Learning to walk again in Rome -CRPS Scrambler therapy

Hi my name is Cheryl, I’m 46 years old & married to the lovely Ged. I’m mum to Zoe & step mum to Tom & Isaac.

On 21st October 24 I unfortunately fell down some stairs at moorfields train station & severely sprained my left ankle.

I underwent a number of X-rays & MRI’s to establish why the pain & swelling wasn't going away and on the 16th January 25 received the news that the injury had triggered a rare incurable disease called CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome).

This rare, incurable disease is often called "the cancer of the nervous system" because of how aggressive and damaging it can be. It is said to be the most painful condition in the world - more painful than childbirth, kidney stones, or even having a finger amputated without anaesthetic.

It has since spread from my ankle into my shin & up to my knee leaving me in severe pain & unable to walk without crutches.

I am getting through each day with the help of my lovely family & friends and a lot of painkillers !!

Having done a crazy amount of research & speaking to specialists at The Walton centre, I'm facing the reality that there is a good chance that I may not walk again without crutches & possibility of the CRPS spreading to my other limbs.

This fundraiser wasn't something I wanted to setup but l'm left with no choice (plus a few people suggested it) - this condition is so rare that it affects just 0.00546% and there is very little NHS understanding or support available so it leaves me needing to travel abroad for treatment and pay privately, which is why I'm asking for support.

The impact

Currently I can't walk, I can't rest, and I can't sleep well - the pain is constant and unrelenting like nothing l've ever felt. I can't do the things I love or live the life I once had.

It's devastating really but I’m trying to stay positive, and I'm desperate to do everything I can to fight for a chance to get even a piece of normality back for me & my family.

Scrambler Therapy

Early intervention is absolutely crucial to give me the best chance of reduction in symptoms and hopefully walking again.

I've already been having a range of therapies and treatments alongside making some lifestyle changes.

My next step is to head to Italy for "Scrambler Therapy" in June 2025 which is a treatment that aims to retrain my nervous system over a 2 week period.

This treatment is unfortunately not yet available in the UK which is so sad for myself & the number of others I have met online who have had to travel abroad.

It has remission rates of 80-90% in CRPS patients and it seems to be the best chance of hopefully regaining my independence.

The downside is that the initial treatment, travel, accommodation etc will cost a lot. My lovely husband is flying out with me initially as would struggle to do flight alone & my wonderful parents are coming towards the end to help me home.

How can you help?

I hate asking for help, but if l've ever done something to help you, been there for you, supported you, or even just made you smile and you can spare a few pounds, l'd be so grateful.

This is incurable and my treatments will be ongoing for life, I intend to keep raising awareness alongside trying to keep myself as healthy as I possibly can.

Thank you for reading, & thanks to everyone for your support over past 7 months which have been pretty grim.