I can't deny that I was incredibly lucky to be diagnosed so early and I won't lie it has changed my life. The key to having the strength to fight this comes from a deep stubbornness within me. I have never backed down from a challenge and people who know me will say I can be cavalier at times. Without this CRPS could have destroyed my life, but it hasn't and it won't.

My CRPS continues to graduate up my leg, however I will not admit it has 'worsened' by doing so would be giving in. A good friend of mine said to me ' Well, I doubt you would have developed CRPS if you didn't have the strength to cope.' - This is key to those suffering from this, remember if you weren't tough enough to cope you wouldn't be suffering from this. 

Yes, my goals have changed, my friendships have changed, my way of life has changed, but it hasn't stopped. I was ever the life and soul of the party, convincing everyone to go out dancing every week and the first one on the dance floor and the last one off it... Although I may now be unable to dance like I used to I'm getting pretty good at doing it sat down or doing what I call the 'crutch shuffle' - it hasn't stopped me. 

I will also be honest and say that my figure and weight have changed. I am now more curvy (not a bad thing by any means..) but I do miss my flat stomach. The drugs have caused me to put on 10kg since May, it won't be there for long though... you have to be strict and change the way you eat and exercise, but at no point give it up, it will help to give you the strength to continue. Gym's are great, people give you a lot of respect for carrying on despite this, so go! If people give you a funny look or snide remark remember they have no idea of your pain and your strength and by being there you are better than them, you are stronger!  

Also don't give up what you love, I have adored horses since I could walk and talk. I've had my boys through thick and thin and almost lost both of them on separate occasions! Yes, I now have to change the way I ride and they respond but we will get there and I will ride to the standard I am used too. 

This blog is going to be about my journey, the ups, the downs, but most of all (hopefully) to inspire and show you that you can do it... no matter what, you can do it!  

However, I now have to admit that if I want to look after my body I have to change the way I eat... I'm always baking and cooking so will be posting stuff that works for me and tastes good! Fresh food is key!!

By keeping your fitness at a decent level your body is in better shape to cope with the changes in your central nervous system... 

If you haven't done any for a while take it SLOW! Hop on your crutches or walk that bit further than you would normally, join a gym and talk to the fitness team... They are KEY and will work with you to help you, no-one is judging you (and even if they are, they aren't as tough as you and they don't matter).

Look at new sports that accommodate your CRPS, if your like me and have it in your leg look at Archery, Shooting, Wheelchair Tennis, look for upper body sports that get you out and about. If you have it in your arm consider more cardiovascular sports such as Walking, Running, Swimming... EXPERIMENT! You will find something you love doing.