My Journey Is Not a Story of a Spontaneous Miracle
Written by Tamara Gurin.
My CRPS story began, like many CRPS stories, with misdiagnosis and despair over my rapidly worsening condition. Abnormal electromyography (EMG) test results led my doctor to conclude that I had carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), despite several other symptoms that were clearly inconsistent with CTS. I disagreed with doctors, and kept searching for a more accurate diagnosis, which would offer me a solution for all of my symptoms. Meanwhile, my symptoms were spreading and getting worse: neuropathic pain in hands and arms, uncontrollable muscle contraction (dystonia), Reynaud’s Syndrome, chronic fatigue, brain fog, hypersensitivity to touch and temperature.
Once I had a correct diagnosis, which was CRPS, my doctors told me that I had to learn how to live and cope with it. I found it unacceptable. I refused to settle for anything less than a full recovery and return to a normal lifestyle. By chance, I learned about Dr. John Sarno who pioneered a novel approach to treating chronic pain conditions, and that changed everything. The day I finished reading his book, I knew I had a chance to get my life back.
It is a widely held opinion among CRPS doctors that chances of improvements for CRPS patients decrease with age. Due to my age (58 at the onset of disease) I objectively had poor prospects at beating CRPS, yet my story has a happy ending: full remission without invasive treatments or drugs.
My journey is not a story of a spontaneous miracle: I used mind-body approach but was open to working with any mainstream healthcare provider who would support me in my quest – and was able to fully recover.
After my symptoms completely disappeared 4 years ago, I ran several half-marathons, hiked to the top of Mount Whitney and continue exercising by practicing planks and pushups using the very hands and wrists that once were almost entirely incapacitated. I am a firm believer that CRPS can be defeated!
Contact Tamara at defeatcrps@yahoo.com.
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