Who needs ASSISTANCE!!!!!

Hey Tadpoles,

   I have a what I called the "Gimp arm". It is my left arm that I have Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome in. I have had three shoulder surgeries in that arm. I have severe pain when I use the arm for any activities. I have been dealing with this since 2008.

Left arm, swollen 

Left arm, color change

The pictures of my arm is after I only used it to paint my nails. I know that some people are thinking how can you paint your nails with your arm being in pain. Well, I have been dealing with the pain for some time and I took several medications to help with the pain. But, I have developed several tools to help me with painting my nails. I thought that I would share them with you.

Cut a car sponge and insert my polishes inside to evaluated it.

Closeup of the sponge

How I use the sponge painting my nails.

I have to learned to adjust how I do things in my life. I have learned that painting my nails helps me relax. I hope that showing my shoulder and how I have to adjust to function in life.

Check out what Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome is and how painful it is. 

Love, Chrisie

   

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS

Hello Tadpoles,
    I have a disorder or syndrome that is called Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS. In 2008, I was working as a Certified Nurse Assistant when a 400 lb resident fell back in her bed pulling my left arm with her. I had to have 3 shoulder surgeries over a 9 month period. I have had numerous, X-rays, MRI's, Thoraic Outlet test, Nerve Studies, and CT scans. This drove me crazy....
   I developed extreme pain in my left shoulder, arm and hand. I do not have total function of my left hand along with numbness and tingling. My bicep swells to the size of a football and is extremely painful to touch or use. I deal with the pain daily. At one time, I was on some powerful narcotics, Opana, to relieve my pain. I do not remember 2 years of my life due to the medications
   I went into a severe depressive state because the Doctors told me that I would not be able to use that arm properly again. I was going back to college to get my Nursing Degree. That dream was crushed because I could not lift patients or complete my clinics. I developed severe anxiety due to being scared that people would hit my shoulder causing me to have to endure extreme pain. I have missed out on alot of things because I am to afraid to get hurt again.
   I got married on April 17, 2010. We went on a cruise in November. I was not able to fun because I was scared and under the influence of the medications. I felt bad because I did not send alot of time with my husband. So that added more stress on me.
    I finally was able to find a Pain Management Doctor who was able to give a name to what was wrong with me. She stated that I had Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome...What is that? That is what I said too. I had to go to the Internet and do some research. There is alot of different beliefs on causes for this syndrome. I was at a loss trying to let it all sink in.
   I will list all the symptoms and and treatments in the near future....Have a Great Day...


Chrisie