What is CRPS?

What is CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? CRPS is a disabling disease marked by chronic, extreme pain. The McGill Pain Index rates the pain associated with CRPS higher than natural childbirth, amputation and nerve pain following shingles. To put this into numbers, CRPS is rated 42 out of 50 on the pain scale while natural childbirth is rated at 40. This is major reason this disease has been dubbed “the suicide disease.” Far too many people have taken their own lives while trying to cope with this disease. Just the softest touch can set you on fire! Never mind the cold, rain, loud noises, vibration from trying to sing, laugh, or talk loudly, or a soft hug from a loved one. The list literally goes on and on how this disease effects every aspect of your life. People often ask for me to describe what it feels like. I can only describe it as it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before! When I think back on my worst pain, preceding this disease, like laying down flat following a c-section or the pain associated with endometriosis, or a rupturing ovarian cyst. I honestly had no idea what I was coming up against. Nothing I have ever experienced before can even come close to comparing.