Meet Basi, a nurse at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. Three years ago, Basi’s world turned upside down after an injury, and following surgery on her left foot. Upon recovery, she started to feel strange and unbearable pain—pains that felt different than the original injury, and even spread throughout her leg, to the healthy areas. Worryingly, the foot swelled up and changed colour, and after months of tests and doctor visits, Basi was diagnosed with a rare multisystem syndrome called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is characterized by persistent, high-intensity pain, that does not match the severity of the original injury. The mechanism of the syndrome is unclear, and includes damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Basi’s recovery is long and she requires crutches for walking, and physical therapy exercises for continued mobility. CRPS research proves that good and effective coping highly depends on a support system that includes family, community, and friends. Basi says the staff at Shaare Zedek support her, and embrace her needs through the long recovery process, they are the greatest gift along the journey. We are always so proud of our Shaare Zedek Mishpacha (family).
Apparently, one of the causes is the overactivity of the immune system after the injury, and the formation of a damaging inflammation in the nervous system. CRPS is characterized by a most severe pain described as burning, freezing, and stronger than any other familiar pain. The pain appears as a response also to stimulations that are not supposed to hurt at all. In addition to pain, the syndrome is characterized by changes in colour, temperature, and swelling in the injured area. Due to an eclipse in the autonomic nervous system, there are also those who suffer from heart palpitations, sweating, visual disorders, digestive system and more. CRPS patients often deal with impairment of function, reduced quality of life, and body image impairment, and there is currently no cure.
Basi’s recovery is long and she requires crutches for walking. To try and maintain function and mobility, she has physical therapy exercises. CRPS research proves that good and effective coping with CRPS depends on a support system that includes family, community, and friends. Basi says the staff at Shaare Zedek support her, and embrace her needs through the long recovery process, they are the greatest gift along the journey.
