As somebody living with CRPS I am very grateful that a medical professional has taken the time to create such an educational and well spoken video. Thank you! I am happy to have found you on Instagram.
Thank you for the words of encouragement! I think that education is a big part of my profession as a doctor. Not only educating my own patients, but the public in general about this condition that is "chronic pain", an invisible disease.
@@DrAndreaFurlan Thank you! Thank you! You've made me realize what I've suspected these last 5 months, that not everything has been done for me since I suspected a severe problem after breaking my 4th metacarpal and having my hand largely immobilized for 6 weeks.(However, I noticed some unusual pain at about 3 weeks.) I was finally diagnosed with CRPS. I kept asking for exclusionary tests, but they wldn't give them to me. All I got was PT which was super painful, and after I insisted on a referral to an arthritis doctor to rule out arthritis or any other disease (he put me on a short dose of Prednisone. I also asked to see a Neurologist (5 months in!) to see if he cld check my neurotransmitters (he cld not, and told me he cldnt help me even though I knew that many of my symptoms were related to my nervous system. I was put on Gabapentin by an Anesthesiologist/Pain Interventionist who also gave me a stellate ganglion nerve block (was of no help, I think since it was so late into the syndrome and bcuz of having takenthe Prednisone to reduce the swelling). My Ortho doctor gave me injections into my 2nd finger joints (all of them) bcuz of the extreme stiffness and pain that accompanied my PT exercises and bcuz my progress seemed to have plateued. I had been complaining about that for weeks (lost time). I also asked for a regular (no injection) bone scan (which showed signs of thinning bone density. I thought I'd ask for that bcuz each x-ray showed signs of lucency, and degeneration, which they're attributing to my age and not the CRPS. I had never broken a bone before in my 62 years of life. I'm taking Calcium and Vit D as a result. And now depression (mood) symptoms have set in which they're considering as an ISOLATED or SECONDARY condition, which might be PART of the CRPS. I'm exhausted because I've been driving my own care to basically create my own multi-disciplinary team. No wonder I'm depressed. I've been overly stressed out! My Ortho dr has said there's no more he can do for me, and washed his hands of me bcuz he's a "bone doctor" and the bone I broke has since healed, eventhough the CRPS arose out of the bone break(possibly, but these 5 months of pain and futzing around haven't done the job. I felt and feel the depressive symptoms are related to the SAME syndrome(!). My Ortho told me he says "I'm ready to go back to work" bcuz I can close my fist (mostly, but it's accompanied by much poison and stiffness, and I can't keep it there without numbness and tingling. Unfurling my fingers after prolonged flexion hurts as well. He also actually said "I've been off of work long enough," and that my "depression" is out of his dept. He's got me going back to my high intensity, highly physical, high volume job in a fast-paced Returns Dept at a very busy Home Depot store in a week, but my hand is still stiff and painful when doing the PT exercises, and often even when not, and I need to do the exercises THROUGHOUT the day to struggle with pain to even maintain what progress I've made to this point, so I don't see how I can return to work and do a competent job, let alone be able to do the PT exercises throughout my shifts! And the industry is a high-injury business. Not smart to return less than 100% optimal. The blood flow is also still uneven. I have cramping and throbbimg, and i do not have full, confident use of my hand, which is not consistently, wholly reliable. NOTHING has prescribed, like movement for my WHOLE body with its various aches and pains in the joints like you mentioned can be so helpful. So I'm back on the Gabapentin just 300mg b4 bedtime which I didn't really want to do, but it was better than the Zoloft that was suggested! And they're suggesting another nerve block. Yet I'm expected to go back to work while the Gabapentin leaves me a bit light headed. It's crazy. Being 5 months out. I basically understood you to say MRI and other scans are most helpful to rule things out in the EARLY days of CRPS. I've had PTSD in the past from childhood, and C-PTSD, and just went thru a cancer surgery last Sept of '21. After 3 months off after the surgery, I was told my time off has ended and I must return to work. It felt way too early for me. I live alone and was taking care of myself, and had a bout of emergency diverticulitus one month out from the surgery, a culmination, I believe, of weeks of very poor digestion and heartburn, aided by 3 courses of antibiotics, post surgery (got delerium after surgery as well). About 10 days after I was back to work is when i fell and broke my hand, at home. I've been thru the ringer and i am also doing 4 separate Dr's visits every 4 months for cancer checks. I'm stressed out, and I've gained so much weight (15 lbs on my 5'3" body, but my doctor wants to send me back to work. Wld an EMG, CT scan, and/or an MRI help at this point? I'm thinking there may have been an underlying condition that set me up for this CRPS (as you said can happen) like low Thyroid or something like that. Idk. I'd so appreciate any help or suggestions you cld offer me. I'm in the San Francisco, CA area. Thank you! Thank you!!! 🌻
Maybe you can give Defying the Verdict by Tamara Gurin a read. It's based on Dr Sarno's method of treating chronic pain and recently backed by hard research by neuroscientists such as Professor Lorimer Moseley
OMG thank you, I have CRPS and before I got the solid diagnosis my life was a literal hell. During the beginning of the "war on opioids" I was treated allmost subhuman by nurses an doctor's, one even called me a filthy drug addict. I've been called that so many times I stopped counting. I hope more research is done on this and it's great to keep raising awareness of this brutal condition. And to unvilify those taking pain meds to manage the condition.
I am continuously searching for my chronic pain. And once you said it was in limbs, I knew I didn't have to hear anymore. And usually one side.. that convinced me that I don't need to research this anymore. Thank you tremendously
My daughter has suffered from CRPS for 7 years which has been horrific to say the least! She has tried mand meds, procedures over the years which did not help. Thank God she has been taking medical marijuana and her nurologist gave her Topomax and it is working to treat the pain! I wanted to share and wish you all the best in treating the pain of this horrific disease! God Bless you all!!🙏🙏🙏
I have CRPS and started which in hospital with Covid, getting up on my own in the hospital, and both feet start swelling the next day. My continuous complaint is mostly about right foot. I thank you for the education which husband discovers and now believes I am not crazy. My mean goal now is speaking to someone, pain control, water therapy, and now a foot doctor. I feel with this brief education it is possible for me to move forward. I am praying for a full recovery.
I have been dealing with this for 21 years. I am now confined to a hospital bed for 18 years. Mine was brought on by broken wrist. My symptoms burning, feeling as if a knife is being stuck in the bone. All the symptoms listed I also have. I wish this on no on. I do take opiods, along with other medications. God bless those who are dealing with this.
Hi Cheryl, I'm really sorry to hear about your story. I am trying to teach the medical community about this condition. I'm preparing an online course to teach them about CRPS and other types of nociplastic pain I hope more doctors and healthcare professionals would just take the time to learn and help people like you. Thank you for sharing your story. It really touchs my heart.
I was in a hospital bed for 14 years from EDS and then got CRPS. I am no longer disabled by either condition and am willing to help. I have found natural ways to manage my CRPS and EDS. Let me know if I can help.
Thank you for this comment. Have you seen my website yet? All of my videos are organized by topics and you can download all handouts, worksheets and booklets that I made. You will need to sign up for a membership to access all of my materials. It is FREE to become a member. Check it out: www.doctorandreafurlan.com And please remember that I do not give individual medical advice via email, social media or website. My channel and my website are for educational purposes only. For any individual medical advice, please talk to your doctor.
I want to help doctors and the medical community understand that CRPS can be addressed with natural health. I'm willing to educate anyone willing to learn.
I was just diagnosed with bilateral CRPS that I’ve dealt with for 15 years. I was misdiagnosed several times, had 6 surgeries that were never going to help and made everything far worse, and nobody ever mentioned CRPS. I have attempted suicide a couple of times due to this disease. It has completely ruined my life and I’m really hoping I can find even a little relief from treatment.
BEST VIDEO IVE FOUND thank you, gonna see a pain doctor and want to ask about nerve block and topical. opiods have such a bad stigma im afraid to go near them. its bad enough no one believed my issue for 10 plus years, and now i'm in a leg brace and can't even sit up long. Gaslighting had me in a bad place, and prolonged my diagnosis, but not even knowing what to look at as far as treatment goes is scary. Dry needling in physical therapy helped me the most so far
Happy to see you are addressing CRPS. I was diagnosed after trauma to my left upper extremity. However, you stated it’s rare for CRPS to leave original limb. In other words, it’s rare for the CRPS to spread. Not true. I have had CRPS spread from my left upper extremity to the right upper extremity. I had a retrauma to the left upper extremity and the CRPS spread to my left hand then the right. My team called this a mirrored spread. After joining many Facebook groups, spread is way more common.
