Medical Journey with CRPS
While spending time in Northern California, I turned 49 and started to think about where I wanted to be for my golden year around the sun. I decided Alaska would be amazing to experience and be there. I started coming up with a route from Wyoming to Texas for the winter and holidays with family. Then Alabama for Mardi Gras, then visit family in Georgia. After we would work camp in Alaska for the summer of 2024.
Well on October 4, 2023, a workplace accident occurred. The scoop door while working the sugar beet harvest was lowered onto my foot. Long story short. It wasn’t broken and was sent home to elevate till Monday with hopes the swelling would go down. After a couple of days, my foot started hurting and I couldn’t get it to stop with over the counter meds.
I ended up in the ER trying to get answers. The ER doctor refused to do any type of imaging and sent me on my way. I asked if they could at least give me some pain meds. They prescribed me twelve pills of the lowest form of pain meds.
Fast forward my foot started to change colors, not the bruising. It was red, like a fire, I called the doctors office left a message. No one called me back, I got in the car and drove almost two hours to get answers. Of course, within minutes the nurse called me saying it was normal to change colors. I said I don’t think so, she reassured me it was.
Anyway, that was the start of my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). We left Wyoming and headed to Texas, no answers. I had no idea it was CRPS until I went to the orthopedic doctor here, and he then sent me to pain management. Pain Management then told me it was in fact, CRPS.
I was still in denial and figured a podiatrist would know more than the orthopedic did. Well, he didn’t even address the CRPS we went into steroid shots for three visits. First visit, I want to get you out of the boot, but then we are putting you in a new boot. One thing all the doctors had in common they wanted me to take antidepressants for nerve and pain relief, which didn’t help me. The meds actually made me depressed.
Seeking Answers
Long story short, after several doctor visits with no answers, I started doing research. CRPS doctors don’t know how to explain it because there isn’t enough research to understand why nerves and the brain respond in such a way. I joined a Facebook group and started combing through the sea of sick people. The only thing the doctors do is prescribe pain meds, anti-depressants. spinal cord stimulators and nerve blocks. I did try the nerve block that made my symptoms worse, and a headache for now a month.
Alternative Medical Treatment
There are alternative forms of treatment that aren’t covered by health insurance or workers comp. The prices range from $2,000 to $45,000 plus there are devices included to help live a normal life. There are two devices I am going to give a try. One stimulates the vagus nerve, and the other is to help with pain management.
Since realizing I am taking the alternative route I am going to head to Alaska for my 50th summer around the sun. It is a place I believe I can heal. The biggest thing with CRPS is stress and finding ways to keep it under control.
Thank you for your time and reading my story. My hope is to start a foundation where others can have resources and help with getting the treatment they deserve. Life is too short to go undiagnosed or live with such a horrible pain.