- CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Interviews
Tammy L. Guillory's interview
How did all start?
It all started after I got hurt at work! I had an accident at work and twisted 2 places in my back and my left knee! Which pinched the nerves in all 3 places!
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took about 2 months to get my diagnosis and two different doctors to get it right!
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
While I was on Worker's Comp I had 2 sympathetic nerve blocks which did not help. After that I was sent to a Pain Management Doctor! The pain med cocktail he had me on helped take some of the edge off the pain.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Just trying to stay positive about life and having someone that understands!
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Learning to walk again. Having what I call Brain Shocks to the right side of my brain. dealing with the amount of pain. Dealing with the medical community that knows nothing about RSD/CRPS and now not having pain meds!
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
YES!!!! I've lost friends, family that just don't care and my own father that grips me out for speaking out about my disease!
What things have you stopped doing?
Working and being as sociable as I was before and I've missed out on my granddaughters 2nd birthday!!!
What do you think about the future?
As I've said before I try and stay positive about the future! I can only hope and pray someone finds a cure for those of us that have this.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
That I would have to say is a double edged sword!!! Due to the fact I have an amazing man in my life who also deals with this disease and raising my kids! I use to love getting outside and playing with them, taking them to the park, being there for them while in school and being able to help in their high school marching years!
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel travel and help take care of our granddaughter! Just enjoy life! But then again I wouldn't have the man I do now nor the friends either!
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I love my life but Lord I hate this pain!
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Stay positive, find a doctor who knows about what you have and live each day to the fullest!!! Oh and give faith a chance!!! No one ever said life is fair but you have to keep rolling with the punches and love like you won't get hurt and follow your gut feelings!!! Cause the heart only sees the good!
