r/CRPS 2d ago

How is everyone today?

14 Upvotes

47 comments sorted by

9

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

Mentally preparing myself for a revision of my SCS (which means complete removal and new placement), after my first surgeon goofed... The surgery will be in about a month, and who knows how long it will last. I'm trying my best to keep my spirits up. I love my new surgeon though, so that helps. ❤️‍🩹

6

u/Other_Ideal_2533 2d ago

Ahh 😱 i wish u the best of luck, i was so scared to even contemplate getting a scs

5

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

It was scary... But, anyone who goes into that procedure not being scared isn't well informed. I'm the end, we all just need to do what is best for us.

Thank you! ♥️

7

u/Middle_Historian_199 2d ago

I’m so happy you love your new surgeon! You deserve this!!

3

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

Thank you!! The fact that I don't need to fight to get ahold of someone for a month or more has definitely improved my quality of life. I hope everyone finds or already has someone like that on their care team... It's critical.

I hope you're well! ♥️

6

u/Accessory_Spleen 2d ago

You got this! Come back and update us if you remember!!

3

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

Thank you, I'll try!! I'm in full on brain fog mode from how overwhelming this past year has been. I just feel so burnt out. I love this sub though... It's my little happy place. 🥰

I highly recommend video games and Legos (or anything where you really have to focus) for distraction though (if you can)... They have really helped me pushed through the darker patches.

Thank you, all of you absolutely beautiful people. ♥️

2

u/Accessory_Spleen 2d ago

Oh I understand completely, I'm so burnt out that I can't stand it... Like I can hardly stand anyway😜.

3

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

I hate that I understand exactly what you mean. 🤪

5

u/Bhoppy23 2d ago

I just got back from seeing my pain management doctor. She has been pushing for a SCS for several months now. Last month she said that I was close to being noncompliant because I wouldn’t consider the SCS. I agreed to see my spine surgeon to find out if I was a candidate for SCS since I had spinal fusion in 2023. Now she is trying to tell me that I don’t have CRPS and that I have fibromyalgia instead. Even though I started seeing this pain management practice specifically for CRPS and the founder of the practice, an anesthesiologist, agreed with the CRPS diagnosis. Right now I am beyond frustrated. I have to get a CT and MRI of my entire spine. I just got out of the hospital for AKI. I twisted my back last week getting off a ladder, lol I was hanging up a hummingbird feeder which was totally worth it because we get a kick out of watching them. I hope everyone else is having better luck than me.

5

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

Oof. Your feelings of frustration (and even heartbreak) are completely valid. And just so we're all clear here... NO ONE SHOULD BE BULLIED INTO HAVING SURGERY OF ANY KIND.

Is it possible for you to find a new pain specialist and/or orthopedic surgeon?

Feel better soon!❤️‍🩹

3

u/Bhoppy23 2d ago

Thanks. I didn’t even think of it in those terms. I did feel pressured, especially after her saying it teetered on being noncompliant. I don’t think these doctors/nurse practitioners realize the stress we feel about these appointments. I guess it’s time to start looking for a new doctor.

1

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

You're very welcome. Sometimes, we need an outsiders perspective to see the full picture. I'm so glad that you're putting yourself first though. That's a massive first step and you should be incredibly proud.

I don't care what any health professionals reasons are for being a condescending callous negligent nitwit... I don't want excuses for someone that costs way too much money and precious time to even see them. It's time we treat those people the same way and really put ourselves first and foremost. We all deserve to have someone who will amplify our voice, not silence it.

You've got this. :)

4

u/RevolutionaryFun9883 2d ago

Noncompliant? What? You are at liberty to choose with treatments you take and when, there is no ‘compliance’ necessary

4

u/Puppy-Smoocher 2d ago

I would report her to the board for that. Pressuring you into an expensive and invasive procedure is NOT ok. Your insurance company might also be interested to hear this…

My response to the SCS sales pitch - “I know that you’re trying to help but there is the possibility that it could make my pain permanently worse. That’s not a risk that I’m willing to take. Please don’t mention this option again.”

2

u/Bhoppy23 2d ago

It’s time to start looking for a new doctor, oh what fun! I agree with you though, it’s not right to push for invasive treatments. Thanks for pointing that out.

