Learning to live with CRPS

---

To make my story as short as possible I will just brush over the larger details.  I had knee surgery in 1997 and immediately showed signs of this terrible disease.  But due to lack of knowledge from doctors I not only underwent a total of six knee surgeries over a two year period it was not until then I was sent to a specialist and was diagnosed with RSD.  By then it had already began spreading into my other leg and left hand. So I opted to do a spinal cord stimulator trial.  Unfortunately it only made things worse.  Over the years I had multiple injuries due to falls from the severe muscle atrophy in my quadriceps.  I broke my right wrist in 2013 which has never recovered.  I have to wear a brace 24/7 cuz the CRPS robbed me of any range of motion.  I have had to have neck surgery (2013), right knee surgery (2015), and now low back surgery (2015) all the result of arthritis.  Since back surgery on Aug 4th, I have been bedridden.  Spent 7 days in the hospital basically sedated, 3 weeks in a rehabilitation center, and been home since. CRPS is now in my spine and honestly for the first time in 18 years I am not sure what my future holds.  I used to be quite active despite my disabilities, but I can not even sit for more than 5 minutes or walk 20 feet (with a walker), before I have to lay back down.  No matter what I will always be the one to say stay positive, look at the good that is in your life, and believe there is a reason or purpose for what you are going through.  Never give up fighting to regain your health.  Believe me it is worth it!!!