****Needing your Prayers****
06-12-2016, 04:29 AM
#1
****Needing your Prayers****
Hey everyone, I'm sure many of you have seen me around on the forum. I will share my situation in decent detail (full detail would take a few days to type up).
On 7-11-14 my life was changed completely. I was injured and sustained nerve damage. My left hand kept swelling, turning purple and was blotchy. Not to mention it felt as if someone had poured gas on it and lit it on fire. After seeing several Doctors and they all told me "it's a bad sprain". I explained to them that whatever was going on was not a sprain. I finally seen a Doctor that knew what was going on. He had a blank look on his face and said "you have CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)". I obviously asked what it was, what causes it and most importantly what needs to be done to fix it.
He said it is an extremely complex nerve disease that is caused by damage to a nerve pack. He sadly told me that there is not a cure. I started to freak out and obviously wanted other opinions. During my quest to find multiple opinions while doing my own research I did find out that there in fact is not a cure for CRPS. I was told I needed to see a pain specialist to discuss options for pain relief. When meeting with the pain specialist (fantastic Dr BTW) he took over an hour to explain the treatment options. He did tell me up front that CRPS is the absolute most painful condition known and generally the treatments do not work as they should. We set a date to have the first injection done (Stellate ganglion block). That treatment did not help. I had a few of the Stellate ganglion injections done and none provided relief. I then had another treatment done called interscalene brachial plexus done. Again, no relief was obtained. Now onto treatment #3 (epidural injections). For the third time there was not any relief from the pain that is not even imaginable.
Next step was pain medication (hard stuff). If a person that was not in pain took the meds I had it would knock them out cold for 24+ hrs. I found that the meds worked but only a minimal amount.
The last option (not an option for me) is a treatment using ketamine. There has been positive results for CRPS pain relief with ketamine infusions. While the relief is only about 50-65% that is MUCH better than none at all. If even 40% of my pain was relived I would feel like I hit the lottery (literally). I am blessed to have medical insurance but they always find excuses as to why they can't pay for treatments. They absolutely refuse to pay for the ketamine infusion treatments. Their excuse is "the treatment is experimental and we do not cover treatments that are not 100% proven to work". I find it odd because they cover meds and those are not "guaranteed" to work.
CRPS causes the nerve receptors to constantly send pain signals even though an injury is no longer active. The pain is absolutely excruciating about 50% of the time. The other 50% of the time it is flat out horrible but I manage to get through it day by day. It affects people differently. For some it will stay localized where the nerve pak was damaged. For others such as myself it will spread to other parts of the body. The following is how it has and continuously affects me:
1. Severe muscle spasms & brick like knots (entire back, thighs and upper left arm). Feels like non stop charley horse cramps on steroids.
2. Burning as if I was locked in an oven set at 400 degrees.
3. Muscle fatigue (due to not being able to do much)
Many people I have talked to about CRPS have said (it can't be that bad, there is no such pain & it's in your head). I know what general pain feels like (fractures, etc) and those are like a mild bee sting compared to CRPS.
I am not perfect (NONE of us are) but I am strong believer. I know that God allows things to happen and for his greater purpose. Even though we do not understand why things like this happen we are not to question it. However, it is extremely hard to accept it.
I am at a point to where I am not handling it very well. I would never go down the path to take a life that is not mine to take. However, I am unsure on what I need to do mentally to be able to accept the fact that I have such a horrible condition and it's never going away. Of course there are other things on my mind besides that. I am shocked and hurt to know that people who claimed to be my friends have pushed me away and didn't look back. Besides being in horrific pain every day I am stressed beyond anyone's imagination. I can no longer work and have not had a personal income in 23 months. Praise the Lord that my wife has been by my side and will do anything she can to help. She is a teacher and barely makes enough to cover the bills. Again, Praise the Lord that there is that income.
I'm just asking for your prayers that I can get some relief from the pain and for a miracle to happen so that I can get the Ketamine infusion treatments done.
Please send up prayers for my wife as well. She needs relief from the daily stress.
Thank you in advance for your prayers. God bless.
