- CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Interviews
Theresa's interview
How did all start?
I originally had a back surgery in 2006 from a work accident that left me with a lot of scar tissue. In 2010 they decided to implant a neuro stimulator to help with the pain. This is what caused me to get the CRPS.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes. About 5 months.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have seen my primary dr, a pain dr locally, have went to Aqua PT, and a neuro pain dr in Philadelphia.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
I get treated for my CRPS, Neuropathy, and Fibro in Philadelphia, PA. I get ketamine infusions which has been the most useful. I also have a pain dr in my home town that has me on a new pain med that keeps my pain under better control than before with previous opioids. My new medication is Levorphanol 2mg.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Because I was hurt on the job it is a workers compensation case and I have to fight to get payments for my treatment. Other than that I do not like the hallucinations that you get from the Ketamine. I also have had to have a port put in due to my veins not being any good no more. I miss being more active like I was before my injury so I deal a lot with depression and anxiety.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Some of my friends do not understand about my CRPS even though I have tried to explain, but overall most have been willing to listen and be there for me. All of my family is there for me.
What things have you stopped doing?
Zumba, walking long distances, riding my motorcycle, going out of the house as much when it is colder weather, crocheting.
What do you think about the future?
I am not really sure. I don't like that fact that my health is not good. I fear that I am going to end up permanently in my wheelchair. I fear I will struggle to survive in this world financially.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best yrs of my life were all before 2006 when I originally hurt my back. I had a wonderful son in 1999. Before that I used to dance, go out with my friends dancing, do Zumba, went to college. Maybe not in that order, but it was a whole different life that at times I forget when every day is filled with pain.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel with my son, ride a motorcycle again, work a full time job, Zumba, find someone to spend my life with me and love me for me. I am a simple girl with simple wants and dreams.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Sometimes it feels like hell on earth.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
We all have bad days, I know this. Stay strong and be brave. If the doctors you are seeing aren't giving you the answers you go and find the answers you need! That's how I found my ketamine doctor. No one will fight harder for us that us ourselves so be your own advocate. And remember at the lowest times, because I know they do exist, you are worthy, you are loved, and you WILL get through this....one second, one minute, one day at a time! <3
