Andrea’s Story (CRPS/RSD)

On November 27, 2007, my life changed forever. I was hit by a car and suffered a broken tibia and fibula, and a non-displaced skull fracture.

After a week in the hospital, I went through many more weeks of therapy. I kept telling my surgeon that the pain was not getting better, but he wouldn’t listen. I was living on Medicaid in New York, and I was eventually sent to pain management. They only gave me pain medications, but didn’t explain any reasoning behind it. I couldn’t work, was afraid to be alone, and went back and forth to the ER due to the pain.

It wasn’t until I married my husband, Mark, that I finally found a doctor who listened to me and gave me a diagnosis. It was complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). I still suffered from daily pain, but at least I knew what I was fighting. I was able to work again because this doctor put me on the correct medication to help with the severe pain. I was able to go to the gym and workout and compete in bodybuilding shows in the bikini division.

Today in 2023, my pain again has put a hold on my life. I now use my wheelchair a lot. I explain to people that I am an ambulatory wheelchair user because when I have good days, I don’t need to use my chair.  When I don’t have my chair, I can only walk short distances. I now do a lot of water therapy and strength training to keep my muscles toned.

I am an CRPS/RSD WARRIOR.

Andrea
MD
Submitted 05/19/2023

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.