Tim
On 7-11-14 my life was changed completely. I was injured and sustained nerve damage. My left hand kept swelling, turning purple and was blotchy. Not to mention it felt as if someone had poured gas on it and lit it on fire. After seeing several Doctors and they all told me "it's a bad sprain". I explained to them that whatever was going on was not a sprain. I finally seen a Doctor that knew what was going on. He had a blank look on his face and said "you have CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)". I obviously asked what it was, what causes it and most importantly what needs to be done to fix it.
He said it is an extremely complex nerve disease that is caused by damage to a nerve pack. He sadly told me that there is not a cure. I started to freak out and obviously wanted other opinions. During my quest to find multiple opinions while doing my own research I did find out that there in fact is not a cure for CRPS. I was told I needed to see a pain specialist to discuss options for pain relief. When meeting with the pain specialist (fantastic Dr BTW) he took over an hour to explain the treatment options. He did tell me up front that CRPS is the absolute most painful condition known and generally the treatments do not work as they should. We set a date to have the first injection done (Stellate ganglion block). That treatment did not help. I had a few of the Stellate ganglion injections done and none provided relief. I then had another treatment done called interscalene brachial plexus done. Again, no relief was obtained. Now onto treatment #3 (epidural injections). For the third time there was not any relief from the pain that is not even imaginable.
Next step was pain medication (hard stuff). If a person that was not in pain took the meds I had it would knock them out cold for 24+ hrs. I found that the meds worked but only a minimal amount.
The last option (not an option for me) is a treatment using ketamine. There has been positive results for CRPS pain relief with ketamine infusions. While the relief is only about 50-65% that is MUCH better than none at all. If even 40% of my pain was relived I would feel like I hit the lottery (literally). I am blessed to have medical insurance but they always find excuses as to why they can't pay for treatments. They absolutely refuse to pay for the ketamine infusion treatments. Their excuse is "the treatment is experimental and we do not cover treatments that are not 100% proven to work". I find it odd because they cover meds and those are not "guaranteed" to work.
CRPS causes the nerve receptors to constantly send pain signals even though an injury is no longer active. The pain is absolutely excruciating about 50% of the time. The other 50% of the time it is flat out horrible but I manage to get through it day by day. It affects people differently. For some it will stay localized where the nerve pak was damaged. For others such as myself it will spread to other parts of the body. The following is how it has and continuously affects me:
1. Severe muscle spasms & brick like knots (entire back, thighs and upper left arm). Feels like non stop charley horse cramps on steroids.
2. Burning as if I was locked in an oven set at 400 degrees.
3. Muscle fatigue (due to not being able to do much)
Many people I have talked to about CRPS have said (it can't be that bad, there is no such pain & it's in your head). I know what general pain feels like (fractures, etc) and those are like a mild bee sting compared to CRPS.
I am not perfect (NONE of us are) but I am strong believer. I know that God allows things to happen and for his greater purpose. Even though we do not understand why things like this happen we are not to question it. However, it is extremely hard to accept it.
I am at a point to where I am not handling it very well. I would never go down the path to take a life that is not mine to take. However, I am unsure on what I need to do mentally to be able to accept the fact that I have such a horrible condition and it's never going away. Of course there are other things on my mind besides that. I am shocked and hurt to know that people who claimed to be my friends have pushed me away and didn't look back. Besides being in horrific pain every day I am stressed beyond anyone's imagination. I can no longer work and have not had a personal income in 23 months. Praise the Lord that my wife has been by my side and will do anything she can to help. She is a teacher and barely makes enough to cover the bills. Again, Praise the Lord that there is that income.
I'm just asking for your prayers that I can get some relief from the pain and for a miracle to happen so that I can get the Ketamine infusion treatments done.
Please send up prayers for my wife as well. She needs relief from the daily stress.
Thank you in advance for your prayers. God bless.
Tim
06-12-2016, 09:25 AM
#3
Brother Tim,
I am sure there will be a lot of other brothers lifting you up in prayer and sometimes all we have is prayer BUT if we are true believers in CHRIST and trust in HIM then all that our praying for you know that when 2 or more are gathered together our prayers will be heard and answered.
So we are praying for you daily and I know your help cant come fast enough but know that your help comes from the mountain top !! Praying for healing and the relief of pain, praying for your wife that she will be given some peace and strength, praying for blessing of Gods favor over your finances.
