"More training is needed about CRPS"

My story starts eight years ago when I was a teenager, I tore the lateral ligaments in my ankle fast forward 2 surgeries and lots of physiotherapy and I found myself back receiving treatment for pain and instability. My consultant suggested that i have a steroid injection to reduce the inflammation which although hesitant I agreed too.

Instantly i had a reaction to this which they and an ESP put down to a post injection flare. Within 2 weeks i was put into a full cast to allow my foot to heal. I was in various casts from April 2017 til July when i got into an airboot. Nothing showed up on any of my scans as a physical problem except from a surgical suture which my consultant forgot to tell me I had in me and I went for an MRI scan. With nothing showing up I was made to feel like I was insane or that it was a psychological problem. This is furthest from the truth.

I asked for a second opinion where I was told I will never be normal and that I'm pretty much insane. In reality I've been diagnosed with CRPS one of the most painful conditions around which is very much real. I feel as though because I cant be cured I've been left to just get on with it. I've been put to the back of the queue at a pain management clinic. For CRPS it is vital to get treatment within 6 months for a chance remission this unfortunately will now very unlikely be the case for me. Because of this dreadful condition needs to give up on my dream and career ambitions.

It is my belief all orthopaedic staff especially consultants should be given training on CRPS so they understand the condition and can show compassion to their patients who may come to develop it.