CRPS stands for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and it is a rare, chronic nerve disorder (often with no known cause). There are 2 types of CRPS; Type 1 - no significant nerve damage, and Type 2 - significant nerve damage. The symptoms are generally the same in both CRPS types, however, every person is different and my experience different extremities of certain symptoms and/ or different symptoms compared to someone else with CRPS.

What are the symptoms?

Every patient will not experience all of these symptoms, but these are the most common ones:

• Extreme pain (out of proportion to any injury)

• Burning sensation in affected limb(s)

• Sweating/ shivering

• Colour change in affected limb(s) (mottled, red, purple, blue)

• Stabbing pains/ sensations

• Pins and needles

• Extreme sensitivity (hypersensitivity) to harmless things such as clothing and temperature changes

• Loss of movement

• Muscle wastage (over time)

• Forgetfulness/ confusion (brain fog)

• Increased likelihood of developing mental health conditions (such as anxiety/ depression)

Whilst unfortunately there is no cure for CRPS, treatments such as psychology, physiotherapy, pain management sessions and some medications may be beneficial.

Not everyone will react positively to certain treatments as it is a very individual experience. Factors such as age, length of time before diagnosis, and the degree of which CRPS is affecting an individual can affect the variety of treatment options available. (Different countries have different laws on treatments and can legally practice some treatments that may not be available elsewhere)

REMEMBER!!

No two people will experience the same things that you do, CRPS is a completely individual journey and you shouldn’t compare yourselves to others! But please reach out to a trusted adult, a sibling, a friend or even me (I’m always here to lend a helping hand)

Here are some contact numbers/ websites if you would like more information on CRPS :)

Burning Nights (UK based) - www.burningnightscrps.org      01663795055

Ferocious fighters (USA based) - www.ferociousfighters.org        303-900-2663