You were rear-ended on the Interstate a year ago, and after the obvious injuries healed, you still had pain. But not just pain—really intense pain, and it shows no signs of going away.
Back to the doctor you go. So you have tests, and more tests, but the doctors still have no idea why you’re hurting. You feel offended when the doctor suggests you’re just trying to get him to prescribe painkillers, even when they would give you welcome relief.
That’s not your intention, though. You just want to find out what the heck is going on, and fix it.
The weeks stretch out into months. You see another doctor, and then another. It’s the same thing every time. They scratch their heads, tap on their iPads, and suggest physical therapy, NSAIDS, psychiatric treatment, and other treatment methods without knowing exactly what they’re dealing with.
Apart from your pain, the problem really rests squarely on the fact that many healthcare professionals are unaware of complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS.
So it’s no wonder doctors have been looking at you like you have two heads. The thing is: You’re not a doctor, and you’ve never heard of CRPS, either.
That’s why Patient Worthy is raising awareness about this debilitating condition.
If you have had an injury and residual pain that exceeds the original injury, usually in either of your legs, feet, hands, or arms, you may have CRPS. The next time you consult your doctor, bring a printout from the National Institutes of Health that outlines the symptoms, causes, and treatments for this rare condition.
Complex regional pain syndrome is not “all in your head,” so if you are suffering, it’s certainly worth bringing up at your next doctor visit.
