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There are primarily three ways CRPS can shorten your life:
1. BMI - People with CRPS in lower limbs are often immobilized and sometimes housebound. Lack of activity and eating 'comfort food' leads to weight gain that can shorten your life as it takes a toll on your cardio-vascular system. Exercise is hard enough without chronic pain but it is essential to keep as active as possible. A physical or occupational therapist familiar with CRPS can help you develop a workout routine that will improve your chances of staying as fit as possible.
2. Spread - While CRPS usually starts in a limb, it can spread to the internal organs. Vital organs and the immune system impacted by CRPS can shorten a life. There is research indicating that taking 500 mg. of Vitamin C per day can help prevent the spread (and even the onset after a fracture or sprain) of CRPS.
3. Suicide - CRPS is sometimes called The Suicide Disease because of the high number of people who end their lives when faced with unrelenting, excruciating pain. Individuals with CRPS must be vigilant about maintaining a healthy mental, emotional and spiritual life. (See my answer on the question about happiness for suggestions on doing this.)