Hello all,

I am a 44 year old woman with two small children. I fell down my stairs on the 3rd Feb with my son in my arms and broke my fifth metatarsal in my foot. Never broke anything major before, so I was really annoyed thinking when could I run again - 8 weeks!!! After 6 weeks the swelling seemed not to be going away and it was very painful. Next check up at fracture clinic showed that the bone is healing and the consultant diagnosis me with CRPS. I immediately thought well that will go away when the bone heals, and it was hammered into me that this symptom is a separate issue. I am still was sent away to find answers on the internet, which further confused me. I am not a person to panic about health issues, but when things say there is no cure, this frightened me. In between waiting for my bone to heal my mom had a massive coronary and I rushed home to be with her, I came back to another x ray saying nothing has fused and the pain and swelling, redness, muscle cramps, spasms, discoloration, muscle atrophy etc has increased and now I am getting swelling in my knee and top of my leg - I can only move my big toe and sometimes some flexion at a push. The consultant said there were to operate to fix the bone, and now the surgeon pulled out saying it would make my CRPS worse, so until I see the Pain Clinic Specialist they will not mend the bone. I guess I am having a hard time believing this has happened and how I can continue to be active, what sort of work I can still do, etc. I need someone to understand as my partner is in denial and sometimes I think everyone thinks I am mad - myself included. Anyone remember the beginning and how alone you feel please contact me. Sincerely, Robin

what is CRPS?

Hi and welcome to NeuroTalk Robin! Glad you decided to join us.

I had to do some research on the net to find out that CRPS is another name for RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). So...I learned something today!!

I have included the link to the RSD forum in case you haven't had an opportunity to visit there yet.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

It's natural and very normal to be mad at a condition that limits you - especially if you were used to being very active....and it sounds like you were.

There are lots of very caring and wonderful people here at NT and I'm sure there are some folks who are very knowledgeable and can answer your questions relating to this condition.

Hello Robin and welcome to NeuroTalk from me as well.

I'm so sorry to hear about your fall, and your subsequent problems. I've broken 6 bones in falls over the past few years, so I have some idea of what you've been through with your foot.

I read what you wrote about needing some support and I wanted to let you know you've come to just the right place. NeuroTalk would have to be the most wonderful site ever. It's full of caring people and as you've now joined us, you're about to meet some of the best.

Check out the link that herekitty gave you Robin, but have a look around the other forums as well, and join in anywhere that you feel comfortable. Welcome again. It's so good to have you with us.

Hi, Robin! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

To be sure, it is a shocker to learn that there is something wrong with our systems. You have every right to be mad about this, but as you ease back into your daily life (after the nasty break heals), you will find yourself to be much more resilient than you ever thought possible.

You're going to make it just fine. Please do follow the link provided by Kelly and feel free to join in anywhere.

Hello Robin and Welcome to NEuroTalk. Sorry about all that has transpired w/you, but I am glad you found us. NT is an amazing place w/so many caring members.