Mind blown — Hive

Yesterday is going to be a day that I will remember forever. Words cannot express the sense of relief I had from simply getting out of the car and looking up at where I was.

My eyes filled with tears as my husband took a picture of the sign for me because I couldn't get my arm up after work without my herbal. I don't consume herbal before medical appointments where I am not prescribed, but I am always 100% honest about my consumption habits.

So, yesterday after work, I went to my initial appointment at PCC - www.paincareclinics.com and what an amazing experience it was. Mind you, this is my 4th pain specialist in almost 3 years. 4th. All of the opinions, options and advice from each specialist varies and this has been overwhelming. Through my journey, I met Dr. Harry Pollett in North Sydney Cape Breton. This man gave me more hope and inspiration than ever. He was near retiring, and kept putting it off, because he worried about the complexity of CRPS patients and the quality of their lives. He knows about the confusion, misdiagnosis and importance of medical research, and did not want to leave his patients without options.

He and his wife wanted to leave behind something monumental for all of their work and dedication to CRPS patients before they both enjoyed retirement. What they created here in Halifax feels like a true blessing. I mean that in the least cheesy way. I am so beyond excited for this opportunity.

I walked into the brand new building and knew my sense of relief was for a reason, because I was in the right place. I have been to some rather dark corners of town to get into pain clinics, my last one was in the pharmacy past the pads and diapers. I'm not kidding either. This one, damn. It's shiny and new.

AND.

COVERED BY MSI!!!!!!!!!!!!! (not the band)

Anyone in Canada knows how amazing this is. PCC is in Ontario and Nova Scotia for now, with many new locations opening up across Canada. I highly recommend checking them out if you have any type of chronic pain condition.

I wanted to arrive early for my 3:30 appointment, so I was there for 3:05 to fill out my pre-assessment pain paperwork (circle where it hurts, does it affect this, that and the other thing?) 6 pages I think it was. And I got tested for drugs lol (they knew about the marijuana for pain, I'll get to it).

I waited until 4:25 for the nurse to come out for me, but it was worth the wait. She was reading my medical file. Someone took the time to read my file before seeing me. I couldn't believe it. I had a paper in my purse with my history so I didn't forget to mention anything, but she knew it all.

She also saw that the latest thing from the hospital was an EKG request from my previous pain specialist, to find my baseline for Lidocaine infusions back in April. She noted that she thinks I need a cane so I can prevent further damage, Nabilone (Marijuana in a pill basically) is an excellent option, but we will try all of the herbal routes since they are the least harmful (FINALLY). She thinks I'm an excellent candidate for infusions based on my history and the fact that Dr. Pollett wanted me to start them last August but no-one paid attention to my file until now except me. And now PCC.

Every Thursday, a doctor flies into Halifax from Toronto to make this clinic possible. Next Thursday, I meet him and we further discuss the plan and possibly start my first Lidocaine infusion. I'm terrified of needles and the entire process, however, I have heard amazing things about this from almost everyone I have talked to. I look forward to seeing how my body decides to react and I am literally praying for the best.

So, it's all sounding great. I know I have said that before sounding as confident, but it truly feels different this time. I have hope.

And local support for the 2nd Annual Walk to Conquer CRPS <3 We now have a few participants, both here and in Newfoundland (Go Team Tatum!! <3) We are still growing strong and looking for your support in anyway possible. Share a link or donate if you can, one person at a time we will make a difference. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/walk-to-conquer-crps/

Stay positive, be kind to your mind and gentle to your soul. The journey may be difficult, but you ARE strong enough for it. Stress free is the way to be, dwelling won't do nothing but hurt you.

Positive thoughts,

-Kristen Sparkle

Day 116/365

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