Thank you for this comment. Have you seen my website yet? All of my videos are organized by topics and you can download all handouts, worksheets and booklets that I made. You will need to sign up for a membership to access all of my materials. It is FREE to become a member. Check it out: www.doctorandreafurlan.com And please remember that I do not give individual medical advice via email, social media or website. My channel and my website are for educational purposes only. For any individual medical advice, please talk to your doctor.
My friend has been suffering from this horrible disease for over 3 years and there seemed to be no help out there beside ketamine that made her extremely sick. She went to Itay some years ago for a treatment that is not available in the USA and has been in almost complete remission ever since! To everyone out here dealing with this monster on a daily, do not lose hope EVER.
@@DrAndreaFurlan thank you, I was at one pain management for a year and a half they never gave me anything for the pain, just drink water, or take Horizant, you have cramps drink tonic water, I was able to finally move to a new pain management and under the care of a Pain specialist who knows CRPS and first day I was issued a pain killer and muscle relaxers different would of care, however I was sent to go do a FCE Functional Capacity Exam and the go I had to go see didn't know what CRPS is, and for 2 hours I did my best honest without pushing myself as he asked for, but I was already at a pain level 7, it was like doing weights and exercise at a gym. His report said I'm exaggerating my pain, well I must be really good at it because the next day my right foot was swollen like football red shiny and when I tried to walk on it my foot burned and felt like all the bones in it where broken, I had to use a walker then my left foot from over compensating for the right shared the same level 10+ pain swelling redness shiny burning dull broken feeling soft carpet felt like hell. I have CRPS 2 waist down, and days that were pain level 3 lol I want that back that really wasn't as painful as I thought, that FCE blew my feet and legs out and brought me up to phase 2 level of pain I had no idea it could get any worse. That appointment was on 03/11/22 other than going to the bathroom I've not been able to leave my bed since the 12th. As of this writing I'm still in bed ant it is 03/21/22. I'm slowly recovering from the pastors and fields of 10+ level pain. One of the questions was can I go back to work, and the answer clearly is no, had that been a job two hours not even 8, and look can't leave the bed I need a walker, which I don't normally need, it hurts so much to walk right now I need the walker. I've had flair ups that have put me in bed for 2 or 3 days, nothing like this. Sorry this is long, thank you for what you do. There needs to be more like you and my doc in the medical world. Before this happened I was a Capt. Paramedic Firefighter, I helped people too in their darkest hour, now 5 steps takes a while as each step hurts. Thanks for reading. ❤️
@pillfreehope I would like to know your natural remedies for dealing with CRPS. I had two strokes in 2019 6 months apart. The second one left me with CRPS. I am in SO much pain. I would appreciate any assistance you can give 🙏🏻
Multiple doctors keep punting me and try to label me as having CRPS. Except I have scans showing a fracture and possible avascular necrosis in my big toe AND almost NONE of the symptoms of CRPS. I am so tired of doctors not wanting to solve my problem and just labeling me as having a pain syndrome. CRPS sounds absolutely debilitating, and I simply do not have it.
Thanks for this video. I've had crps for 42 years. They didn't know much about it then but the doctor who did my back surgery did. I woke up from surgery with a big, red, swollen, burning foot. I had a spread to my other foot about a decade ago when I fell and had a soft tissue injury. So, kind of type 1 and type 2. Have you talked to many who have had a spread due to covid? I ended up with a severe spread apparently due to increased cytokine levels. I had a very mild case but am a long hauler. (1.5 years.) I don't know of anyone else who has had this for 42 years. my entire adult life. I feel fortunate to be allergic to all opioids.
Mine started in my sternum. I think I got the first covid. Nothing has worked. I now have intense belly pain, inflammation, small fiber nerve pain starting around my ribs and makes me feel I can't breathe and radiates down to my feet. Usually left side. But not always. No medication has worked. This is an absolute nightmare.
@AmethystWoman I've also had it for many many years, & I'm a Long Hauler as well. I hope that you've found some of the support groups on fakebook because they've been great support & help.
Although I was not given an official diagnosis for my excruciating pain condition very many years ago, I believe this is what I was suffering from. I had a giant cell tumour in my knee joint some 13 years previously which had led to a very disabled leg. It developed severe osteoarthritis which then led to a long-stem knee replacement. At the six week check up it was only bending 20 degrees. It would bend under anaesthetic. I spent five weeks in hospital screaming day and night, even the slightest touch anywhere on my body was intolerable and I had an epidural for some days. The pain was so bad that I felt it was not compatible with life. The pain was worse than childbirth but there was no end to it over very many months. It took two years to get on top of but the hugely swollen knee has remained over the decades. I was told at that time that my brain had become used to guarding the disabled leg and that they only saw a leg like it every 10 - 15 years. It has been most interesting to see a description of a condition which seems to fit the pain and symptoms I experienced at the time. Thank you for the presentation.
I had an injury at work on my right foot broke my 2nd metatarsal. Needed surgery to fix the bone. My pain specialist dr recommended beta blockers & the work insurance said no & sent me to their dr. Six months go by & they decided to give me the beta blockers, but by that time it was too late. Now I have pain just about all over my body. My first injury was my right hand broke my hamate bone also needed surgery.
Unfortunately it took 2 years before worksafe got me into a pain clinic , my left arm I ended up with crps formerly known as rsd , my was caused by a doctor removal of the wrong ribs for a thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, he caused damage in my brachial plexus so now I have crps , tos , and also a wing scapula as the nerve he cut caused the muscles around the scapula to die. My skin would blister , turn bright red glossy , hair growth nail grown , paper like skin, the burning is so bad . For me to lower my pain do I could function to a 6 to 7 out of 10 I got a implant plus I take metadol which helps but the burn is always there but I can now at least live a better quality of life,
Thanks so much for this. Recently developed CRPS from a trigger point injection in my thumb ☹️. It was huge and purple for weeks but the pain and loss of sensation is awful. I have autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy and nerve blocks have never worked for me. All my doctors are scared to touch me now.
@@DrAndreaFurlan thank you! Is there anywhere I can get more information on ketamine? Seems that’s the only thing I haven’t tried. How and by who is it administered? I’m in the USA.
@@DrAndreaFurlan Thank you dear Dr.Andrea....I' m in researching of everithing I can to get rid off my umberaboe pain.I will tallk with my Doctor ( Pain cronic Medicine ) about the bolck nerve. Two of the treatments I had were at my request, as I had read articles by doctors, or have seen interviews in this area. Perhaps because I am already of some age (over 60) we are not eligible for more expensive treatments in our National Heath Service, which is free....may be.. Thank you once more for your acurate information... rmation
Would be interesting to know if people get well eventually? Anyone with a success story? Since my diagnosis I can't find much encouraging info about this crazy condition.
Is there any studies that show high CRP blood results in people with CRPS? I have high CRP with chronic pain and POTS, but my medical history is complex. I fought to have my inflammation markers checked after many years of chronic pain and no major changes from several treatments.
@@DrAndreaFurlan Hello! Yep, I’m a bit of a medical mystery so they haven’t found an autoimmune reason for my CRP yet. Next step is imaging to rule out cancer (which is highly unlikely) and then I’ll be sent to a pain clinic if all else fails! Thanks for the response!
Hello dr Andrea furlan, I am very happy to see your lecture on CRPS. Actually 6 month back my daughter is doing excercise ,she got mild pain in her left foot and then it started increase day by day.we visited many doctors and go through many diagnostic tests but after 5 month one Orthopaedician said that she is suffering from CRPS Now please share your best way of treatment ,medicine ,physical therapy, etc
Dear Drpremlata, I am sorry to hear about your daughter. It must be very disheartening to see your child go through so much pain. I cannot offer individual treatment for your daugther without seeing her in person as my patient. Do you live in Ontario? If yes, please ask her doctor to send me a referral. I hope it all turns out best for your daugther. God bless you all.
