At 17 I had an operation to correct the alignment of my left knee cap as it was too high and out to the side as well as the patella being shallow. I then developed intense pain in my knee. My surgeon and pain specialist diagnosed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 2 - my nerves had been affected in the operation. CRPS is rated the highest on the McGill Pain Scale.

My CRPS type 2 symptoms:
- Severe 24/7 burning pain
- Dramatic increase in skin temperature
- Swelling & stiffness
- Colour change
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Reduced mobility
- Strange sensations
- Muscle spasms & shooting pains
- Insomnia

After exhausting all treatment options in my local area I found The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases which specialised in an inpatient programme for people with CRPS which I took part in. However they too were unable to help me. My specialists have discharged me due there being no other treatment options left.

I researched alternative therapies/trials and found Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. An MS charity centre offers it to those who can self-fund and diagnosed with anything related to the nervous system. I had 20 consecutive sessions to get my blood oxygenated to as close to 100% followed by 2-3 sessions per week to maintain it. There's a lot of science and research on this so please go look! Following the therapy the swelling, burning, and temperature changes all started to reduce which was amazing. Work commitments, finances and difficulties travelling meant I had to stop. Now the only slight relief I get is constant elevation and using ice packs 24/7, I even have a freezer at the side of my bed! But they've reduced the blood supply to my knee causing secondary problems.

CRPS has changed so much of my life and has took away my dreams. I suffer from depression and anxiety due to it, every day I want to give up knowing I'm out of options. There isn't a cure but I need some sort of hope and relief, having a HBOT chamber can give me that.

Thank You