God has you and trust in Him let God show up and Show Out AMEN !
Now to all so-called Christian Brothers lets move on this lets show Tim we love him in Christ !! Lets give to Tim and his wife I know that more then 10 people will read this and if we get at least 10 people to *** Bless *** Tim and his wife with some funds even if its only $10 from 10 people that is $100 that will be good for food or to help pay a bill ! AMEN
So Tim post your paypal so those that really love Christ can give that love back to you and your wife AMEN !
I am sure there will be a lot of other brothers lifting you up in prayer and sometimes all we have is prayer BUT if we are true believers in CHRIST and trust in HIM then all that our praying for you know that when 2 or more are gathered together our prayers will be heard and answered.
So we are praying for you daily and I know your help cant come fast enough but know that your help comes from the mountain top !! Praying for healing and the relief of pain, praying for your wife that she will be given some peace and strength, praying for blessing of Gods favor over your finances.
God has you and trust in Him let God show up and Show Out AMEN !
Now to all so-called Christian Brothers lets move on this lets show Tim we love him in Christ !! Lets give to Tim and his wife I know that more then 10 people will read this and if we get at least 10 people to *** Bless *** Tim and his wife with some funds even if its only $10 from 10 people that is $100 that will be good for food or to help pay a bill ! AMEN
So Tim post your paypal so those that really love Christ can give that love back to you and your wife AMEN !
06-13-2016, 12:53 AM
#5
Thanks Gary, prayers are the most powerful and strongest form of Medicine there is.
Hey brother Chris. I hope all is well with you and the family. Thank you so much for the prayers.
As I mentioned before we are extremely blessed that my wife has a good job and it at least pays the bills. Above and beyond that it's an empty bucket.
I have been modifying engines for club racers and several really fast guys for many years. I can sit and do engine work when the work is there. I haven't been pushing hard on advertising for two main reasons (lack of funds to invest and grow plus I didn't know what this nerve disease was going to end up being like).
I met a racer a few months back and someone close to him has the same nerve disease as I do. He knows what this condition does to people both physically and mentally over time. We were talking about certain items I love to collect and he actually has a lot of those items. He completely surprised and blessed me with a package containing some of them. I was blown away by the generosity.
I didn't post the thread for anyone to offer anything to me. I am needing prayers sent up more than anything. I absolutely appreciate BigC reaching out and mentioning to everyone about donating a few dollars to help. Trust me, it is needed and could be used more than people can possibly imagine. However, it is hard for me to accept help due to the fact that I was always the one helping others.
A few people have mentioned setting up a fund raiser would be a good idea. That way I could get the ketamine infusion treatments done. On the other hand, it would take a long time to raise $6500-$7200 (average cost for the procedure).
Chris, my PayPal is not linked to my primary account. Therefore any money that would go into it would be limited on what I could use it for. As I sell R/C items I use the funds in paypal at home Depot. I can check out in store using PayPal. It helps a lot because I can get the general household items that way (trash bags, laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, etc. I can also get gift cards at home Depot paying with paypal. The gift cards I normally get are shell (used for gas).
Again, I am far more blessed than a lot of people. Unfortunately, I have a condition that needs treatments and TONS of prayers. I would love to be able to get the treatments done. If I were able to and they helped to a point where I could manage the pain then I could focus more on expanding my engine services. I could also focus on the continuation of having a R/C built at one of our community parks. The track would be a place for local kids to enjoy running their cars. Most parents around here do not want them running at the track in town. I know why but that is a completely different conversation.
Everyone, please send up prayers for relief of the horrific pain that is within me 24/7. Please pray for financial blessings so that I can be relieved of that stress and possibly get the treatments done. Please pray for my wife and may she have stress free days.
Thank you all again for the prayers.
God bless
Tim
Hey brother Chris. I hope all is well with you and the family. Thank you so much for the prayers.
As I mentioned before we are extremely blessed that my wife has a good job and it at least pays the bills. Above and beyond that it's an empty bucket.
I have been modifying engines for club racers and several really fast guys for many years. I can sit and do engine work when the work is there. I haven't been pushing hard on advertising for two main reasons (lack of funds to invest and grow plus I didn't know what this nerve disease was going to end up being like).