Thank you, doctor. 1)Could you help me with finding a specialists locally?Colorado. I keep calling, and neurology drs don't want to see me with this diagnosis. PT offices first react as they never heard about CRPS, then check with their PTs and tell me that ANY of them would be able t help. Which is not true, I know. 2)What do you know/think about treatment which is well established in Italy-IV infusions with neridronate? Thanks
@@DrAndreaFurlan Thanks. Pain doctor is not hard to find, I am trying to find neurologist and mainly good PT,like you say in the video. Mostly they send me to a pain doctor, who even on their websites state that they do invasive procedures. I am not ready yet. I am still only several months into it, foot effected.But I ca'n imagine living with it long, if it progresses and pain gets worse. Thanks for help
@@DrAndreaFurlan I have had CRPS since 1994. I live in Northern Colorado and see an excellent pain doctor who is part of a pain clinic within the UCHealth system.
I have CRPS and see a pain management doctor who is part of a UCHealth Pain clinic in northern Colorado. I’ve lived with CRPS since 1994 so I can relate to your frustration. There is a physical therapist in Ft Collins who works with CRPS patients.
@@curiousmind3710 hello, I am in Colorado also. My injury is recent as well but in the hand/wrist. Were you warned about 'spreading'? I am trying not to use my arm, use hand and wrist only (as use/stretching recently is causing nerve disturbance in upper and lower arm). I am expecting improvements in use and strength, and reduction in pain. I do careful, gentle self-massage of the injury area several times a day with soap and running hot water in the kitchen sink, followed by massage (with lotion). For me, It temporarily helps movement (a little), diminishes pain and helps me get to sleep. Have you tried hot water and massage of your injury in the bath or shower? Early treatment seems to be very important.
My mother has been suffering with this disease for about 15 years. She has it from the neck down, as it spread through out the years. She has a spinal stimulator, shes tried the nerve block and infusions and has had adverse reactions to so many medications her pain management team has tried. We're at a loss trying to figure out what we should do next...
Dear Danyel, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Especially because tomorrow is mother's day, I have a feeling that you would like to help your mother and give her the gift of pain freedom. It is really hard when we see someone suffering from pain and there is little that we can do to take their pain away. Sometimes I feel the same, that there are not many additional things I can do to take the pain away and help my patients. But I think the best we can do is to support them, to be there for them, to listen, to travel the journey with them. God bless you and let's pray that we will find a cure for CRPS one day.
@@DrAndreaFurlan thank you, I pray every day for a cure♡ I really do wish I could take her pain away, i do my best to be support. Help and a distraction. It's hard when she doesnt know what else to do than to cry and pray until she finally falls asleep. This is truly a horrible and heartbreaking disease. I wish we had more awareness of this disease out there. Thank you for bringing some awareness to youtube ♡
I was diagnosed with CRPS 4 months ago. It was a workers comp injury still trying to get doctors to treat me it's been 4 months I had a back surgery still have all the symptoms been evaluated twice by independent doctors but no one will give me any kind of treatment at this time
I have managed my CRPS with natural methods. One is PEMF therapy, which she could not do with a spinal cord stimulator. Let me know if she ever gets rid of that, and I'll try to help. I have other methods she could try, but the PEMF has been vital for me.
Hello, Dr. My 12 year old son was diagnosed with AMPS. He says he always feels like he needs to yawn or stretch, but stretching never make him feel better or less tired. He was diagnosed after only 2 appointments with one Rheumatology doctor and has never been given any medication. My son was referred to Dr. Sherry's CHOP program and after much research I feel the anecdotal evidence is poor science and sounds dangerously like the milgram experiment in authority. What can I do to support my son and look further into his diagnosis? Are you familiar with Dr. Sherry's program?
Hello. first I would like to say that I am sorry to hear about your 12 year old son who has AMPS (Amplified Musculoskeletal pain Syndrome) or CRPS. I am not familiar with Dr. Sherry's CHOP program.
Doctor, I agree with you that doctors should anticipate or incorporate prevention in their treatment. I understand that an arm nerve block during surgery on a comminuted or multiple fracture (I had multiple fracture of radius and also ulnar fracture) is helpful to prevent CRPS. I am older, my injury was severe and my surgeon knew that I am older and my fracture was severe, yet he did not recommend a nerve block during surgery. (He had no dietary recommendations or any post-surgery recommendations, either.) I believe that a nerve block during surgery would have prevented my CRPS.
@@DrAndreaFurlan You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Unfortunately, sad to say that it appears to me at this point that CRPS patients need to save themselves due to ignorance in treatment of this condition. I am doing daily careful, targeted self-massage, working on improving my diet, trying to get adequate sleep (pain during sleep) staying active and continuing my yoga practice modified to my current limitation.
I have full body crps. It's so horrible. It destroyed my perfect teeth. I have to urinate every 15 minutes while trying to sleep. I can go 9 days with 0 sleep. I never sleep more than an hour when i do finally fall asleep. The pain is indescribable and never lets up. I've been in excruciating pain for with crps for 12 years now after a failed spinal fusion. Doctors act like im faking the pain and brush me off. I can't work. Can't work out. Can't go on vacation. I've literally been bedridden for the entire 12 years so far. Nothing helps the pain except strong opiods and no dr will prescribe them for me since my dr unfortunately passed away. I've literally died since it started, and i am just existing now.
Great video!! I have been diagnosed with crps since 2008 by 6 different doctors started in my left elbow with a severe facture. I have had 7 elbow surgeries trying to help the pain. The crps have spread all over my body both arms , legs, hips, lower back, neck and chronic headaches too. Now my current work comp assigned doctor says I'm in remission even though l still have same pain same symptoms. What are your thoughts? Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I don't have the ability to give medical advice here. Please talk to your doctor. Consider subscribing to this channel.
That's cuz it's work comp. They say crps remission is more likely in first 2 years. If your crps has spread that much you're definitely not in remission. They just don't want to help you. I'm so sorry. It may be partly cuz crps is so difficult to treat etc.
Hi . Thanks so much for a video My 11 year old son , keen footbaler had pain in navicular bone area mri scan scan described as CRPS in both feet. His pain is usually after physical activity. Can be the crps?
Unfortunately for me after 6 months having second toe capsulite on both feet I was diagnosed with this on both feet. It's terrible and I am scared to death.
Hello i have had a minor incident to my right foot(more precisely hit my toe real hard) 6months ago , they found no fracture in x-ray , therefor no cast just a bend for a week and antiinflammatories and painkillers, pain and swelling kept going and i couldn't walk they did a risonance and they didn't see anything wrong iether, just a month ago i was checked again and diagnosed sudek syndrome...I'm a little lost i would like to speak with other people who suffer from this, walking is a fundamental mostly main part of my work therefor this situation has had an immense impact on my life, as i said if anyone who has crps, complex regional pain syndrome/sudek, which is the same thing right? To the foot would be available to have a quick chat with me i would really appreciate it I'm quite lost in all sense economically, work wise for present and future...best of luck to everyone thanks
Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I don't have the ability to give medical advice here because I am not able to get all the details that I need and most importantly, to examine you. I don't give individual medical advice via social media or by email. This channel is for educational purposes only. Please talk to your doctor. Have you seen my website yet? Check it out www.doctorandreafurlan.com
Hi Doctor I’ve had no trauma and do not understand how I was perfectly fine, pain started in foot and now affects my entire right side. I’m in so much pain day and night. I truly need help
Explain did you ever got a patient with ringing ear , facial itching, nerve tingling on head and face , tooth and face pain , all trigeminal neuralgia symptoms with horrible ringing ear, ever recovered
I have CRPS, I used to say any pain was a 10 since I broke my leg. Now, I can say it all time. I had to have my leg amputated due to all the pain. Unfortunately, it didn't help.
Buenos dias doctora mi hija de 9 años le pronosticaron CRPS ella sufre de dolor en sus dos tobillos pero ella ciente solo dolor en la bolita de su tobillo y dice k ciente muy caliente vivimos en dallas tx y ya la llevamos a barios hospitales pero solo le dan medicamento para el dolor pero yo no miro cambios en ella por favor si pudiéramos comunicarnos con ustede para ver k más podemos aser por mi hija es k esta sufriendo mucho ella tiene 1 mes con eso se lo agradesco mucho si me respondiera grasias bendiciones
Thank you for this comment. Have you seen my website yet? All of my videos are organized by topics and you can download all handouts, worksheets and booklets that I made. You will need to sign up for a membership to access all of my materials. It is FREE to become a member. Check it out: www.doctorandreafurlan.com And please remember that I do not give individual medical advice via email, social media or website. My channel and my website are for educational purposes only. For any individual medical advice, please talk to your doctor.
