A little girl suffers from a chronic pain disorder so brutal that even a hug from her loving parents means screaming in pain.
10-year-old Bella Macey from Melbourne battles complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) every day as her exhausted family raises money for expensive treatment abroad.
CRPS is a rare neurological disorder that causes extreme discomfort and is one of the most painful incurable conditions humans can experience.
Bella rates the pain as a “10” out of 10.
10-year-old Bella Macey from Melbourne battles complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) every day as her exhausted family desperately searches for treatment options abroad
The chronic condition is so brutal that even a hug from her loving parents means screaming in pain
It’s all sharp, it burns, it tingles, it’s all painful. It’s different pain [that] I never knew it was possible,” she said A current situation.
In the month since Bella’s diagnosis, she’s also lost movement in one leg and even simple tasks have become unbearable.
“I can’t shower, I can’t take a bath,” Bella said.
“I can’t put sheets or anything on it… not even with a tissue, don’t touch it with anything or I’ll scream.”
The trouble started when a minor infection appeared on her foot while she was on the beach with her family while on vacation in Fiji.
But the blister soon became sore and her whole leg began to ache.
When she returned to their home in Melbourne, she was rushed to Alfred’s emergency room for treatment.
Doctors performed X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests, but could not determine what was wrong.
Bella, meanwhile, was given strong antibiotics, which proved to have little to no effect in relieving her pain.
After her original infection cleared and the pain persisted, Bella was diagnosed.
CRPS usually affects only one arm or leg after a previous injury, such as a fracture or sprain without nerve damage.
It’s unclear exactly what causes CRPS, but it’s thought it may be due to the nerves in the affected area becoming more sensitive, which can alter the pain pathways between the limb and the brain.
10-year-old Bella Macey battles complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in hospital as her family desperately seeks treatment abroad
The condition developed from a blister on holiday in Fiji, which turned into an infection followed by excruciating pain in her leg
CRPS is a rare neurological condition that causes extreme discomfort and is known as one of the most painful incurable conditions in the world. In the photo, Bella Macey
Since her diagnosis, Bella has been mostly bedridden and has no movement in her leg. She sometimes needs a wheelchair to get around.
The pain in her leg is so severe that she has also developed hypersensitivity, meaning that a simple touch can feel agonizing.
It has also led to extreme stress and strain on the family.
Despite taking strong medications daily during her month-long hospital stay, nothing helped to ease the young girls’ pain.
With no effective treatment available in Australia, her parents, Chris and Emma, went abroad for treatment options.
After extensive research, they found the Spero Clinic in the US that specializes in CRPS.
Emma has since had one GoFundMe page to raise money to send Bella to the clinic for treatment and medical expenses.
“Bella has now been in hospital for 4 weeks and unfortunately there is no treatment available for her at the RCH or elsewhere in Australia that will treat the source of the pain,” she wrote.
“She has been on intensive meds, none of which have worked and we are desperate to send her to an overseas clinic that specializes (sic) and has credentials in offering remission to their patients.
“This is where your generosity becomes a lifeline for Bella.”
With no effective treatment available in Australia, Bella’s parents, Chris and Emma, went abroad for treatment options
Young Bella Macey is depicted in happier times
Emma emphasized how invaluable any donation to help daughter would be, no matter how small.
“Any donation, no matter the size, will make a major impact on Bella’s journey to recovery,” she wrote.
“Your support will not only ease 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 struggle.”
“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 case. Your support will get us one step closer to seeing Bella smile, walk, play, go to school and thrive again,” she added.
The GoFundMe for Bella can be found here.