I met a racer a few months back and someone close to him has the same nerve disease as I do. He knows what this condition does to people both physically and mentally over time. We were talking about certain items I love to collect and he actually has a lot of those items. He completely surprised and blessed me with a package containing some of them. I was blown away by the generosity.
I didn't post the thread for anyone to offer anything to me. I am needing prayers sent up more than anything. I absolutely appreciate BigC reaching out and mentioning to everyone about donating a few dollars to help. Trust me, it is needed and could be used more than people can possibly imagine. However, it is hard for me to accept help due to the fact that I was always the one helping others.
A few people have mentioned setting up a fund raiser would be a good idea. That way I could get the ketamine infusion treatments done. On the other hand, it would take a long time to raise $6500-$7200 (average cost for the procedure).
Chris, my PayPal is not linked to my primary account. Therefore any money that would go into it would be limited on what I could use it for. As I sell R/C items I use the funds in paypal at home Depot. I can check out in store using PayPal. It helps a lot because I can get the general household items that way (trash bags, laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, etc. I can also get gift cards at home Depot paying with paypal. The gift cards I normally get are shell (used for gas).
Again, I am far more blessed than a lot of people. Unfortunately, I have a condition that needs treatments and TONS of prayers. I would love to be able to get the treatments done. If I were able to and they helped to a point where I could manage the pain then I could focus more on expanding my engine services. I could also focus on the continuation of having a R/C built at one of our community parks. The track would be a place for local kids to enjoy running their cars. Most parents around here do not want them running at the track in town. I know why but that is a completely different conversation.
Everyone, please send up prayers for relief of the horrific pain that is within me 24/7. Please pray for financial blessings so that I can be relieved of that stress and possibly get the treatments done. Please pray for my wife and may she have stress free days.
Thank you all again for the prayers.
God bless
Tim
06-13-2016, 01:26 AM
#6
Prayers are up for you and yours. Keep fighting brother.
06-13-2016, 07:43 PM
#9
Yes guys, all nitro work. Full service and mods. Anything from minor bearing changes to full mods with timing changes (induction timing, port timing, exhaust timing).
Several people over the years have told me to offer engine services full time and put up a website. Now that the CRPS has caused me to shut down my main business it looks like I will be focusing on doing engines full time. It is pretty much the only thing that my body can tolerate.
Several people over the years have told me to offer engine services full time and put up a website. Now that the CRPS has caused me to shut down my main business it looks like I will be focusing on doing engines full time. It is pretty much the only thing that my body can tolerate.
06-14-2016, 06:21 AM
#10
Yes guys, all nitro work. Full service and mods. Anything from minor bearing changes to full mods with timing changes (induction timing, port timing, exhaust timing).
Several people over the years have told me to offer engine services full time and put up a website. Now that the CRPS has caused me to shut down my main business it looks like I will be focusing on doing engines full time. It is pretty much the only thing that my body can tolerate.
Several people over the years have told me to offer engine services full time and put up a website. Now that the CRPS has caused me to shut down my main business it looks like I will be focusing on doing engines full time. It is pretty much the only thing that my body can tolerate.
08-30-2016, 11:40 PM
#12
Tech Rookie
My prayers may god be by urside stay strong keep faith god bless you n heal you Amen
09-05-2016, 06:26 AM
#13
Praying for you brother
11-16-2016, 11:47 AM
#14
Tech Master
Tim I'll pray you will find a way to cope with thru life. But it sounds like you are blessed with an amazing wife. I'm sure your not always easy to be around. And you still have her love. This is a challenge for her as it is for you. Pray everyday that your still able to hold her another day. Our God never wishes anything bad for us. Accidents are just that. The things in life that we think we need. Are usually exactly the opposite. I got the impression you considered taking your life. That's never the solution. Your wife who is by your side everyday. Think how she would be without you and your love. The Lord has come to me on a few occasions. He told me he hears millions of prayers everyday. None of the prayers are forgotten. And when the time is right. He will answer them. I have a story to tell you that may inspire you. If I can share it with you. Just give me the ok. And I'll write it as short as possible for you. Never lose hope. God Bless
11-27-2016, 08:23 PM
#15
Prayers and God bless.