Me & My Dog; help me buy and train an assistance dog

Assistance Dogs can make a world of difference for people living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS. They can allow people to be more independent, more productive, have less pain, and simply experience a better quality of life.

Unfortunately, trained Assistance Dogs are expensive; they require about 18 months of intensive training which can cost up to $40,000. The good news is my target now is to raise $6300 for the first 6 months...

I am first in line to get a dog now and have teamed up with Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust to supply, train and certify an Assistance Dog in NZ. We have also partnered up with the Wish 4 Fish Charity and will be holding a dinner on the 4th of November 2017, we will have an auction and a wonderful 3 course dinner.

First, what is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Well CRPS is a chronic pain condition that usually affects one or more limb, often after there has been an injury or trauma to that limb. It is rated somewhere between amputation and child labour on the McGill pain index.

There is still a lot unknown about CRPS, but it’s believed to be caused by damage to or a malfunction of the nervous system. The syndrome is characterised by chronic or excessive pain and mild or dramatic changes in skin colour, temperature and/or swelling in the affected area.

The pain I experience every day is often extreme and in no way proportionate to the original injury back so long ago. Unfortunately, this makes it very difficult to engage in any of the regular activities, including work and has meant that I am often forced to limit or modify my daily routine. Most days I am sitting or lying down managing my pain, hiding from it. Sometimes simple or small tasks like making a coffee or picking up toys takes up all my strength and energy for the day. This can be both physically and mentally challenging, especially in our amazing household of two adults, four children, two cats and a turtle.

One of the biggest challenges CRPS sufferers face is the general lack of awareness and education of the syndrome. CRPS is an invisible disability and often people don’t realise how much pain I am in until they ask or I fall or cry out in pain.

Research on CRPS is ongoing but really, I am on my own now to manage my pain through medications, mindfulness and my SCS (Spinal Cord Simulator). I have taken part in the TARPS (The Auckland Pain Service) residential programme, undergone rehabilitation therapy, psychotherapy, tried many kinds of medication, and am now looking at getting a second SCS fitted to help combat the spread to my foot.

My condition is even more complicated with my epilepsy, made worse with pain and anxiety. Then there are the deep dark waves of depression that come and go, or the attacks of anxiety when I am in crowds of four or more people or must travel or in need of treatment... it goes on every day 24/7/365.

How will an Assistance Dog help me?

Initially a dog will help me when I am confused, in the depths of medicated brain fog, confused & unable to remember if I have had lunch or taken meds. The dog will be there to help steady me emotionally as well as physically. Grounding & helping produce endorphins without the need for meds. If I am at home alone it will be there if I fall or have a Grand Mal fit. Giving me independence & providing support & get help if needed.

A dog will enable me to be alone more often & giving me more confidence. Enabling me to get back out into the world and interact with a constant unwavering friend who is non-judgemental when I am in pain. The goal is for me to get some sort of independence back by exercising together, to help engage socially & to enable me to take part in my local community. For me, socialisation is an important part of my rehabilitation, a dog will help shift peoples focus away from my pain, to someone who is has a beautiful dog helping me with different abilities.

Then there are the general things like helping me pick things up when I drop them, warning me of seizures or even possibly warning me of pain flares, giving me time to act.