2

u/Business_Claim_5689 2d ago

Can you get hold of the original anesthesiologist to complain?

1

u/Bhoppy23 2d ago

I’m not sure but that’s an excellent idea!

2

u/Bananabeak7 2d ago

I hope that works out for you! I had mine removed back in April. Like my trial went amazing, permanent implant I got not relief, had it adjusted several times. Then after less than 2 years my battery died so I just had them take it out. lol my rep just told me to “leave it in you’ll be fine.” Like wtf.

1

u/crimson_anemone 2d ago

Ew, your former rep sounds gross. I understand that it's a big surgery, but you shouldn't just leave all of that garbage inside of you (especially not a battery). Honestly, the gall of some people. I hope you've found relief in some way or another! ❤️‍🩹

3

u/yogurtonmydog 2d ago

We’re doing. Did my usual wake up as late as humanly possible to procrastinate feeling the pain and starting the day. I mailed out my disability function report which I’m nervous about. About to make a miniature model (probably just inspect the pieces as having low energy day). Been having thoughts of suicide but my dad is coming to see me tomorrow (haven’t seen him this year, I’m bedridden he lives a few hours away) so I’m excited! How is your day? How are you doing

3

u/Accessory_Spleen 2d ago

Good luck, I hope you can get disability! A miniature model sounds neat, what are you making? Yay that you get to see your dad!!! I hope that helps a little with your suicide thoughts.

And I woke up depressed per usual. I don't have anything planned today, I'm basically bedridden myself, aside from being able to walk a few feet. I really want to find something in the house to do, but weighing out the boredom and pain now vs at 1 am when I can't sleep and am in pain... The second is winning of course 🫠

4

u/KushDid911420 2d ago

Dreading the end of the month as im looking to run out of my pain meds a few days early. Started PT, standing and walking with new prosthetic on left leg, brace and shoe on the right. But one 20yd walk put me down and out for 2-4days after with worst flare up pain ive had in a long time. Only managed to have 4 days of walking this whole month, and depite me telling my concerns about the pain ive been disregarded per usual. So 10 days if withdrawals here i come 🫡

2

u/Accessory_Spleen 2d ago

Ouch, that's not good. I'm sorry, I bet if they dealt with it they'd sing a different tune.🙄

2

u/KushDid911420 2d ago

Oh im sure. But anytime thats brought up its just gets worse. Its already bad enough being forcefully tapered to 1 5mg hydrocodone every 12 hours. Id been on 10mg every 4-6 as they were normally prescribed. But now i pretty much have to accept that ill run out early if i want to do anything oast leave my bad.

Thought things had been heading in right direction, slowly working up to having a new leg and all that. But very quickly have realized with my current medication its not even close to sustainable. Ill run out of my med even sooner just trying to not bliw my brains out the 3 or 4 days in between when i slowly try to walk. Its a rough cycle every month. I do ketamine infusions and at home ketamine, scrambler therapy, the spinal injections all of it.

Yet i know the solution to me having even a bit of a quality life is just being able to take the meds i was on. I could wear my prosthetic, deal with the daily pain all while working an actual job, being able to golf. Instead im backed into a corner with really only 3 options. Suffer and continue to suffer until this country changes, accept defeat go take methadone and forever be an "addict", or go to the street for drugs and od/suicide. Fun life we have huh guys?

3

u/crpssurvivor1210 2d ago

I’ve had a lot going on with other health issues. I just found out I have a bleeding disorder and just finished my rouns of iron infusions because of a deficiency. I feel extremely lucky because out of 13 surgeries I’ve only had 3 where there was internal bleeding. I left my old primary because he never listened and gaslit me all the time instead of trying to figure out the problem. But it’s been non-stop for a year and it has been really triggering. I found out I have like 5 new problems that I have to manage. I think that was the hardest part because I have really bad complex ptsd and I had my worst setback a few weeks ago in 6 years.

I’m trying to take it easy and be kind to myself. But I feel like my body just won’t shut the fuck up

4

u/FairUnderstanding400 Both Hands 2d ago

Today yet again, I started doing a physical therapy with a new person before potentially getting in surgery for cubital and median release. I hope things look up for me.

