Amber Meade’s Struggles with Chronic Pain
Amber Meade faced an unexpected journey after twisting her ankle and breaking a bone in her foot. Initially, she thought recovery would be straightforward, but she soon learned she needed surgery to address the damaged bone and ensure her nerves and tendons were in proper alignment.
The surgery appeared successful, but within weeks, Meade was experiencing severe pain. A subsequent procedure revealed that a screw placed in her foot was pressing against a nerve, prompting its relocation and a nerve decompression. Unfortunately, the pain persisted.
“It would turn black and blue, swell significantly, and I couldn’t bear any weight on it,” the 41-year-old Meade recounted.
This ongoing pain dramatically altered her life. She had to leave her job as a surgical assistant because standing for long periods became impossible. Family activities were out of the question with her two young sons. Even light breezes seemed to exacerbate her discomfort. She struggled to find comfort, often comparing her pain to “walking on a hot bed of Legos constantly while getting stabbed with a pencil.”
Months went by as she consulted various specialists. Nearly a year later, a doctor suggested that her symptoms might align with chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a term Meade was hearing for the first time. The quest for effective treatment would take even longer.
Understanding Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
Chronic regional pain syndrome is an ongoing condition without a known cure, according to Dr. Rohan Jotwani, an interventional pain specialist. CRPS can emerge after surgeries like Meade’s or follow other nerve-related injuries.
“For some, a nerve injury may heal over time, while others may develop a chronic pain disorder,” Dr. Jotwani explained.
Diagnosing CRPS is challenging as no definitive tests exist, and many doctors may not even be familiar with the condition. “We rely on clinical criteria,” Dr. Jotwani noted, adding that patients often report extreme pain even when there’s no cause—like the discomfort Meade felt from a bedsheet. Other symptoms include swelling, temperature fluctuations, and alterations in skin texture or color.
Diagnosis is just the beginning; treatment approaches vary widely and often start with physical therapy. Some patients may be prescribed medications to lessen nerve signals or explore interventional techniques like nerve blocks. Meade tried different options, but nothing seemed to alleviate her pain.
“I wasn’t finding success with traditional therapies. At 33, people told me I was getting older and that sometimes pain just happens. I found that quite amusing,” she said.
Finding Relief
In 2022, after enduring pain for quite some time, a doctor encouraged Meade to consult Dr. Anita Davis, a physical therapist specializing in treating CRPS at Brooks Rehabilitation in Florida. Together, they crafted a tailored physical therapy plan.
“Before working with me, all of her exercises were standard, but they weren’t feasible given her foot pain,” Davis said. She explained that patients in severe pain often rate their discomfort at the higher end of the scale, making it challenging to introduce new tasks.
Alongside physical exercises, they included relaxation techniques and emotional support to help manage the mental toll of the ongoing pain.
“Amber’s pain management isn’t solely about physical healing,” Davis pointed out. “Anything that helps to soothe the nervous system is crucial.” While the new protocol led to some positive changes for Meade, Davis reminded that CRPS is a lifelong condition, with no definitive cure.
Aiming for a Pain-Free Future
Meade still experiences pain and potential flare-ups, especially with weather changes or minor missteps. Working with Davis, she’s also on medication and undergoes ketamine infusions approximately every few months. This combination has helped her achieve more than before.
“The infusion effects typically last about four weeks, and I try to make strides in my physical health during that period,” Meade explained, noting that her pain diminishes as her physical condition improves.
Although she still has a long way to go, she feels like she’s coping better than before her diagnosis. She can engage in daily activities, sleep more soundly, and even enjoy walks on the beach—one of her favorite pastimes. While chasing after her kids is still tough, she can manage to play catch and assist with homework some days. Meade expresses a desire to improve further, aiming to return to work and become more active in life. For now, she appreciates the progress she’s made.
“I want to reach a point with fewer flare-ups and engage in life like everyone else: working, coming home, and even going on vacations,” Meade shared. “Every good day gives us a reason to push a little harder.”
