Alicia is 19 years old and two years ago was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. She emailed us her story...
Alicia's Story
I was always a healthy and happy girl with plenty of friends; I'd be out almost every day shopping and going to parties. But one day, when I was 17, I went to get my nails done.
That day it was throwing it down with rain and, stupidly, I wore my comfy boots… as you can imagine: they got soaked.
I took them off and walked towards the room my nail technician works in and, as I opened the door, I opened it straight onto my foot, cutting it deeply. It absolutely killed; the cut was massive.
I struggled to walk that night, but thought nothing of it because it seemed such a trivial injury.
“The pain I was in was excruciating”
Something was very wrong
Over the next two days my foot had swollen to double its size and turned completely black and blue.
My mother took me to the hospital to get an X-Ray, which came back fine, so they sent me home and told me to rest it. The pain I was in was excruciating and I cried constantly.
Over the next two weeks I went to my GP six times and had another two X-Rays, both of which came back normal. Eventually, a month later, I got diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) by a consultant in the fracture clinic.
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What is it?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is basically a condition that affects the nerves. My brain is sending the wrong signals to my nerves, telling me I'm in pain 24/7.
With CRPS my foot is always swollen. I cannot bear anyone touching or going near it as it leaves me in such pain; small things like when I wear socks and my bed covers leave me in agony.
To the amusement of my friends, my foot always changes colour! Unfortunately, there is no cure for CRPS.
Two years on...
It's been almost two years and, in that time, it's spread all up my leg and to my right arm. I can't walk for more than 10-15 minutes without being in excruciating pain.
“I have the most supportive family and boyfriend”
I'm on and off crutches and we are struggling to find anyone that can help me. My mum spends so much of her time trying to find someone or something that we haven't tried, but it's proving impossible.
It's important that I have physiotherapy for the foreseeable future because my leg muscle is wasting away (as I don't really use it).
Life is tough and I'm not the same person I used to be, but I'm so lucky that I have the most supportive family and boyfriend who all keep me going. My friends are amazing and understand if I can't come out!
I still do all the things a normal 19 year old does... it's just that I have to do everything in moderation and pace myself.
More help and advice on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome:
NHS factfile on CRPS
BBC advice on CRPS
Advice on seeing your GP
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
...x, 13
Your so brave ,, i hope you find someone to help you ,, best wishes ..x
Harlow, 18
My bezzie has CRPS,I try and support her and stick by her side when shes in aggony.u r unlucky bbz!Harlow :-(
elz, 18
thats absolutely dreadful, and caused by such a trivial thing, i hope it gets better sweet heart
Shabz , 14
i'm so sorry to hear that. It's so important to realise that your life can change so much so fast.I truly hope things get better for you, you still seem happy. goood luck for the future! xoxoxox
laura, 14
POOR U I FEEL SO SORY FOR U IM SO SORRY THERES NO CURE OR I JUST WANT U TO KNOW U WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART
Faith, 16
I really think your story is touching. I feel so sorry that i nearly cried when i read it. Next time I see a shooting star, I'm gonna wish that you live a normal forever.Hope it improves.#sniff#
sarah, 15
my mother suffers from this in her right arm, right leg and pelivs. I know the pain for you is unbearable, but it is also hard to be a carer, it is horrible to see someone in constant pain. xxx
Kayla, 14
omg, i never knew this could happen to anyone.. im always hurting my self. i feel so sorry for this girl, i hope they find a cure for you, you dont deserve to go through the pain x
Naomi, 15
your story is incredible and i really do feel for you.Keep looking on the bright side of things and try not to let life get to you.I know its hard but if you keep your freinds and family close and dont give up hope things could turn out great.Keep smiling!!
REBECCA, 18
I can relate to your problem. I got my foot trapped in the car door and have been diagnosed with CRPS. I have tries everything but nothing works. You just have to deal with it and take it slow. Bye Bye
RHIANNON , 13 , 13
THAT PROMBLEMY DID HURT SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THAT AND IT'S NICE WHEN YOUR FRIENDS AND BOYFRIEND SUPPRORTIVE
samantha, 14
i feel proper sorry for you babe!! i hope that they find a cure! good luck! x x
Hollie, 12
i think its sad how your life changed all of a sudden,but im glad you have a family who care.I hope that you find someone who can help with your illness.best wishesx
Claire, 15
Gosh. That must be awful, I will never complain about a broken nail. Ever again. Good luck finding some help, you must be SO strong, I really admire you. All the best Clairiiiice
Hannah Mac, 13
Gosh!! You are so brave i couldn't think how hard it must be! Stay strong. I think it's great your family friends and your boyfriend are so supportive! I hope you find a cure.
Chloe.. x, 14
Aww thats so sad. I feel sorry for you because that would be my worst nightmare. Good luck for future. xx
jessica, 16
oh my gosh your so strong coping with that i'm sure everything will turn out okay and im glad your getting on with life. x
Sian, 16
wow. I cant imagine having to go through something like this, but funnily enough I watched my grandad go through it. I know what you and your family must be going through and I think your amazing for being so positive.. I hope in time it all gets better... Love and hope to you and your family.xxx
mandyxxx, 15
wow u r a brave girl, i cant bear any sort of pain and i would be crying and depressed all the tim if i were u but u r not and thats a sign of real courage and maturity that u can deal with anything and evn manage to joke about it. cheers and hope u get beta sun!
emily, 14
Obviously i can't imagine what this must be like, but well done babe for coping so well :) I haven't heard of this before and I think it's really sad that they havn't found a cureor anything. I'm sure theres a charity or something so I'm going to find it and start raising money! Your story is really uppsetting and I'm sorry it's happened to you. :)
Sophh, 13
Awww :( I feel real sorry for you. I know its hard but well done for looking on the bright side; it is lucky you have amazing support. I hope they find a cure for this so you can get sored. Lots of love, Sophh x
jess, 14, 14
thst sounds horrible=( if i had that i wouldn't be able to bare it i give you all of my sypmphathy xx=(xx
Sarah, 14
I am so sorry to hear about that! It shounds terrible, and i hope that there is a cure, espesh fr you. But congratz on carrying on. You go girl! xxx
