Through all my years of practice and the countless different injuries my clients have told me about. One of the most difficult conditions I’ve heard of is called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, commonly known as CRPS.
My heart aches listening to someone suffer with this condition explain how unrelenting, everchanging, and emotionally draining it is.
CRPS often develops as result of a physical injury or from a surgery. It can be explained as pain ‘on top’ of the initial injury to your body. It adds to the injury and can even sometimes spread the pain along the entire limb. For example, an injury to your finger can create a domino effect where your whole arm ends up in pain. With CRPS your body’s nervous system is overreacting, creating pain that may not have been there from the original injury.
Because of the type of condition this is, CRPS increases the complexity of a workers compensation case. Mistreatment by the workers compensation insurance companies often occurs because of the lack of education and understanding for this condition. This mistreatment can include, but is not limited to difficulty in getting a doctor to evaluate for and diagnose CRPS, and a refusal to give medical treatment recommended by the diagnosing doctor.
This causes significant delays for investigation, denial of alternative treatment such as Ketamine and Medical Marijuana, and a refusal to acknowledge the permanent nature of CRPS and the obligation to provide future medical care. In other words, when an injured worker develops CRPS as a result of a work incident, they can expect that the workers comp insurance company will do everything in its power to not provide appropriate medical care now and in the future for injured workers.
What we try to do here at Salmon & Hewins is take the burden off of our client’s shoulders and put them on ours so that our client can focus as much of their energy as possible to deal with this condition.
To get some personal insight on how this condition affects daily life, I’m sharing with you now a story written entirely by a workers compensation client of mine named Tina, who has suffered with CRPS onset by a work injury, we hope this will help with CRPS awareness.
Living with CRPS – written by Tina
Living with a condition like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and moments of strength. Dealing with the pain is a struggle shared by many, myself included. CRPS doesn’t just bring discomfort, it also stirs up emotional turmoil, social challenges, and mental obstacles.
I want to shed light on what it’s like to navigate life with CRPS, the setbacks faced during times, and how they ripple through every aspect of one’s life.
The Weight of CRPS
Since my diagnosis of CRPS, I’ve experienced a series of setbacks. These include not only limitations and loss of independence but also changes in relationships, emotional struggles, battles with mental health, financial hurdles due to disruptions in my career path, isolation from social circles and activities I once enjoyed, as well as shifts in how I perceive myself and my self-worth. These setbacks collectively highlight CRPS’s impact on an individual’s life beyond the pain.
Dealing with Difficult Days
On those days, living with CRPS, pain becomes the focus that affects every aspect of daily life. Simple tasks become hurdles, while persistent discomfort drains both energy and motivation. Living with the burden of inhabiting a body that doesn’t cooperate brings forth a layer of distress, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. Challenging days with CRPS, impact all facets of life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Finding Bright Moments Amidst the Struggles
Conversely, a good day battling CRPS offers a respite from the pain. The pain becomes more manageable in these instances, allowing for some relief and brief moments of normalcy. Despite facing hurdles, a renewed sense of optimism and positivity serves as a reminder that suffering does not overshadow each day. The apprehension of what the next day might bring looms nearby, casting a shadow over even the happiest occasions.
The Ripple Effects
Coping with CRPS entails adapting to its challenges. Apart from the source of pain, this condition triggers a cascade of difficulties. For instance, experiencing a limp due to foot pain alters one’s gait, resulting in discomfort in areas such as the knees and hips. This interconnected web of pain illustrates the complexity and diversity in CRPS; attempts to alleviate pain in one area inadvertently give rise to challenges
Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) presents an array of hurdles while also highlighting resilience and inner fortitude.
When encountering obstacles and challenges, individuals managing CRPS continue to push in life. They draw strength from loved ones and companions who understand their journey. By raising awareness and fostering a sense of community, we can shed light on CRPS. Offer support to those facing this condition.
7505 Eagle Crest Boulevard