That is great to hear. Please share this video with your friends. I have lots of videos about chronic pain in my channel th-cam.com/users/DrAndreaFurlan
Doctors may not know how to manage this but I have managed my own CRPS and EDS naturally and am willing to share all I've learned. Let me know if I can help.
Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I don't have the ability to give medical advice here. Please talk to your doctor. Consider subscribing to this channel.
@@DrAndreaFurlan you're very welcome Dr . I wasn't expecting any medical advice , but thank you anyway . I live in a small country town with has local GP'S, so there is not a great deal of knowledge, nor support for this condition unfortunately. And I'm in the midst of a flare in my right foot , which is this foot's first sign of having it . I'm just greatful for the info that you've put out here , so thank you so much for that . And I have certainly subscribed , and sharing on Facebook
Good morning Dr Andrea Thank you for reply Actualy we live in India,so it is difficult to reach there that is why we request you for help.we will very thankful if you can help us in any way Now she is on tab pregabalin 75mg BD,Tab fluoxetine 20mg OD,Aldronate sodium 70mg once in week, Vit C,Vit B comlex Vit D, Tab Tapentadol 100mg OD,since one month.before it she had taken steroids,lidocain infusion for 5 days,twice sympathetic nerve blocks on alternate day.afterall this she starts to walk with support and go to school. In school she is using ramp to reach 4th floor.this is our history.please help us .we are waiting for your reply
Hi Drpremlata. I am sorry, but it is really difficult for me to provide advice to a patient like this. I usually spend 60 to 90 minutes with patients when I am trying to help them with their pain problems. And I need to examine the patient too. I know a couple of good pain doctors in India. You may contact the Indian society of pain medicine Call: +91-9599495514 E-mail: issphq@gmail.com
Hi Heather, Thank you for your comment. I am going to do another video talking about this. I don't want my patients to think that all CRPS will spread, and I want to give my patients hope that CRPS can be cured. I've been able to help dozens of people with CRPS and they don't have it anymore.
@@heatherelizabeth27 thanks for saying this . This type of misinformation really stops people from getting taken seriously and this rhetoric makes it to other doctors and then they think it never spreads.
Thank you for watching the video and writing this comment. Please share this video with your friends. I have lots of videos about chronic pain on my channel th-cam.com/users/DrAndreaFurlan And don't forget to turn on the notifications 🔔
Thank you for watching the video and writing this comment. Please share this video with your friends. I have lots of videos about chronic pain on my channel th-cam.com/users/DrAndreaFurlan And don't forget to turn on the notifications 🔔
A year from completing the academic work for my Doctorate, I had spinal surgery (diseconomy) followed by an infection at the surgical site. My right foot started hurting during this time and it "fell asleep." Feet falling asleep is a common experience, but my feet are still "asleep" 5 years later. Then my foot started to change color, weird hair growth, patches of translucent skin, one of my toe nails fell off. My doctor got a strange look on his face and said I may have CRPS. Since I was in graduate school, I had access to medical journals and I dove into the research. Diet and movement seemed the most powerful, least invasive treatments. So, I adopted a strict anti-inflammatory diet. I walk every day and have a piece of foam I bite as I scream when I walk. I still do this every day, along with the diet. I experienced my pain as electrical and journaled every day with pictures. There were 3 kinds of electrical pain. In addition, the pain was accompanied by a sensation that was similar to hitting your funny bone in your arm, or as your feet are waking up after "falling asleep." Most people experience their feet waking up as a type of intolerable pain. Some people don't want anyone to touch them, some people stomp their feet to hurry up the feet "waking up." While the literature says there are 2 kinds of CRPS. The direct nerve injury is called RSA/Causalgia and if you have this kind, it puts you at risk for worse outcomes. Obviously, I have this kind. I would further divide it up into the following: Hot kind versus cold kind (due to my diet, I have minimal inflammation). Therefore, I have the cold kind which puts me at risk for worse outcomes. There is also the kind that stays in one limb, and the kind that moves. The kind that moves puts someone at risk for worse outcomes. I have the kind that moves and I currently have CRPS in all 4 limbs. It has recently moved into my right femur. The progression is the same: the body part "falls asleep" and then it starts to hurt plus the intolerability component of the pain. I meet all the criteria established by the Budapest conference, as well as all the criteria that used to be used to diagnose CRPS. I am highly allergic to any medication that may cause Extrapyramidal side effects. The last time I was exposed to such a medication, I had symptoms lasting 3 weeks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Doctors don't tend to like patients with medical problems that they can't fix. They don't like listening to the patients who have this, the patient's experience is irrelevant and is considered worthless. While I journaled extensively in the beginning, detailing every aspect of my CRPS and its progression, complete with pictures, not a single doctor wanted to see this. I had one neurologist take my handout and throw it in the trash in front of me during our first appointment. I have lived with CRPS now for 5 years. I no longer journal its progression, nor my symptoms. .
how horrid, I'm so sorry. I went to a Neurologist too. Finally, since I never heard anything good about them. But I finally did to check the box. He was the rudest Dr I've been to in my chronic pain health journey. He laughed at my typed up list of supplements/medicines. He called everyone else I had seen Quacks because they didn't know anything. But yet this same Dr couldn't help me. Seems he didn't have the answer either that I'd been needing for 5 years. Six years now of having nerve pain in foot and current Dr believes it's CRPS.
Your statement means so much to read. I’ve experienced similar things and I absolutely get just not wanting to journal anymore . I’m there with you , it feels like what’s the point . Almost 9 years . I was lucky to get diagnosed early… but the struggle to find a doctor that understands full body CRPS and is with you for the long haul can be hard to find. 🧡
As somebody living with CRPS I am very grateful that a medical professional has taken the time to create such an educational and well spoken video. Thank you! I am happy to have found you on Instagram.
Thank you for the words of encouragement! I think that education is a big part of my profession as a doctor. Not only educating my own patients, but the public in general about this condition that is "chronic pain", an invisible disease.
Same here 💗💗💗💗
@@DrAndreaFurlan Thank you! Thank you! You've made me realize what I've suspected these last 5 months, that not everything has been done for me since I suspected a severe problem after breaking my 4th metacarpal and having my hand largely immobilized for 6 weeks.(However, I noticed some unusual pain at about 3 weeks.) I was finally diagnosed with CRPS.
I kept asking for exclusionary tests, but they wldn't give them to me. All I got was PT which was super painful, and after I insisted on a referral to an arthritis doctor to rule out arthritis or any other disease (he put me on a short dose of Prednisone. I also asked to see a Neurologist (5 months in!) to see if he cld check my neurotransmitters (he cld not, and told me he cldnt help me even though I knew that many of my symptoms were related to my nervous system. I was put on Gabapentin by an Anesthesiologist/Pain Interventionist who also gave me a stellate ganglion nerve block (was of no help, I think since it was so late into the syndrome and bcuz of having takenthe Prednisone to reduce the swelling). My Ortho doctor gave me injections into my 2nd finger joints (all of them) bcuz of the extreme stiffness and pain that accompanied my PT exercises and bcuz my progress seemed to have plateued. I had been complaining about that for weeks (lost time). I also asked for a regular (no injection) bone scan (which showed signs of thinning bone density. I thought I'd ask for that bcuz each x-ray showed signs of lucency, and degeneration, which they're attributing to my age and not the CRPS. I had never broken a bone before in my 62 years of life. I'm taking Calcium and Vit D as a result. And now depression (mood) symptoms have set in which they're considering as an ISOLATED or SECONDARY condition, which might be PART of the CRPS. I'm exhausted because I've been driving my own care to basically create my own multi-disciplinary team. No wonder I'm depressed. I've been overly stressed out! My Ortho dr has said there's no more he can do for me, and washed his hands of me bcuz he's a "bone doctor" and the bone I broke has since healed, eventhough the CRPS arose out of the bone break(possibly, but these 5 months of pain and futzing around haven't done the job. I felt and feel the depressive symptoms are related to the SAME syndrome(!). My Ortho told me he says "I'm ready to go back to work" bcuz I can close my fist (mostly, but it's accompanied by much poison and stiffness, and I can't keep it there without numbness and tingling. Unfurling my fingers after prolonged flexion hurts as well. He also actually said "I've been off of work long enough," and that my "depression" is out of his dept. He's got me going back to my high intensity, highly physical, high volume job in a fast-paced Returns Dept at a very busy Home Depot store in a week, but my hand is still stiff and painful when doing the PT exercises, and often even when not, and I need to do the exercises THROUGHOUT the day to struggle with pain to even maintain what progress I've made to this point, so I don't see how I can return to work and do a competent job, let alone be able to do the PT exercises throughout my shifts! And the industry is a high-injury business. Not smart to return less than 100% optimal. The blood flow is also still uneven. I have cramping and throbbimg, and i do not have full, confident use of my hand, which is not consistently, wholly reliable. NOTHING has prescribed, like movement for my WHOLE body with its various aches and pains in the joints like you mentioned can be so helpful. So I'm back on the Gabapentin just 300mg b4 bedtime which I didn't really want to do, but it was better than the Zoloft that was suggested! And they're suggesting another nerve block. Yet I'm expected to go back to work while the Gabapentin leaves me a bit light headed. It's crazy.
