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My Journey to The Spero Clinic
Hi, my name is Taylor Mabius, I am 24 years old and I have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. I developed CRPS 15 years ago after an infection resulted in damage to my nervous system. In almost all cases, patients with CRPS have either had a severe injury, major surgery or some type of infection that triggers the disorder to occur. CRPS is a rare and very complicated disorder that affects the way my nervous system functions. It still isn’t entirely understood by doctors and unfortunately because of its rarity it isn’t being researched enough. What is known, is that it is degenerative and causes more destruction to the body as time goes on. CRPS has a domino effect, over time the improper function of the nervous system can lead to tons of other issues and involve other body systems. Many CRPS patients are forced to battle chronic neuropathy and other life altering symptoms because treatment is hard to find.
CRPS has taken a lot from me. It cost me a normal childhood and it is affecting my life as an adult more than I could have ever imagined. My story has been anything but easy, but I truly believe with help I can finally beat this disease and stop it from taking anymore life from me. I’ve spent the last 15 years battling my disease with very little help from doctors. I sometimes wish I had been diagnosed with something more common. Something that has a brochure of what to expect or self-help books that guide you through accepting your diagnosis. I wish there were endless support groups, or charity walks like there are for cancer or MS. But instead, I’ve spent over a decade feeling alone and in the dark, wondering what my body is capable of and what it would throw at me next. In the last two years as my condition has significantly worsened, I find one of the hardest things is trying to imagine a future when I don’t even know for sure if I have one. I have truly begun to realize how hard adult life is when you are battling a severe chronic illness and I have spent a long time trying to come to terms with my reality. However, while I would like to be in school, working, living on my own and starting my life, instead I am a 24-year-old who can’t walk around a grocery store or stand for more than 20 minutes. I have taken a temporary leave from college; I haven’t worked in over 6 months, and I rely on around the clock pain medication just to function. My reality now is a scary one.
But despite my reality, I still have a drive to keep living, somewhere in me there is still the girl I used to be. The girl who never questioned if she could do something. The girl who never doubted her abilities and who welcomed challenges because they always made me stronger and braver when I beat them. I am not someone who has ever backed down from a fight.
Even though most days now I can’t remember who I used to be and it’s feeling harder to keep going, I still believe I have it in me. Even if I must fight the hardest fight I've ever fought, I am still hoping to win. My problem is it is getting harder and harder every single day and I am almost out of options. I thought this time wouldn’t come till my 50s or 60s but unfortunately my CRPS has advanced fast and has spread to other areas of my body and it is affecting my organs and other body systems.
My CRPS has caused thyroid disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome. My muscles continue to atrophy, I have chronic migraines, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, gastropareisis, vision and hearing problems, and my most difficult battle, chronic and debilitating neuropathy. Other issues seem to continue to arise everyday and for the first time in my whole life, I am scared that I won't win this fight, that it is out of my control. My future is an uphill climb that is a lot steeper than I anticipated. The pain is so unbearable that unbearable doesn’t even seem like a strong enough word to describe it. I am getting so tired, and I would really like the chance to stop living like someone with a terminal illness.
A few years ago, my mom discovered The Spero Clinic. Although I am always skeptical of things at first because false hope is something that people like me can’t afford to have, after learning about what they do and speaking to Dr. Katinka herself, with some of her patients, and reading the hundreds of success stories I know that there is something special about this place. I feel like this is my once in a lifetime opportunity. This is my chance to win.
At The Spero Clinic, Dr. Katinka van der Merwe and her team use a Neurologic Recovery Program to help patients who are suffering from severe chronic pain like CRPS. They focus on Neurologic Rehabilitation and restoring balance to the Autonomic Nervous System. Dr. Katinka’s world leading 12 Week Neurologic Rehabilitation program helps treat hopeless cases worldwide. They are using unique tools and techniques that are successfully healing people with advanced cases like mine. For a disease that has basically been labeled degenerative and untreatable, that is beyond impressive. They are truly changing lives and the biggest dream I have ever had is to get the chance to let them help me too. Finding and learning about The Spero Clinic is the first time in a very long time that I’ve felt hope, a feeling I didn’t think I’d ever get to experience again. I am certain that they can help give me my new beginning. But, when I discovered the price and that it was nearly impossible to get insurance to cover it, I was devastated and even gave up on the idea for over a year. But as my disease progresses, I no longer have a choice, I need help now. This is my last chance to get back what CRPS has stolen from me. That being said, I need help getting there. Whatever it takes, I know that 2 months from now I’ll be packing my stuff for The Spero Clinic, because “if there is a will there is a way.” If you can and are willing to help me on my journey to beating CRPS it would be the gift of a lifetime and something I will never forget.
Thank you.
Caption: Along with severe neuropathy, CRPS causes; skin discoloration, temperature changes and swelling. My legs and feet are the most affected and look like this on a daily basis. The pain most often feels like a burning and stabbing sensation and the tingling and numbness from the lack of circulation make it difficult for me to do everyday tasks like driving a car. Due to the sensitivity of my skin, light touches or cold weather cause a painful sensation and I can’t wear socks, shoes, or gloves for more than a few hours without it becoming unbearable.
More About Dr. Katinka van der Merwe:
Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, a leading Nerve Rehabilitation specialist, is well-known for taking on hopeless CRPS cases with her effective 12 Week Neurologic Rehabilitation program. Practicing in Fayetteville, Arkansas with her sister and father, Dr. Katinka treats patients from all over the world. She is also the author of two books, “Taming the Beast: A Guide to Conquering Fibromyalgia” and “Putting Out the Fire: New Hope for RSD/CRPS”.
With extensive post graduate training in functional neurology, biologic medicine and nerve rehabilitation, Dr. Katinka continues to help patients go into complete remission with non-invasive and holistic treatments, focusing on the debilitating pain at its source.
