Dissertation
Battling Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A Phenomenological Study
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00041
Abstract
Background: Pain is a subjective experience but Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which is reported to be the most intense pain 'known to man', has never been examined from the patients' lived experience perspective. First observed in 1864, CRPS is a rare condition and remains largely unknown. It is thought that CRPS is activated by the dysfunction of multiple systems. People living with CRPS often take years before being diagnosed and referred to a specialist pain cen re for treatment. Because there is no known cure, the goals of care are to reduce pain and improve function. CRPS can spread throughout the body and in extreme cases may require limb amputation. The consequences of living with CRPS can be debilitating. People with CRPS generally have a poorer quality of life and higher risk of suicide than people with other types of chronic pain. Methods: This research utilised a phenomenological approach to investigate the phenomenon of living with CRPS. Seventeen people iving with CRPS and four health professionals from 6 different countries were interviewed. Experiential material from internet blogs and a book containing patient stories were also included as data sources. Findings: The overarching essence of the phenomenon was that people living with CRPS face a daily battle to live with this condition. The battle can be broken into 5 themes which describe different aspects of the battle. These sub-themes are: Dealing with an unknown enemy; Building an armoury against a moving target; Battles within the war; Developing battle plans with allies; and Warrior or prisoner of war. Conclusion: This research suggests that people living with CRPS are facing a daily battle to live their lives. They face all the difficulties of living with a chronic pain condition alongside additional problems unique to CRPS. Support is not always forthcoming from the general community and some healthcare professionals are uninformed about the condition. The outcomes of this research will inform p tients, carers, health care professionals and the wider community of previously unknown aspects of living with CRPS. The experience of people living with CRPS could be improved by increased community awareness and support and health professional education.
Details
- Title
- Battling Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A Phenomenological Study
- Authors
- Colleen M Johnston-Devin
- Contributors
- Marion Gray (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00041
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451122102621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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