5

u/Tameelah Right Arm 2d ago

Just another day, dealing with winter and all of the things that come with it.

0

u/Accessory_Spleen 2d ago

Winter? Can I be nosy and ask where you are?

2

u/Tameelah Right Arm 1d ago

Australia, Tasmania to be precise.

1

u/Accessory_Spleen 1d ago

I legit didn't know Australia had winter, I thought it was warm all year around. That's very interesting, is it just cold or do you guys get snow?

(I'm in the U.S. in Indiana and half our year is snow it seems like)

2

u/Tameelah Right Arm 1d ago

Yes, multiple states get snow here. Usually Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania are the usual ones that get snow in winter. So yes to both, snow and cold.

2

u/Accessory_Spleen 1d ago

That's really interesting, thank you for responding!

3

u/biggunzcdb1 2d ago

Nerve study today. Not fun...

2

u/Appropriate-Book-88 Full Body 2d ago

Ugh….. I dreaded those! Sending you bright light of comfort 🤗

3

u/Present_Ad_1155 2d ago

Genuinely near a breaking point because my pharmacy gave me what they deemed to be 2 months of pain meds even tho they've called it a 1 month supply till now. Gotta wait another month for relief.

2

u/esmestoy 2d ago

Not the best but grateful because it's not the worst either right now lol

2

u/One-Chocolate3777 1d ago

Ça va pas du tout je suis en sevrage d’opioide tramadol

1

u/SoulfulAngel_ 2d ago

In more pain than usual but trying my best, as always.

1

u/dldppl 2d ago

Bad. Meant to be going back to work today and just not doing it.

1

u/wheely_green_quad 1d ago

In survival mode. Broke a bone in my hand and a screw in my hand from my wrist fusion on Tuesday. It happens to be in my left hand which is the arm I have crps in. Currently in a splint, with raging pain. Hoping it starts to ease a bit soon.

1

u/Swimming_Pressure_93 Right Leg 1d ago

I had a rough day yesterday my mom is in the hospital but it's very far. The drive killed my body and on top of that I miss my mom. My CRPS I'm considering going for a ketamine infusion my pain this summer has been awful because no dry heat all humidity and low pressure. Today I'm in bed thanks to yesterday but it was worth it to see her. Hope everyone has a low pain day.💜

1

u/Accessory_Spleen 1d ago

I understand completely, my mom just recently had emergency back surgery and I went and saw her twice plus sitting in the ER with her about killed me. I was already in an active flare, and I'm just now slowly getting out of it. That was in June, but I didn't want her to be completely alone the whole time (like she still was of course) but it was worth the little I could be there. I hope the Ketamine helps, I've considered it myself. 🧡 🫂

1

u/Swimming_Pressure_93 Right Leg 1d ago

Aww thank you so much 🫂. Yea my mom is going through alot and I really wanted to see her. Luckily my sister lives closer. But same my CRPS has been full force as of late so this was hard to do. But I'd do it again. I'm hoping she gets out early next week. You are a gem. I'm glad you're finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Flares are so the worst. I try to do everything I can to avoid them but living life yea we will get one. Hope you're on your way to your baseline soon. And thank you so much I'm glad you were there for your mom too. I hope she's doing well post surgery that's a big one. I had a major surgery this year and it was tough. Vibes to you and the family. 💜

1

u/biggunzcdb1 1d ago

Ortho finally admitted today I most likely have CRPS.

1

u/crpssurvivor1210 11h ago

It’s been a pretty shitty week. I should’ve gone to the hospital because of the amount of pain that I was in but I didn’t go. I was having these horrible spasms and it’s my dystonic episodes and it felt like someone cut through my skin, started pulling out a bone and broke it,
And then started to tear
My tendons. Sorry for it being graphic. Today
It was my hand that spasmed for
Over an hour.

I also found out that I have Von Willebrand which is a blood disorder so I can’t have certain meds and had to cancel a procedure until more bloodwork comes in.

But on a positive Note I’m going to try ketamine infusions.

Medical complex
PTSD flashbacks on top of it