Being 5 months out. I basically understood you to say MRI and other scans are most helpful to rule things out in the EARLY days of CRPS. I've had PTSD in the past from childhood, and C-PTSD, and just went thru a cancer surgery last Sept of '21. After 3 months off after the surgery, I was told my time off has ended and I must return to work. It felt way too early for me. I live alone and was taking care of myself, and had a bout of emergency diverticulitus one month out from the surgery, a culmination, I believe, of weeks of very poor digestion and heartburn, aided by 3 courses of antibiotics, post surgery (got delerium after surgery as well). About 10 days after I was back to work is when i fell and broke my hand, at home.
I've been thru the ringer and i am also doing 4 separate Dr's visits every 4 months for cancer checks. I'm stressed out, and I've gained so much weight (15 lbs on my 5'3" body, but my doctor wants to send me back to work. Wld an EMG, CT scan, and/or an MRI help at this point? I'm thinking there may have been an underlying condition that set me up for this CRPS (as you said can happen) like low Thyroid or something like that. Idk.
I'd so appreciate any help or suggestions you cld offer me. I'm in the San Francisco, CA area. Thank you!
Thank you!!! 🌻
Maybe you can give Defying the Verdict by Tamara Gurin a read. It's based on Dr Sarno's method of treating chronic pain and recently backed by hard research by neuroscientists such as Professor Lorimer Moseley
Me too !
OMG thank you, I have CRPS and before I got the solid diagnosis my life was a literal hell. During the beginning of the "war on opioids" I was treated allmost subhuman by nurses an doctor's, one even called me a filthy drug addict. I've been called that so many times I stopped counting.
I hope more research is done on this and it's great to keep raising awareness of this brutal condition. And to unvilify those taking pain meds to manage the condition.
I am continuously searching for my chronic pain. And once you said it was in limbs, I knew I didn't have to hear anymore. And usually one side.. that convinced me that I don't need to research this anymore. Thank you tremendously
And I have been searching my situation for 10 years. I know more about chronic pain than any of us ever thought we would have to learn
You are so welcome
My daughter has suffered from CRPS for 7 years which has been horrific to say the least! She has tried mand meds, procedures over the years which did not help. Thank God she has been taking medical marijuana and her nurologist gave her Topomax and it is working to treat the pain! I wanted to share and wish you all the best in treating the pain of this horrific disease! God Bless you all!!🙏🙏🙏
I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope your daugther gets better soon.
I have found natural ways to manage my CRPS and EDS. If I can help let me know.
I would take your natural suggestions
@pillfreehope112
I too would appreciate suggestions. I have faith in this
I too would like to hear about your natural suggestions. Thank you!
I have CRPS and started which in hospital with Covid, getting up on my own in the hospital, and both feet start swelling the next day. My continuous complaint is mostly about right foot. I thank you for the education which husband discovers and now believes I am not crazy. My mean goal now is speaking to someone, pain control, water therapy, and now a foot doctor. I feel with this brief education it is possible for me to move forward. I am praying for a full recovery.
한국으로오십시요
통증을 지금보다쉽게완화시킬수있는방법을 무료로 알려드리겠습니다
도움이안되면
비행기값을 제가지불해드릴테니
~~^^
I have found natural ways to manage my CRPS and am willing to help.
I have been dealing with this for 21 years. I am now confined to a hospital bed for 18 years. Mine was brought on by broken wrist.
My symptoms burning, feeling as if a knife is being stuck in the bone.
All the symptoms listed I also have.
I wish this on no on. I do take opiods, along with other medications.
God bless those who are dealing with this.
Hi Cheryl, I'm really sorry to hear about your story. I am trying to teach the medical community about this condition. I'm preparing an online course to teach them about CRPS and other types of nociplastic pain I hope more doctors and healthcare professionals would just take the time to learn and help people like you. Thank you for sharing your story. It really touchs my heart.
I was in a hospital bed for 14 years from EDS and then got CRPS. I am no longer disabled by either condition and am willing to help. I have found natural ways to manage my CRPS and EDS. Let me know if I can help.
I am a medical student and this video is a great summary of our lecture on CRPS. Thank you!
Thank you for this comment. Have you seen my website yet? All of my videos are organized by topics and you can download all handouts, worksheets and booklets that I made. You will need to sign up for a membership to access all of my materials. It is FREE to become a member. Check it out: www.doctorandreafurlan.com
And please remember that I do not give individual medical advice via email, social media or website. My channel and my website are for educational purposes only. For any individual medical advice, please talk to your doctor.
I want to help doctors and the medical community understand that CRPS can be addressed with natural health. I'm willing to educate anyone willing to learn.
I was just diagnosed with bilateral CRPS that I’ve dealt with for 15 years. I was misdiagnosed several times, had 6 surgeries that were never going to help and made everything far worse, and nobody ever mentioned CRPS. I have attempted suicide a couple of times due to this disease. It has completely ruined my life and I’m really hoping I can find even a little relief from treatment.
BEST VIDEO IVE FOUND thank you, gonna see a pain doctor and want to ask about nerve block and topical. opiods have such a bad stigma im afraid to go near them. its bad enough no one believed my issue for 10 plus years, and now i'm in a leg brace and can't even sit up long. Gaslighting had me in a bad place, and prolonged my diagnosis, but not even knowing what to look at as far as treatment goes is scary.
Dry needling in physical therapy helped me the most so far
I'm glad you found the video helpful. Good luck with the appointment!
Happy to see you are addressing CRPS. I was diagnosed after trauma to my left upper extremity. However, you stated it’s rare for CRPS to leave original limb. In other words, it’s rare for the CRPS to spread. Not true. I have had CRPS spread from my left upper extremity to the right upper extremity. I had a retrauma to the left upper extremity and the CRPS spread to my left hand then the right. My team called this a mirrored spread. After joining many Facebook groups, spread is way more common.
Thank you for this comment. Have you seen my website yet? All of my videos are organized by topics and you can download all handouts, worksheets and booklets that I made. You will need to sign up for a membership to access all of my materials. It is FREE to become a member. Check it out: www.doctorandreafurlan.com
And please remember that I do not give individual medical advice via email, social media or website. My channel and my website are for educational purposes only. For any individual medical advice, please talk to your doctor.
I have found natural ways to manage my CRPS and am eager to share what I've learned. Let me know if I can help.
Thank you very much for your comprehensive and enlightened information. It was very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
My friend has been suffering from this horrible disease for over 3 years and there seemed to be no help out there beside ketamine that made her extremely sick. She went to Itay some years ago for a treatment that is not available in the USA and has been in almost complete remission ever since! To everyone out here dealing with this monster on a daily, do not lose hope EVER.
What was the treatment?
I have type 2 CRPS, and mine spreads. This pain sucks, it's constant and so horrible I never knew this level of pain could exist.
Sorry to hear about that.
