Bella Macey, a courageous young girl from Melbourne, Australia, faced an unexpected turn of events during a family vacation in Fiji. Tragically, she developed an inflamed and infected blister on her foot, resulting in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Bella experiences excruciating pain whenever her right foot is touched.
In Bella's own words, she describes the pain as a combination of sharp needles, burning sensations, and tingling. It's a level of pain that surpasses anything she had previously known. Simple tasks like taking a shower or placing sheets on her foot have become impossible for her. Even the gentlest touch with a tissue elicits agonizing screams.
Unfortunately, Bella's family couldn't find the necessary treatment for her in Australia. Determined to help their daughter, they decided to travel to the Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in the United States.
Since her diagnosis, Bella's pain has significantly impacted her daily life, stealing away precious moments of her childhood. Sadly, she has lost mobility in her right foot and leg, even up to her groin. As a result, Bella finds herself confined to bed or reliant on a wheelchair when she needs to move around.
To aid Bella on her path to recovery, a GoFundMe page was created, and the response has been truly extraordinary. More than 2,000 compassionate individuals have generously contributed, raising a remarkable AUD 222,242. This astounding sum has surpassed their initial goal of AUD 275,000.
The outpouring of support from people worldwide has left Bella's family overwhelmed with gratitude. They released a statement expressing their heartfelt appreciation for everyone who has rallied behind Bella. The outpouring of support has deeply touched and inspired Bella's family. They are profoundly moved by the incredible number of people who are rallying behind Bella, forming a united front as she embarks on this difficult yet crucial treatment journey at the Spero Clinic.
Bella's journey is one of resilience and hope, and the support she has received shows the power of compassion and unity in making a difference in someone's life.
What is CRPS?
CRPS, commonly referred to as the "Suicide disease" in the United States, is a condition that inflicts indescribable pain upon its sufferers. The intensity of this pain can reach such unbearable levels that individuals afflicted with CRPS may find themselves contemplating ending their lives as a means to escape the agonizing torment they endure.
Medical experts explain that CRPS disrupts everyday life in multiple ways. It hampers movement, disturbs sleep, and interferes with eating habits. Moreover, it takes a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being, affecting their overall quality of life.
SYMPTOMS
Spontaneous pain on the effective limb.
Increased sensitivity
Changes in limb appearance as limb may feel warmer or cooler, with skin becoming blotchy, blue, purple, gray, pale, or red.
Changes in skin texture as skin may become shiny and thin, or thick and scaly, due to insufficient oxygen and nutrients reaching the limb.
Excessive or no sweating at the affected limb
Nail/hair abnormalities
Stiffness in joints
Wasting
Impaired muscle strength and movement
Tremors
DIAGNOSIS
CRPS cannot be diagnosed through a specific test. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a person's medical history and their reported symptoms to make a diagnosis. In some cases, additional tests like blood tests, bone scans, x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms.
TREATMENT
Treating CRPS is a complex process without a simple cure. The goal of treatment is to restore movement and function to the affected limb.
Medication: Pain-relieving medications are prescribed, including those used for conditions like epilepsy or depression, to manage CRPS symptoms.
Physical therapy: Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are used. Treatment starts with pain and swelling reduction techniques, followed by gentle movement exercises and muscle-strengthening routines to improve limb functionality.
Counselling and psychological support: Emotional well-being is addressed through counselling and psychological support, helping individuals cope with stress, depression, and chronic pain.
Intervention therapy: Nerve blocks, like sympathetic ganglion blocks, are administered, temporarily disrupting the function of specific nerves in the affected limb.
Implant therapy: As a last resort when other pain management methods fail, implant therapy involves the surgical placement of devices, such as electrodes or medication-delivery systems, to alleviate symptoms, especially pain.
While most individuals recover from CRPS, there is a subset of people who experience ongoing symptoms that can range from mild to severe. For a small percentage of individuals, they continue to endure significant pain and disability for an extended period.
Disclaimer: Always consult a physician before following any medical advice or taking any medication. Don't take any medication until prescribed by your doctor thyself.
(Input from various media sources)
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crps-complex-regional-pain-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371156
2. https://med.stanford.edu/pain/about/chronic-pain/crps.html
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12085-complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps