Our Approach
About The Blog
Beat CRPS represents the long, arduous, and often dark journey along treacherous roads through peaks and valleys and across rivers of fast flowing white water Complex Regional Pain Syndrome patients face en route to remission. On a more individual level, Beat CRPS has been my official mantra since my diagnosis in February 2017. One of my goals with this blog is for my rallying cry to help become that of others battling CRPS.
Throughout my journey thus far, I've collected a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences I'd like to share to help others battling CRPS/RSD. I've even chosen the background color scheme of ORANGE, the chosen color to represent CRPS/RSD awareness, to be represented throughout this site. Everything found within is dedicated to my fellow CRPS/RSD warriors. I truly believe my future is bright and it can be for my fellow warriors as well.
Over time, I look to bring additional voices to this space. The idea is to bring many perspectives via blog posts or podcasts with the goal to have them come from medical, scientific, patient, and caretaker perspectives alike to the best degree possible.
In addition to assisting others and promoting general CRPS awareness, Beat CRPS will serve as a launchpad for charity work. Keep an eye out for more information on that front in the Coming Soon section.
If you have advice on people to target, feel free say so. Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to hearing from you.
Our Story
Meet The Blogger: Jason
Jason, his wife Cristina, and their dog-ter, Belle, live just outside of Washington, D.C. in Potomac, MD. Jason was diagnosed with CRPS just a few short months into their first year of marriage. Without a specific injury or known cause, the case of CRPS came on both mysteriously and ferociously. Symptoms first revealed themselves on January 3, 2017 and by the February 20, 2017 Jason was barely able to move his entire left arm with symptoms spreading across his upper body. Experts at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital termed Jason's case a 8.5 out of 10 in degree of severity and a high amputation risk. Throughout the course of treatments, he has experienced a wide variety of pharmaceuticals, many stellate ganglion nerve blocks, occupational and physical therapy, neuropsychology, acupuncture, meditation, and spinal cord stimulator implant surgery.
Jason is a graduate of the University of Maryland. In addition to a career in sales, he is the founder of the Perk Up Foundation which raises proceeds for CRPS research. Look for more information to come about Perk Up on the Beat CRPS Blog in the days and weeks to come.
Jason is an avid at home chef inspired by his mother's kitchen and things he picked up working in various restaurants and bars during his college career. He is a passionate sports fan with his rooting interests tied to all of the local teams. He enjoys recreational sports and looks forward to returning to golf, swimming, hiking, football, basketball, and more as soon as he is cleared to do so by his doctors.
Expressing My Gratitude
When I stop and think about it, I'm quite fortunate. I have a really long list of people to thank. It begins with our parents and extends to the great, big extended family that is the unit surrounding Cristina and me. Our parents have gone above and beyond any possible expectation for support in what has been an incredibly challenging time in our lives. Our siblings have been there for us too. Without your love and support, I know I wouldn't be as far down the road to remission that I am.
There are a great number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who have stood by us and contributed to our well-being. I'm sure I'll make mention of some or all of you in the blog space in the days to come. Thank you for everything you have done to help us through this difficult time.
To the doctors, therapists, nurses, and medical professionals of any kind have helped me and will continue to help me along the way, thank you. I'd like to specifically express my appreciation to Dr. Huffman, Ms. Jocius, Dr. Mayer, Dr. Mintzies, Dr. Morrison, Ms. Peters, Dr. Sethi, Dr. Singla, Dr. Wemmers, and Dr. Wolfe.
What Are You Waiting For...
...head to the blog now.