@@DrAndreaFurlan thank you, I was at one pain management for a year and a half they never gave me anything for the pain, just drink water, or take Horizant, you have cramps drink tonic water, I was able to finally move to a new pain management and under the care of a Pain specialist who knows CRPS and first day I was issued a pain killer and muscle relaxers different would of care, however I was sent to go do a FCE Functional Capacity Exam and the go I had to go see didn't know what CRPS is, and for 2 hours I did my best honest without pushing myself as he asked for, but I was already at a pain level 7, it was like doing weights and exercise at a gym. His report said I'm exaggerating my pain, well I must be really good at it because the next day my right foot was swollen like football red shiny and when I tried to walk on it my foot burned and felt like all the bones in it where broken, I had to use a walker then my left foot from over compensating for the right shared the same level 10+ pain swelling redness shiny burning dull broken feeling soft carpet felt like hell. I have CRPS 2 waist down, and days that were pain level 3 lol I want that back that really wasn't as painful as I thought, that FCE blew my feet and legs out and brought me up to phase 2 level of pain I had no idea it could get any worse. That appointment was on 03/11/22 other than going to the bathroom I've not been able to leave my bed since the 12th. As of this writing I'm still in bed ant it is 03/21/22. I'm slowly recovering from the pastors and fields of 10+ level pain. One of the questions was can I go back to work, and the answer clearly is no, had that been a job two hours not even 8, and look can't leave the bed I need a walker, which I don't normally need, it hurts so much to walk right now I need the walker. I've had flair ups that have put me in bed for 2 or 3 days, nothing like this. Sorry this is long, thank you for what you do. There needs to be more like you and my doc in the medical world. Before this happened I was a Capt. Paramedic Firefighter, I helped people too in their darkest hour, now 5 steps takes a while as each step hurts. Thanks for reading. ❤️
I have CRPS systemically and have found natural ways to manage it. Let me know if I can help.
@pillfreehope
I would like to know your natural remedies for dealing with CRPS. I had two strokes in 2019 6 months apart. The second one left me with CRPS. I am in SO much pain. I would appreciate any assistance you can give 🙏🏻
I enjoyed watching your video. It was quite informative . Thanks for sharing and all the best in your practice.
Multiple doctors keep punting me and try to label me as having CRPS. Except I have scans showing a fracture and possible avascular necrosis in my big toe AND almost NONE of the symptoms of CRPS. I am so tired of doctors not wanting to solve my problem and just labeling me as having a pain syndrome. CRPS sounds absolutely debilitating, and I simply do not have it.
Thanks for this video. I've had crps for 42 years. They didn't know much about it then but the doctor who did my back surgery did. I woke up from surgery with a big, red, swollen, burning foot. I had a spread to my other foot about a decade ago when I fell and had a soft tissue injury. So, kind of type 1 and type 2. Have you talked to many who have had a spread due to covid? I ended up with a severe spread apparently due to increased cytokine levels. I had a very mild case but am a long hauler. (1.5 years.) I don't know of anyone else who has had this for 42 years. my entire adult life. I feel fortunate to be allergic to all opioids.
Mine started in my sternum. I think I got the first covid. Nothing has worked. I now have intense belly pain, inflammation, small fiber nerve pain starting around my ribs and makes me feel I can't breathe and radiates down to my feet. Usually left side. But not always. No medication has worked. This is an absolute nightmare.
@AmethystWoman I've also had it for many many years, & I'm a Long Hauler as well. I hope that you've found some of the support groups on fakebook because they've been great support & help.
Although I was not given an official diagnosis for my excruciating pain condition very many years ago, I believe this is what I was suffering from. I had a giant cell tumour in my knee joint some 13 years previously which had led to a very disabled leg. It developed severe osteoarthritis which then led to a long-stem knee replacement. At the six week check up it was only bending 20 degrees. It would bend under anaesthetic. I spent five weeks in hospital screaming day and night, even the slightest touch anywhere on my body was intolerable and I had an epidural for some days. The pain was so bad that I felt it was not compatible with life. The pain was worse than childbirth but there was no end to it over very many months. It took two years to get on top of but the hugely swollen knee has remained over the decades. I was told at that time that my brain had become used to guarding the disabled leg and that they only saw a leg like it every 10 - 15 years. It has been most interesting to see a description of a condition which seems to fit the pain and symptoms I experienced at the time. Thank you for the presentation.
I had an injury at work on my right foot broke my 2nd metatarsal. Needed surgery to fix the bone. My pain specialist dr recommended beta blockers & the work insurance said no & sent me to their dr. Six months go by & they decided to give me the beta blockers, but by that time it was too late. Now I have pain just about all over my body. My first injury was my right hand broke my hamate bone also needed surgery.
Hi, thank you for sharing your experience with me. I've never used beta blockers for CRPS. Sorry that I can provide an opinion about that.
Unfortunately it took 2 years before worksafe got me into a pain clinic , my left arm I ended up with crps formerly known as rsd , my was caused by a doctor removal of the wrong ribs for a thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, he caused damage in my brachial plexus so now I have crps , tos , and also a wing scapula as the nerve he cut caused the muscles around the scapula to die. My skin would blister , turn bright red glossy , hair growth nail grown , paper like skin, the burning is so bad . For me to lower my pain do I could function to a 6 to 7 out of 10 I got a implant plus I take metadol which helps but the burn is always there but I can now at least live a better quality of life,
Same, I was diagnosed with RSD years ago.
Thanks so much for this. Recently developed CRPS from a trigger point injection in my thumb ☹️. It was huge and purple for weeks but the pain and loss of sensation is awful. I have autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy and nerve blocks have never worked for me. All my doctors are scared to touch me now.
I'm sorry to hear that Dara. I hope you get better soon.
@@DrAndreaFurlan thank you! Is there anywhere I can get more information on ketamine? Seems that’s the only thing I haven’t tried. How and by who is it administered? I’m in the USA.
Hi Dara. I'll prepare a video about ketamine for pain.
@@DrAndreaFurlan that would be AMAZING!!!! Thank you so so much!!!
@@DrAndreaFurlan Thank you dear Dr.Andrea....I' m in researching of everithing I can to get rid off my umberaboe pain.I will tallk with my Doctor ( Pain cronic Medicine ) about the bolck nerve.
Two of the treatments I had were at my request, as I had read articles by doctors, or have seen interviews in this area. Perhaps because I am already of some age (over 60) we are not eligible for more expensive treatments in our National Heath Service, which is free....may be..
Thank you once more for your acurate information... rmation
Would be interesting to know if people get well eventually?
Anyone with a success story?
Since my diagnosis I can't find much encouraging info about this crazy condition.
In the pain clinic where I work we have had the majority of patients get better from CRPS.
I got much better
Is there any studies that show high CRP blood results in people with CRPS? I have high CRP with chronic pain and POTS, but my medical history is complex. I fought to have my inflammation markers checked after many years of chronic pain and no major changes from several treatments.
Hi Sandra, high CRP can be a marker for something else. Please check with your doctor
@@DrAndreaFurlan Hello! Yep, I’m a bit of a medical mystery so they haven’t found an autoimmune reason for my CRP yet. Next step is imaging to rule out cancer (which is highly unlikely) and then I’ll be sent to a pain clinic if all else fails! Thanks for the response!
Hello dr Andrea furlan, I am very happy to see your lecture on CRPS.
Actually 6 month back my daughter is doing excercise ,she got mild pain in her left foot and then it started increase day by day.we visited many doctors and go through many diagnostic tests but after 5 month one Orthopaedician said that she is suffering from CRPS Now please share your best way of treatment ,medicine ,physical therapy, etc
Dear Drpremlata, I am sorry to hear about your daughter. It must be very disheartening to see your child go through so much pain. I cannot offer individual treatment for your daugther without seeing her in person as my patient. Do you live in Ontario? If yes, please ask her doctor to send me a referral. I hope it all turns out best for your daugther. God bless you all.
@@DrAndreaFurlan No mam actually we live in India. For us it is difficult to reach you.
I have found natural ways to manage my systemic CRPS and am eager to share my knowledge. Let me know if I can help.
I was just diagnosed with CRPS
I'm sorry to hear that Doreen. I hope you feel better soon.
Thank you, doctor.
1)Could you help me with finding a specialists locally?Colorado.
I keep calling, and neurology drs don't want to see me with this diagnosis.
PT offices first react as they never heard about CRPS, then check with their PTs and tell me that ANY of them would be able t help.
Which is not true, I know.
2)What do you know/think about treatment which is well established in Italy-IV infusions with neridronate?
Thanks
Hi, I'm trying to find a good pain doctor in Colorado for you. I need a few more days. I'm just waiting for some email responses.
