Julie's interview
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How did all start?
New Years Eve 2015 had a few people over to ring in the new year. Our dog was out of sorts not acting like himself, him was jealous of my daughter's boyfriend didn't like him touching her. Long story short, I was trying to keep the dog away from my daughter and her boyfriend as we watched the ball drop to 2016 at one point I pushed him away and he snapped...attacked my right hand would not let go, then my daughter tried to get him off me and he turned and bit her only to turn back and bite me again just above my right elbow! We both needed stitches that was the end of the new year and the beginning of my CRPS fight.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was finally diagnosed in 2017 kinda of! 3 months after the attack I went to my doctor only to be told " it seems like RSD but you don't have all 4 symptoms" I had 3 out of 4 but that wasn't enough for him! He told me it would get better in a year!! I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon and he like my doctor said " well because I can touch you and you don't scream in pain , you don't have CRPS"
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
After going into deep depression I was finally referred to a Pain clinic by my employer's Occupational Health doctor. They are still trying different procedures to help me but nothing is working long term. I have had IVRA , Brachial Plexus Blocks and recently Stellate Ganglion and Lidocaine infusions.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
I use Tramadol for pain but it doesn't take it away. After spending a summer in a drug induced fog, I found meditation has helped me mentally.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Not being able to work anymore after struggling for a year and a half to stay at work it all became to much. Realizing I can't do the things I use to love doing, painting, making jewelry and gardening. Knowing I will struggle with this condition for the rest of my life!
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I no longer have a social life, I miss my work family and as time passes I hear from them less and less. My immediate family didn't understand my pain and at times didn't believe me until recently! The worst part of this condition is " You Look Fine"
What things have you stopped doing?
I have always been a very crafty person , so because CRPS is in my right hand (dominant) I can't paint, make jewelry, garden even cooking all cause to much pain. I am a Medical Secretary and worked in our local ER it was incredibly difficult to work as most jobs require 2 hands.
What do you think about the future?
I am recently started to develop signs and symptoms that this condition is spreading and the future looks frightening to be honest.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Before my injury were the best years!
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to go back to work and function like I did before all this ever happened!!
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
In a one word HELL!! In a sentence: My life has been drastically changed and is extremely difficult , I am not the person I use to be and that is scary.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Please never think this condition is " all in your head" or " that you are going crazy" If you have even 1 symptom of this condition DEMAND treatment right away don't every wait like I did hoping the doctor was right and it will go away. Early treatment means greater chance of remission!
