Kathryn rode a bike yesterday.
I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal… Oh Lord, how to put into words how very much that means to us?
Years ago, probably 1 or 2 years into CRPS, after a treatment that had given Kathryn some relief, I made her ride a bike. We were in Pocahontas Park, she was 11 or 12 years old… she should love to ride a bike -right? She was higher functioning at that point than she has been during much of the last 5 years… all kids love to ride bikes -right? I was going on the advice of clinicians that we should push her through the pain, so I made her ride.
At first she was mad that I should do such a thing, that I would force her into such pain when she already hurt so badly. Then she cried in agony… and the pain didn’t stop when she got off the bike, it never stopped.
Once or twice since then she would sit on a bike and try… for just a bit, with friends who wouldn’t push, they didn’t understand but they didn’t push.
When young children get CRPS they are at a communication disadvantage that can be nightmarish. They often don’t understand that the horrible pain they are experiencing is unusual, that it is not the norm. Children with CRPS may struggle to do what their parents ask and what is expected of them often not realizing that those around them cannot fathom the pain they are up against.
With CRPS, as a form of treatment clinicians often push patients to use their body despite the pain… horrible pain that most of us could not imagine.
Today there was no need to force a bike ride, Kathryn chose to ride and she enjoyed it! She was shaky and tired when she got home… that’s all, just tired. Thank you God for ZERO CRPS pain today!!!! Thank you for clinicians that won’t stop as they fight this monster!!
NOTE: I want to share with you my favorite encouragement and insight -written by our dear friend and pastor, Michael Seifert. Please click HERE
“Everyone wanted to touch Jesus because when they did, power emanated from Him and they were healed.” Luke 6:19
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