@@DrAndreaFurlan Thanks.
Pain doctor is not hard to find, I am trying to find neurologist and mainly good PT,like you say in the video.
Mostly they send me to a pain doctor, who even on their websites state that they do invasive procedures.
I am not ready yet.
I am still only several months into it, foot effected.But I ca'n imagine living with it long, if it progresses and pain gets worse.
Thanks for help
@@DrAndreaFurlan I have had CRPS since 1994. I live in Northern Colorado and see an excellent pain doctor who is part of a pain clinic within the UCHealth system.
I have CRPS and see a pain management doctor who is part of a UCHealth Pain clinic in northern Colorado. I’ve lived with CRPS since 1994 so I can relate to your frustration. There is a physical therapist in Ft Collins who works with CRPS patients.
@@curiousmind3710 hello, I am in Colorado also. My injury is recent as well but in the hand/wrist. Were you warned about 'spreading'? I am trying not to use my arm, use hand and wrist only (as use/stretching recently is causing nerve disturbance in upper and lower arm).
I am expecting improvements in use and strength, and reduction in pain. I do careful, gentle self-massage of the injury area several times a day with soap and running hot water in the kitchen sink, followed by massage (with lotion). For me, It temporarily helps movement (a little), diminishes pain and helps me get to sleep. Have you tried hot water and massage of your injury in the bath or shower? Early treatment seems to be very important.
My mother has been suffering with this disease for about 15 years. She has it from the neck down, as it spread through out the years. She has a spinal stimulator, shes tried the nerve block and infusions and has had adverse reactions to so many medications her pain management team has tried. We're at a loss trying to figure out what we should do next...
Dear Danyel, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Especially because tomorrow is mother's day, I have a feeling that you would like to help your mother and give her the gift of pain freedom. It is really hard when we see someone suffering from pain and there is little that we can do to take their pain away. Sometimes I feel the same, that there are not many additional things I can do to take the pain away and help my patients. But I think the best we can do is to support them, to be there for them, to listen, to travel the journey with them. God bless you and let's pray that we will find a cure for CRPS one day.
@@DrAndreaFurlan thank you, I pray every day for a cure♡ I really do wish I could take her pain away, i do my best to be support. Help and a distraction. It's hard when she doesnt know what else to do than to cry and pray until she finally falls asleep. This is truly a horrible and heartbreaking disease. I wish we had more awareness of this disease out there. Thank you for bringing some awareness to youtube ♡
I was diagnosed with CRPS 4 months ago. It was a workers comp injury still trying to get doctors to treat me it's been 4 months I had a back surgery still have all the symptoms been evaluated twice by independent doctors but no one will give me any kind of treatment at this time
I have managed my CRPS with natural methods. One is PEMF therapy, which she could not do with a spinal cord stimulator. Let me know if she ever gets rid of that, and I'll try to help. I have other methods she could try, but the PEMF has been vital for me.
Hello, Dr.
My 12 year old son was diagnosed with AMPS. He says he always feels like he needs to yawn or stretch, but stretching never make him feel better or less tired. He was diagnosed after only 2 appointments with one Rheumatology doctor and has never been given any medication. My son was referred to Dr. Sherry's CHOP program and after much research I feel the anecdotal evidence is poor science and sounds dangerously like the milgram experiment in authority. What can I do to support my son and look further into his diagnosis? Are you familiar with Dr. Sherry's program?
Hello. first I would like to say that I am sorry to hear about your 12 year old son who has AMPS (Amplified Musculoskeletal pain Syndrome) or CRPS. I am not familiar with Dr. Sherry's CHOP program.
Doctor, I agree with you that doctors should anticipate or incorporate prevention in their treatment. I understand that an arm nerve block during surgery on a comminuted or multiple fracture (I had multiple fracture of radius and also ulnar fracture) is helpful to prevent CRPS. I am older, my injury was severe and my surgeon knew that I am older and my fracture was severe, yet he did not recommend a nerve block during surgery. (He had no dietary recommendations or any post-surgery recommendations, either.) I believe that a nerve block during surgery would have prevented my CRPS.
Thank you for sharing, Alice.
@@DrAndreaFurlan
You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Unfortunately, sad to say that it appears to me at this point that CRPS patients need to save themselves due to ignorance in treatment of this condition. I am doing daily careful, targeted self-massage, working on improving my diet, trying to get adequate sleep (pain during sleep) staying active and continuing my yoga practice modified to my current limitation.
I have full body crps. It's so horrible. It destroyed my perfect teeth. I have to urinate every 15 minutes while trying to sleep. I can go 9 days with 0 sleep. I never sleep more than an hour when i do finally fall asleep. The pain is indescribable and never lets up. I've been in excruciating pain for with crps for 12 years now after a failed spinal fusion. Doctors act like im faking the pain and brush me off. I can't work. Can't work out. Can't go on vacation. I've literally been bedridden for the entire 12 years so far. Nothing helps the pain except strong opiods and no dr will prescribe them for me since my dr unfortunately passed away. I've literally died since it started, and i am just existing now.
If someone has CRPS type 2, is surgery to correct the overlying cause contraindicated?
It depends on a number of different factors.
Great video!! I have been diagnosed with crps since 2008 by 6 different doctors started in my left elbow with a severe facture. I have had 7 elbow surgeries trying to help the pain. The crps have spread all over my body both arms , legs, hips, lower back, neck and chronic headaches too. Now my current work comp assigned doctor says I'm in remission even though l still have same pain same symptoms. What are your thoughts? Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I don't have the ability to give medical advice here. Please talk to your doctor. Consider subscribing to this channel.
That's cuz it's work comp.
They say crps remission is more likely in first 2 years.
If your crps has spread that much you're definitely not in remission. They just don't want to help you.
I'm so sorry. It may be partly cuz crps is so difficult to treat etc.
I have found natural methods for managing my systemic CRPS and am eager to help others learn how to manage this beast. Let me know if I can help.
Hi . Thanks so much for a video My 11 year old son , keen footbaler had pain in navicular bone area mri scan scan described as CRPS in both feet. His pain is usually after physical activity. Can be the crps?
Unfortunately for me after 6 months having second toe capsulite on both feet I was diagnosed with this on both feet. It's terrible and I am scared to death.
Can you develop CRPS in the neck after a one level fusion?
CRPS is a disease of the extremities.
Hello i have had a minor incident to my right foot(more precisely hit my toe real hard) 6months ago , they found no fracture in x-ray , therefor no cast just a bend for a week and antiinflammatories and painkillers, pain and swelling kept going and i couldn't walk they did a risonance and they didn't see anything wrong iether, just a month ago i was checked again and diagnosed sudek syndrome...I'm a little lost i would like to speak with other people who suffer from this, walking is a fundamental mostly main part of my work therefor this situation has had an immense impact on my life, as i said if anyone who has crps, complex regional pain syndrome/sudek, which is the same thing right? To the foot would be available to have a quick chat with me i would really appreciate it I'm quite lost in all sense economically, work wise for present and future...best of luck to everyone thanks
Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I don't have the ability to give medical advice here because I am not able to get all the details that I need and most importantly, to examine you. I don't give individual medical advice via social media or by email. This channel is for educational purposes only. Please talk to your doctor. Have you seen my website yet? Check it out www.doctorandreafurlan.com
Dr. Furlan, you are very wise. Thank you for the knowledge you share with everyone!
My pleasure!
Thank you❤️
You’re welcome 😊
Hi Doctor I’ve had no trauma and do not understand how I was perfectly fine, pain started in foot and now affects my entire right side. I’m in so much pain day and night. I truly need help
Explain did you ever got a patient with ringing ear , facial itching, nerve tingling on head and face , tooth and face pain , all trigeminal neuralgia symptoms with horrible ringing ear, ever recovered
Mine does that. Starts in my chest but spreads. Excruciating.
RSD CRPS spreads
Thank you for watching the video.
I have CRPS, I used to say any pain was a 10 since I broke my leg. Now, I can say it all time. I had to have my leg amputated due to all the pain. Unfortunately, it didn't help.
I have CRPS type 2 (a popliteal nerve block went wrong) Do you treat type 2 differently?
Yes, I do a few things differently.
@@DrAndreaFurlan What things would you do differently?
