SIS-03 - Three Patients, Three Stories, One Challenging Disease: Examining Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Through the Patient’s Perspective

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating disease that is extremely difficult to treat. While it is common knowledge that CRPS is one of the most painful disease processes known to modern medicine, this barely scratches the surface of the morbidity and quality of life challenges that patients with this disease suffer. Also, each patient’s experience, symptomatology, and diagnosis journey IS different which further compounds this challenge. Some patients are limited by pain, some are limited by motor function, some are limited by sudomotor symptoms, some experience them all. Lastly, not all patients have success with the same treatment plan. In this program, we will hear the firsthand story of three patients who were diagnosed with CRPS. In their own words, you will hear their story, inciting event, symptoms, challenges, interactions with multiple medical professionals, and the three very different treatment plans that potentially changed the trajectory of their disease process. One who sought a primarily complimentary medicine path. One who sought a more traditional western medical path, and lastly, a patient who found relief with neuromodulation. Through this lens, we will review the current literature about what is effective for CRPS and which treatments may be most effective for the right patients. We will also discuss how to empower and motivate patients to find the correct treatment pathway for them.