So, What is CRPS (And Why I’m Writing About It)

Have you ever felt like your body was on fire from the inside out? A heat that you can't quell. It's a white-hot static that runs so deeply in your veins that it almost envelopes you whole. You try changing into different clothes, until you realize that's only making you sweat harder, and the pain that was once a low throb has now shifted into something prickly-a pins and needles sensation. The pain only gets worse from here.

What I'm describing is called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It’s a condition that can develop after an injury, surgery, or even something as unexpected as a stroke or heart attack. The pain is far more intense than the original injury would suggest—because the nervous system is stuck in overdrive.

So, imagine your nervous system as an alarm system that never shuts off. That's CRPS. Just about anything (at least in my case) can cause flair-ups. The weather, the clothing material I'm wearing, stress/anxiety, and so much more can cause my pain to spike to dangerous levels, making it hard to do anything at all. Dealing with this level of pain consistently can drive anyone crazy. Ever since I've been diagnosed with this disease, I've often wondered if anyone truly understands me. There were a lot of dark, hard days when I felt like I just wanted my bed to swallow me whole.

Which is why I was motivated to write this blog. I was only 17 when I was diagnosed. After having two surgeries and six procedures before CRPS, I was hoping that life would finally go back to normal. But since then, I've faced a lot of ups and downs with this condition that I'm sure many of you can relate to. So, I wanted to create 'Glow On, You Got This' for a few different purposes. To raise awareness, to connect with others, and to give encouragement.

In future blogs, I plan to share more about my journey with CRPS, give coping tips, and touch on how CRPS can affect mental health.

If you're navigating CRPS, know this is the space for you, too. I don't have all the answers, but I know we don't have to go through this alone. Glow on, you got this! 

With Warmth & Resilience,

Tala Röse