I was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) or RSD in August 2009 after breaking my right ankle in June 2009. The pain was unbearable, with the orthopedic surgeon removing my cast after 1 week, due to the swelling and the burning sensation of the cast on my ankle. Something was wrong. I was referred to a pain specialist and was immediately diagnosed with CRPS.

Of course I then wanted to find out more about this Syndrome, and looking on the internet the future scared me with stories of a long an painful future….. etc….Anyway enough background.

What helped me ?

Initially I was taking oral steriods 50 mg for 2 weeks and then a taper for 2 weeks. This reduced some of the swelling, and reduced some of the shooting nerve pain going up and down my leg. I massage a neutral oil into my ankle twice a day (paw paw cream) which was very painful at first after not even being able to have a bed sheet on my leg. But gradually the ankle became less desensitized. I now wear I large sock and can cope with that on my skin for an hour or so at a time. I only where a brand called all day socks, which are not tight and cause indents in the skin.

Thirdly I use mirror therapy, where I watch the reflection of the good ankle in a freestanding mirror between my legs. I move both feet as much as possible , and concentrate on the mirror reflection for 3 to 4 minutes twice a day. If I do not do the mirror therapy every day, the burning pain slowly increases. I am convinced that it works for me, and does not cost a anything to do.

I stopped taking all pain killers after being diagnosed with CRPS, as my mind was too fuzzy to work out what was working and what was not. The first few days were hell, I did not eat and was huddled in a ball, but I was determined to at least get my mind back to a clear state.

Lastly I exercise the ankle every day, doing what I know I can do without flaring the pain out too much, and the adding 20% next time. And yes I have had flair ups, namely from hydrotherapy (warm pool) which really set me back to a pain level where I was back in bed and not wanting to move, and from an exercise bike set on the minimum level for only 5 mins. This was too much for the ankle as well. Talk about small steps !

Through some trial an error, I now just increase the load on my leg every day by a small amount until I am now at the point where I can walk without crutches for 10 steps or so, and with one crutch for 50 steps and for 2 crutches for 500 or steps. The pain has reduced enough to be bearable during the day, and sometimes I go 5 minutes without thinking about the pain in some way. I find that I do more exercise every day, until I hit my pain tolerance, and then I rest with my leg for a while and the do some more. I find I need to be very acutely attuned to the levels of pain I can tolerate and push my self to just under that level.

Life has changed, I accept that. I have background pain, and I accept that. But life is getting more normal for me after 6 months from my injury. Maybe I am lucky, but I thought it worth sharing some positive news. I know when I first had this diagnosis, I was in a dark place, with acute pain, and the possibility of darker future. However I kept reminding myself that maybe people who get better do not post on the internet. I feel I am getting better, and hopefully in someway redressing the balance.

If any one wants to contact me, about some of the techniques I have used, or specialists I have seen, include pain specialists and pain psychologist please comment. Happy to share my experiences.