As told by husband, Raymond Polly
Rancho Cordova, California

My wife, Kim, as a result of a severe injury to the lower left extremity in April 2002, has RSD/CRPS, and is still waiting for the proper medical treatment. She has been told, “it’s all in her head,” “get over it,” and made to feel guilty for being in constant pain; this is just dealing with the claim adjusters and insurance doctors.

Over the past eighteen months we have learned a great deal about RSD/CRPS, but what hit the hardest was when we were told by her treating doctor that due to all the delays and denials from the insurance company (Workers’ Compensation) that any chance to prevent, reverse, or halt the progression has been lost. Her doctor explained that she would now suffer with this for the rest of her life.

Another insurance company terminated her benefits (Long Term Disability) stating her pain and limitations (RSD/CRPS) were supported due to her “mental illness” (depression), which she only has because of the severe pain and her current physical disabilities/limitations. Furthermore, they stated that she suffers from no physical injuries, of which there are many. This was the conclusion made by an insurance company-chosen cardiovascular surgeon with no history in pain or psychology or private medical practice.

I have read many nightmares about how Chronic Pain Patients are mistreated, abused, and neglected by almost everyone, but specifically by the medical and legal profession.

From the insurance side of this I could write for hours on the subject of the abuses and mistreatment of patients with “subjective” pain complaints, especially women suffering from the unseen, misunderstood, and life changing effects of Chronic Pain.