor about your needs.
2. Physio: Gentle exercises can help keep you fit and healthy. Keeping your muscles strong and having good mobility helps reduce the pain. You can try Physio.
3. Nerve Blocks: These injections can help numb pain signals and provide temporary relief.
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4. Complementary Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture may help. I found mindfulness and meditation, help provide relief from stress and tense muscles. Which only leads to more pain. These have helped me understand my pain more.
5. Lifestyle Changes: Doing regular low-impact exercises like yoga, pilates and swimming make you feel great. A healthy diet and good-quality sleep can have huge benefits to our ability to cope with our pain. This helps manage symptoms and improve general well-being.
The Emotional Toll
Chronic pain can lead to high emotional stress.
I often have feelings of frustration, helplessness, and isolation.
It’s important to pay attention to these feelings and seek help when needed.
Therapy, support groups, and online communities can offer valuable support and coping strategies.
Here are the ones I use.
Sharing Your Pain
One of the most challenging parts of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is feeling misunderstood by those around me.
This is an invisible illness, and it’s hard for others to grasp the severity of your condition.
Please talk with family and friends, this is crucial:
1. Educate Them: Share information about your condition. Help them understand what you’re going through. This has helped me and them.
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2. Be Honest: Describe your pain levels and how they affect your daily life. Don’t downplay your symptoms.
3. Set Boundaries: Let your loved ones know what you can and cannot do. Ask for their understanding and support.
4. Seek Support: Encourage your family and friends to join you in support groups. You can also get them to attend therapy sessions with you to help understand your condition.
Is there hope?
Living with Complex regional pain Syndrome is unbelievably challenging.
It’s important to hold onto hope.
Medicine is progressing every day, and new treatments are always being tested. Connecting with others who understand your journey can provide comfort and strength.
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My final thought
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a life-altering condition.
With the right support and management, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life.
Educate yourself and your loved ones, seek out supportive communities, and never hesitate to reach out for help.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Bee Inspired. Bee Joyful. Bee You.
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By Bee's Inspired Living
Hi, I’m Bee, the founder of Bee’s Inspired Living. I am a Mumma, Wife, Home Educator, Blogger and lastly a Chronic Pain Sufferer. I love a good laugh, watching films, family days out, reading, tea, exploring the world, summer and of course, tidying my house. 🙂 As someone who has always been passionate about health, personal growth, and creating a balanced lifestyle, I started this blog to share my journey, insights, and experiences with you.
