Finding MY light at the end of the tunnel: My journey from pain to purpose with CRPS

I have lived with CRPS for more than three decades thus far. Looking back, the symptoms began years before my diagnosis. But doctors had little understanding of CRPS at that time. My primary care doctor sent me from specialist to specialist in search of answers. It took me four long years before I finally received a diagnosis of CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).

I am thankful today for all of those getting diagnosed so quickly after symptoms have begun. That tells me that all of these years spent raising awareness have made a difference. But unfortunately, there still are far too many doctors out there uneducated about this condition.

Over the past 34 years with CRPS, I have spoken with hundreds of others living with this condition. One lesson I have learned is that no two people with this condition are exactly alike. Symptoms and treatments vary for each of us. What helps one person may do very little for another. That is why it is so important to keep searching for what works for YOU.

Over the years, I tried countless treatments. Some offered small improvements. Many offered no help at all. Medically, the treatment that made the biggest difference for me was IV ketamine infusions using a CRPS Protocol.  Emotionally, the thing that helps me most is having a purpose in my life. But let me stress: because we’re all different, what works for me may not work for you.

Before my Ketamine infusion journey, I wasn’t just living with constant pain, I was watching my life disappear. I was in a wheelchair full-time, lived at a pain level of 7-9+ despite high-dose opioids and I was still miserable all the time.

After a few months of ketamine infusion treatments, I found my personal light at the end of the tunnel. I was able to walk again using only a cane for assistance and began holding at a much lower bearable pain level of 2 WITHOUT any pain medications. Also, I could once again wear pants, and was able to add purpose to my life and enjoy it.

For 15 years I thought there was no hope. I thought I would be that way forever. But I kept searching. I strongly believe that many of you who feel there is no hope today will eventually find the single treatment or combination of treatments that help you reclaim your life and achieve remission.

Today there is still no cure for CRPS. But remission IS possible. I know because I have experienced it and have seen so many others do the same. For me, remission did not mean I was completely cured. It meant I got pieces of my life back that I thought were gone forever.

If you are struggling right now, don’t give up! Keep learning, searching, researching, and advocating for yourself. Hope may feel distant today, but your light at the end of the tunnel may be closer than you think. And let me tell you – REMISSION IS GREAT!