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Originally graduated in applied social sciences and art. Then worked in admin’ and customer services to a high standard for 7 years.
During which time CRPS developed at age 24, starting in the right knee and quickly spreading through both legs.
Later retrained in psychology for a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society, whilst also shifting from crutches to wheelchair, but forced to give up work owing to health deterioration.
Finally diagnosed with CRPS at age 30.
Continued into post-grad’ study, but stopped partway owing to severe CRPS pain flare.
With physio’ ‘pacing’ eventually managed 6 hours/week volunteer work as an advocate until the effects of moving to a different county set the health going downhill again.
Determined personal physio’ programme improved matters until the ANS decided to get extra silly and create even more health problems. The CRPS had spread through main body to shoulders and neck, and random external triggers set off other autonomic issues along the way.
Despite this, the study got underway once more to complete the masters degree in research. (Current update: results pending, still need to write a separate paper for online access).
The author continues to spin various plates to also be…
• A health blogger and online advocate
• A contact in the informal global network of CRPS and Dysautonomia patients.
• A supporter of open access to research and the sharing of useful information.
• An administrator in two CRPS support groups.
• A student of both Yang and Sun styles of Tai Chi.
• And proponent of physio’ ‘pacing’ to reduce amplification of ANS pain signals.
• As well as being a fan of silliness as a personal aspect of pain management! ;-)
(One day it would be nice to bring the art back into play, too)!
xx