Buenos dias doctora mi hija de 9 años le pronosticaron CRPS ella sufre de dolor en sus dos tobillos pero ella ciente solo dolor en la bolita de su tobillo y dice k ciente muy caliente vivimos en dallas tx y ya la llevamos a barios hospitales pero solo le dan medicamento para el dolor pero yo no miro cambios en ella por favor si pudiéramos comunicarnos con ustede para ver k más podemos aser por mi hija es k esta sufriendo mucho ella tiene 1 mes con eso se lo agradesco mucho si me respondiera grasias bendiciones
Thank you for this comment. Have you seen my website yet? All of my videos are organized by topics and you can download all handouts, worksheets and booklets that I made. You will need to sign up for a membership to access all of my materials. It is FREE to become a member. Check it out: www.doctorandreafurlan.com
And please remember that I do not give individual medical advice via email, social media or website. My channel and my website are for educational purposes only. For any individual medical advice, please talk to your doctor.
Could this happen to the spine? Ive had 5 back surgeries and i am in constant neuru pain
Hi Where is the place
I didn't get the response yet.
Can CRPS happen after a venipuncture ?
Absolutely!
When I put my left hand into a fist. I literally have to pry it off back to normal. It doesn't hurt. I don't feel my left elbow to my hand
Sorry to hear about that Adrian.
Is stage 1 excruciating?
Sometimes yes.
I have CRPS I hate it
So beautiful & meaningful....Regards,
That is great to hear. Please share this video with your friends. I have lots of videos about chronic pain in my channel th-cam.com/users/DrAndreaFurlan
Tanyou for re depressing me
and thanks for giving message to give to my new GP
I hope your new GP helps you.
Doctors may not know how to manage this but I have managed my own CRPS and EDS naturally and am willing to share all I've learned. Let me know if I can help.
its excruciating . I have C.R.P.S. Yes it does spread . I almost had a stroke
I'm sorry to hear that.
I have crps in all 4 limbs , it started in my left forearm after being forcefully grabbed causing soft tissue damage
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@@DrAndreaFurlan you're very welcome Dr . I wasn't expecting any medical advice , but thank you anyway . I live in a small country town with has local GP'S, so there is not a great deal of knowledge, nor support for this condition unfortunately. And I'm in the midst of a flare in my right foot , which is this foot's first sign of having it . I'm just greatful for the info that you've put out here , so thank you so much for that . And I have certainly subscribed , and sharing on Facebook
Super!
Are you located in Ontario, Canada?
Yes
Good morning Dr Andrea
Thank you for reply
Actualy we live in India,so it is difficult to reach there that is why we request you for help.we will very thankful if you can help us in any way Now she is on tab pregabalin 75mg BD,Tab fluoxetine 20mg OD,Aldronate sodium 70mg once in week, Vit C,Vit B comlex Vit D, Tab Tapentadol 100mg OD,since one month.before it she had taken steroids,lidocain infusion for 5 days,twice sympathetic nerve blocks on alternate day.afterall this she starts to walk with support and go to school. In school she is using ramp to reach 4th floor.this is our history.please help us .we are waiting for your reply
Hi Drpremlata. I am sorry, but it is really difficult for me to provide advice to a patient like this. I usually spend 60 to 90 minutes with patients when I am trying to help them with their pain problems. And I need to examine the patient too. I know a couple of good pain doctors in India. You may contact the Indian society of pain medicine Call: +91-9599495514 E-mail: issphq@gmail.com
www.issp-pain.org/ This is the website of the Indian Society of Pain medicine
CRPS SPREADS!!!!!
Hi Heather, Thank you for your comment. I am going to do another video talking about this. I don't want my patients to think that all CRPS will spread, and I want to give my patients hope that CRPS can be cured. I've been able to help dozens of people with CRPS and they don't have it anymore.
There is no “cure” for CRPS. It can be put into remission:)
Hi Heather. I will do a video of Questions & Answers in the future.
@@heatherelizabeth27 thanks for saying this . This type of misinformation really stops people from getting taken seriously and this rhetoric makes it to other doctors and then they think it never spreads.
Thank you I have this and I’ve been on cruches for three months😭😭😭
Thank you for watching the video and writing this comment. Please share this video with your friends. I have lots of videos about chronic pain on my channel th-cam.com/users/DrAndreaFurlan And don't forget to turn on the notifications 🔔
Crps로
고통받고있으면 단순하게생각하십시요
36.5°c가 당신의고통을줄여준다는것을 빨리생각하십시요
36.5°c가
생명을살리는온도입니다
그러나
현실은 온몸을따뜻하게못해
원인과이유 해결책을찿지못하는것입니다
Thank you for watching the video and writing this comment. Please share this video with your friends. I have lots of videos about chronic pain on my channel th-cam.com/users/DrAndreaFurlan And don't forget to turn on the notifications 🔔
A year from completing the academic work for my Doctorate, I had spinal surgery (diseconomy) followed by an infection at the surgical site. My right foot started hurting during this time and it "fell asleep." Feet falling asleep is a common experience, but my feet are still "asleep" 5 years later. Then my foot started to change color, weird hair growth, patches of translucent skin, one of my toe nails fell off. My doctor got a strange look on his face and said I may have CRPS. Since I was in graduate school, I had access to medical journals and I dove into the research.
Diet and movement seemed the most powerful, least invasive treatments. So, I adopted a strict anti-inflammatory diet. I walk every day and have a piece of foam I bite as I scream when I walk. I still do this every day, along with the diet. I experienced my pain as electrical and journaled every day with pictures. There were 3 kinds of electrical pain. In addition, the pain was accompanied by a sensation that was similar to hitting your funny bone in your arm, or as your feet are waking up after "falling asleep." Most people experience their feet waking up as a type of intolerable pain. Some people don't want anyone to touch them, some people stomp their feet to hurry up the feet "waking up."
While the literature says there are 2 kinds of CRPS. The direct nerve injury is called RSA/Causalgia and if you have this kind, it puts you at risk for worse outcomes. Obviously, I have this kind.
I would further divide it up into the following: Hot kind versus cold kind (due to my diet, I have minimal inflammation). Therefore, I have the cold kind which puts me at risk for worse outcomes. There is also the kind that stays in one limb, and the kind that moves. The kind that moves puts someone at risk for worse outcomes. I have the kind that moves and I currently have CRPS in all 4 limbs. It has recently moved into my right femur. The progression is the same: the body part "falls asleep" and then it starts to hurt plus the intolerability component of the pain.
I meet all the criteria established by the Budapest conference, as well as all the criteria that used to be used to diagnose CRPS.
I am highly allergic to any medication that may cause Extrapyramidal side effects. The last time I was exposed to such a medication, I had symptoms lasting 3 weeks.
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Doctors don't tend to like patients with medical problems that they can't fix. They don't like listening to the patients who have this, the patient's experience is irrelevant and is considered worthless. While I journaled extensively in the beginning, detailing every aspect of my CRPS and its progression, complete with pictures, not a single doctor wanted to see this. I had one neurologist take my handout and throw it in the trash in front of me during our first appointment.
I have lived with CRPS now for 5 years. I no longer journal its progression, nor my symptoms.
.
how horrid, I'm so sorry. I went to a Neurologist too. Finally, since I never heard anything good about them. But I finally did to check the box. He was the rudest Dr I've been to in my chronic pain health journey. He laughed at my typed up list of supplements/medicines. He called everyone else I had seen Quacks because they didn't know anything. But yet this same Dr couldn't help me. Seems he didn't have the answer either that I'd been needing for 5 years. Six years now of having nerve pain in foot and current Dr believes it's CRPS.
I feel so sorry for all you’ve gone through and still going through. Will keep you in my prayers.
Hai I am suhaemi from indonesia..how are you now..
Your statement means so much to read. I’ve experienced similar things and I absolutely get just not wanting to journal anymore . I’m there with you , it feels like what’s the point . Almost 9 years . I was lucky to get diagnosed early… but the struggle to find a doctor that understands full body CRPS and is with you for the long haul can be hard to find. 🧡
Defying the Verdict by Tamara Gurin
이동영상을 하시는 의사선생님
진정모든것을 내려놓고 오로지환자의고통만을생각하며
그들의고통을 쉽게줄여줄수있는방법이필요하면
한국으로오십시요
도움이되지않으면
비행기값을 제가다제공하겠습니다
꼭!
Sorry to hear that.
Thank you!
You're welcome!