Why me

I am 2 years into this CRPS. Had an injury at work, walked on a wet floor and slipped. My life changed from that moment. Everyone initially said, Achilles tendon damaged. I kept telling them that my foot was cold and toes were numb.... don’t think I was listened to. The pain from the slightest touch had kicked in within days but again was told it was part of the tendon problem, with maybe some ligament damage.

Now my foot was going ice cold, changing colour and very painful. The alternative was swelling and boiling hot., again with a colour change.

The works Occupational Doctor first mentioned CRPS, took that back to my doctors.......2 said they had heard of it one said they knew nothing. Guess which one I got.

I had physio, after a 6 week wait, got exercises to do to keep the foot mobile and some orthotics for trainer. Had further-bouts- of physio some better than others.

Basically, it's been disappointment after disappointment with the Health Care Professionals. They either admit they now nothing or say they do and you quickly find out that you are the expert in the room! I had even read the Royal Colleague of Surgeons Recommendations on CRPS, not that my HCP had.

I had a consultation with one man who laid out the cause, possible treatments to ease pain – but the odds of successful surgery where way too low for my liking. Then the killer, that there was no 'cure', with the prospect of advancement. At least he showed me the respect for me that a patient should have. Said I could make an appointment and see him any time. If I had the money I would change to him in a heartbeat.

Still on the roundabout of going to different people / teams but it's the 'CRPS is all in your head@, 'Have you tried XXXXX medication'. 'if you try harder.......' and my favourite from people 'have you tried....' …...put in any of the things that make you feel like you're putting it on and a malingerer.

I've taken to showing pictures of my foot, this can say more than what I can describe.

Lost job, friends, my way of life, and just not believed that this condition exists. Walking is literally a pain. Sleeping would be nice, without waking in pain or dropping off during the day from exhaustion.

As you can probably tell, still a little raw when it comes to CRPS.

I have a silver lining, at least the OH says so, we get to spend more time together. Thank god for him, poor sXd.

A positive thing I did was to join an online community about CRPS and now I don't feel alone, can say things that I know will be understood and not judged. A place to vent, send hugs and just be believed.

I'm not waving I'm in Blxxdy Pain and trying to get to some pain killers!