Healing for Lauren Pittman at the SPERO Clinic

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Schultz and I am Laurens big sister. Lauren was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 15 and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome when she was 19. Since then, her world (and our families) have been turned upside down.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic pain condition that causes extreme sensitivity and pain to the hands and elbows or knees and legs, in particular, without an obvious cause that would explain the degree of pain. Usually diagnosed through a process of elimination, it occurs rarely but has historically been challenging to treat. In addition to creating pain in a certain region of the body, the syndrome is complex because the patient’s affected area may appear swollen, change color, feel hot or cold, or exhibit other unusual qualities. 

What Occurs in CRPS?

CRPS appears to arise after an initial injury (although its pain level bears no relationship to the original injury or surgical operation). Perhaps 1% of injuries or surgeries lead to CRPS. One theory is that the original injury creates an inflammation that spreads from tissues and inflames peripheral nerves (nerves beyond the spinal cord). In turn, that process may trigger the spinal column to amplify pain signals sent to the brain, in a fashion that is not well understood.

CRPS appears to arise after an initial injury (although its pain level bears no relationship to the original injury or surgical operation). Perhaps 1% of injuries or surgeries lead to CRPS. One theory is that the original injury creates an inflammation that spreads from tissues and inflames peripheral nerves (nerves beyond the spinal cord). In turn, that process may trigger the spinal column to amplify pain signals sent to the brain, in a fashion that is not well understood.

There is currently no cure for CRPS. Because of her T1 diabetes, CRPS has created more issues than normal. Over the last several years, Lauren has undergone countless treatments, countless hospital stays, several near death encounters, has had a port placed in her chest and most recently undergone a blood transfusion.

The SPERO Clinic is the only facility in the United States that treats this complex condition. And unfortunately, they do mot accept insurance. This clinic is an intensive program that would relocate her from San Antonio, to the clinic and treat her on a daily basis.

For more information the SPERO Clinic please visit https://www.thesperoclinic.com.

Any help, even your prayer and thoughts , would be appreciated more than words can express.

We hope to soon share her healing journey with you all.

With the most sincere gratitude,

Elizabeth Schultz and Pittman Family