How a simple blister was the first sign this little girl, 10, would become bedridden with one of the world's most rare and painful diseases

A little girl’s world has been rocked after a blister on her foot developed during a family holiday turned out to be a horrific disorder.

Bella Macey, 10, has been fighting complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in hospital – as her family desperately seeks treatment overseas.

CRPS is a rare neurological disorder causes extreme discomfort and is known as one of the most painful incurable conditions in the world.

The debilitating condition has caused the young Melbourne girl to lose movement in her leg and experience excruciating pain for more than a month.

Bella Macey, 10, has been fighting complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in hospital – as her family desperately seeks treatment overseas

Bella’s blister soon morphed into an infection as Bella began to suffer terrible pain in her leg

Her small infection first appeared while she was at the beach with her family during a holiday in Fiji.

But the blister soon became agonising and her entire leg starting to hurt.

Upon returning to their home in Melbourne, she was rushed to the emergency room at the Alfred for treatment.

Doctors conducted X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests but were unable to identify what was wrong.

Bella received strong antibiotics in the meantime, which proved to have little-to-no effect on relieving her pain.

After her original infection dissipated and the pain lingered on, Bella was diagnosed with the disorder.

CRPS usually affects just one arm or leg following an earlier injury, such as a fracture or sprain with no nerve damage, or nerve damage to a limb.

It’s unclear what exactly causes CRPS but it’s thought it could possibly be due to the nerves in the affected area becoming more sensitive, which may change the pain pathways between the limb and the brain.

CRPS is a rare neurological disorder causes extreme discomfort and is known as one of the most painful incurable conditions in the world. Pictured, Bella Macey

With no effective treatment available in Australia, Bella’s parents, Chris and Emma, turned overseas for treatment options

Since her diagnosis, Bella is primarily bedridden and has lost movement in her leg. She sometimes requires a wheelchair to get around.

The pain in her leg is so severe that she has also developed hypersensitivity – meaning a simple touch can feel agonising.

It has also caused extreme stress and pressure on the family.

Despite being on strong medication daily during her month-long stay in hospital, nothing has helped to alleviate the young girls’ pain.

With no effective treatment available in Australia, her parents, Chris and Emma, turned overseas for treatment options.

Through extensive research, they found the Spero Clinic in the US which specialises in CRPS.

Emma has since set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds in order to send Bella to the clinic for treatment and for medical expenses.

‘Bella has been in hospital for 4 weeks now and unfortunately, there is no treatment available to her at the RCH or elsewhere in Australia that will treat the cause of the pain,’ she wrote.

‘She has been on intense medication, none of which have worked and we are desperate to send her to a clinic overseas that is specialized (sic) and has credentials in providing remission for their patients.

‘This is where your generosity becomes a lifeline for Bella.’

Young Bella Macey is pictured in happier times

Emma Macey stressed how invaluable every donation to help daughter would be, no matter how small

Emma stressed how invaluable every donation to help daughter would be, no matter how small.

‘Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Bella’s journey towards recovery,’ she wrote.

‘Your support will not only alleviate the financial burden on our family but will also restore hope and strength to Bella and remind her that she is not alone in this fight.’

‘Together, we can help Bella overcome CRPS and pave the way for a brighter future.’

‘From the bottom of our hearts, we express our deepest gratitude for considering Bella’s cause. Your support will bring us one step closer to seeing Bella smile, walk, play, attend school and thrive once again,’ she added.

The GoFundMe for Bella can be found here.

WHAT IS COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that causes extreme discomfort that does not ease.

It usually affects just one arm or leg following an earlier injury, such as a fracture or sprain with no nerve damage, or nerve damage to a limb.

The body’s reaction is much stronger than usual and often causes pain worse than the original injury.

CRPS’ exact prevalence is unclear, however, a study claimed up to one in 3,800 people in the UK develop the condition each year.

And in the US, between 5.5 and 26.2 people suffer from CRPS per 100,000 every year.

What are the symptoms?

Pain is the main symptom, which may be burning, stabbing, stinging or throbbing.

The affected limb is usually sensitive to touch, with even clothing causing agony.

CRPS also causes swelling that can lead to stiffness, limb weakness and jerky movements. Joints may also appear redder or warmer than usual.

Many CRPS patients become anxious or depressed.

What causes CRPS?

CRPS’ cause is unclear but is thought to be due to the nerves in the affected area becoming more sensitive, which may change the pain pathways between the limb and the brain.

Rarely, stroke or multiple operations to the limb can be to blame.

In one out of 10 cases there is no obvious cause.

What are patients’ treatment options?

There is no one treatment. Therapies aim to maintain movement through rehabilitation and pain relief.

This may include physio and occupational therapies, coping strategies and medications.

Source: Versus Arthritis

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk

How a simple blister was the first sign this little girl, 10, would become bedridden with one of the world’s most rare and painful diseases

WHAT IS COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME?