Man Speaks Out About His Complex Pain Condition And How Burning Nights Charity Has Helped Him

A former tyre technician is speaking out about his battle with an unusual neuropathic condition that leaves him with a constant burning pain in his left hand following a work injury.

James Heeley, 32, from Birmingham, wants to raise awareness of the issues caused by a complex pain condition this November as part of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) awareness month. 

He was diagnosed with the condition in 2012, a year after an accident at work. He has instructed specialist serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, Altaf Patel, to investigate the accident and provide James with expert help and rehabilitation to manage his complex pain condition.

Altaf is a board member of the CRPS charity - Burning Nights CRPS Support - which refers to the feeling of constant, severe pain that sufferers often feel. The charity is helping James to deal with the impact of his pain.

CRPS, which is often misdiagnosed, is a pain condition that most often affects limbs after an injury or trauma. It is not known what actually causes CRPS, but it is thought to be a result of damage to the central nervous system, but due to a lack of research, this is currently unproven - and worse still, there is no cure. 

James’s condition has been life changing. He is now unable to dress himself, cut his food, or brush his teeth without assistance, which has had a damaging effect on his mental and social well-being. 

It has affected his ability to work and he has been told that he will no longer be able to do the type of work he did prior to his accident. 

James said: “My hand is in permanent pain with what feels like a constant burning sensation. I avoid leaving the house if I can as my hand is scarred both back and front, and I’m petrified of knocking it as it is hyper sensitive. 

“When the accident initially happened, the pain scale of my hand was 10/10, and even now with medication and morphine patches, it still never falls below a 7/10.”

As a former plant and industrial tyre technician, James was required to use heavy machinery to change worn or damaged tyres on vehicles predominantly used in the construction industry. 

In March 2011, whilst James was handling a bead breaker to change a tyre based in a quarry, the hydraulic hose split, causing a puncture wound to his left palm. His employer had previously removed the handles on the bead breaker which allow for better control. Within seconds, James felt an excruciating pain in his left hand and it began to swell to three times its size. 

Once arriving at A&E, an x-ray was carried out on James’ hand, but despite the agonising pain, the doctor confirmed James’ injury as a flesh wound, and was told to return a week later to hospital.  

On his return to the hospital for what he thought was a routine appointment, he was taken straight into theatre having been diagnosed with compartment syndrome where surgeons cut into James’ hand to reduce the swelling. 

It wasn’t until further surgery a short time later to remove a lump that had formed at the back of his hand that James was diagnosed with CRPS. 

As well as James being no longer able to work, his relationship with his partner has been affected. The problems have caused James to suffer from depression, but he is getting help and support through the Burning Nights charity.

As a self-confessed ‘petrol head,’ James is now also only able to drive short distances as he struggles to control the gears and now has to pay mechanics for work on his car that he previously could have done himself.  

James said: “I’ve found solace in speaking to other people with the condition through support groups and advice from those who have been there. Burning Nights has reassured me that I’m not alone – it’s saved me.”

Altaf Patel, specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell and board member of the Burning Nights charity, said:

 “According to the McGill Pain Scale, CRPS is one of the most painful pain conditions known. Complex pain is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed by medical professionals and sometimes considered to be a psychological condition. 

“Clients still report being stigmatised by health professionals and it can have such a debilitating effect on peoples’ lives. From working on behalf of clients and from my work at Burning Nights, I understand how much peer to peer support helps people cope with and overcome the trauma. 

“This month is so critical to those with the condition as it marks a time to share stories and experiences to help develop awareness of the condition especially in the UK.”

Founder of Burning Nights, Victoria Abbott-Fleming, started the charity after an accident has left her suffering from CRPS. Victoria has had to have both legs amputated above the knee due to the aggressive nature of her symptoms. 

She said: “It’s easy to get upset, angry and frustrated when diagnosed with CRPS, but acceptance is vital. To help me through it, I use distraction techniques and practise mindfulness. Burning Nights offers the opportunity to speak to others in support groups, which for people like James, can work wonders.”

For more information on the services and support Burning Nights offers, please visit their website or call 01663 795055.