Pain Free Arlan
Arlan’s journey with chronic pain began in 2009 with severe, unrelenting migraines. Our happy family of 3, which loved the weekends for all the fun we could cram into them, slowly eroded into a life of Arlan working in great pain during the week and sleeping all weekend to manage his pain. It would take 18 months before Arlan had a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, but even once diagnosed, the pain did not let up.
In 2012, Arlan’s severe pain was compounded when he experienced a catastrophic fall which left him with a shattered hip, broken wrist, and facial fractures. After 19 days in the hospital, Arlan returned home for 6 months of rehabilitation before returning to work.
This fall changed Arlan’s life such that most of the things he did prior to this fall he was now no longer able to do: running, downhill skiing, backpacking, camping and so much more. These were things he loved sharing with Ainsley, and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared.
Arlan & Ainsley Just Before Chronic Pain Started (she is now) 16
The fall triggered a little know disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). See the links below on more about CRPS.
While CRPS had begun, it would be 6 years before Arlan would gain an official diagnosis. Five neurologists, a neurosurgeon, and multiple pain management doctors and no one could diagnose the increasing pain that Arlan was experiencing. Arlan’s weeks and months consisted of endless doctor visits, blood test after blood test and more MRI’s and CAT scans than you can count. Finally, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) was diagnosed in 2018, and within one month, Arlan was placed on disability.
While in Sales, Arlan learned to set aside his pain for short amounts of time to be able to successfully do his job. Because this became a habit, he often still does this without thinking and it is hard for people to recognize the extreme pain that he is in. Sadly, after a meeting or church, the pain he ‘holds back’ comes crashing in.
Arlan suffers from insomnia often walking with Ruby the Wonder Dog into the night to tame the insomnia. Once asleep, he sleeps for 12-13 hours each day. As his CRPS progresses and the pain both spreads, intensifies, and his life becomes more and more limited, dreams, goals, and simply life have been placed on hold as he struggles through each day.
Arlan & Ruby Getting Ready for a Walk
CRPS started in Arlan's left arm and now it affects both arms and both legs. He continues to exercise, though at times it is excruciating…he knows once he gives up moving, the ability to move will be gone.
Arlan’s pain has reached a level where the 0 – 10 pain scale no longer applies. His pain management doctor uses the McGill pain scale, which is used for cancer patients, amputees, and childbirth.
Words are not deep enough to describe our family’s heartache. We want him back. We want our life back. We want Arlan restored back to health. Thank you for reading Arlan’s story.
-The Spero Clinic
After much research we found the Spero Clinic (located in Fayetteville, AR), which uses unique therapies in an intense approach to treat CRPS. Over 12-16 weeks, a dedicated team focused on Arlan will work to reset his central nervous system. There is no other clinic like it in the world. Many CRPS patients who have been through the program have reported remarkable improvement and many have had their CRPS go into complete remission. (See links below).
-Let’s Get Arlan to The Spero Clinic
First and foremost we ask for your prayers. We also ask if you might consider sharing with us in this financial. The Spero Clinic program is NOT cover by insurance and there are no payment plan options. Arlan will need to reside in Arkansas for three months. He will have six to eight appointments a day. The money that we are fundraising will go to the Spero Treatment Plan, lodging, and transportation to and from the clinic each day.
-What is CRPS
CRPS occurs after an injury and is caused by a dysfunction of the central and/or peripheral nervous systems, severely amplifying pain in the affected areas. CRPS is nicknamed the “suicide disease” and has a rating of 46 out of 50 on the McGill pain scale (rating higher than amputation or cancer). Unlike most illnesses, the pain is constant, 24/7/365, making it one of the most severe diseases known. There is no known cure for CRPS. The medication that Arlan is currently prescribed barely takes the edge off his pain. Recently his pain doctor has said there is nothing more that he can do and the medication is becoming less and less effective as his symptoms increase.
Helpful Links:
https://www.thesperoclinic.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZhWVEn4uHU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIk9dbn0auM