Resident with chronic pain condition takes steps to reclaim his life

A local resident living with a chronic musculoskeletal disorder is campaigning to reclaim his life after being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) three years ago. 

Charlie Moore, 21, suffers from the condition, which causes severe, persistent pain, linked to central nervous system sensitisation and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

He was diagnosed after what started as a muscle strain and persistent headaches, which then progressed into an agonising condition causing extreme and constant muscle spasms and inflammation.  

Charlie says the diagnosis has severely impacted his quality of life, and he is now striving to raise £30,000 to fund private treatment options, essential living expenses and equipment needed for his recovery.  

He also aims to raise enough to cover the cost to attend the Spero Clinic, located in Little Rock, Arkansas which is currently the only centre in the world specialising in CRPS. “It has an 85% successful remission rate. However, pursuing treatment there would require raising the fundraising goal significantly to cover the associated costs,” explained Charlie, who has so far raised over £3,000. 

“I have found myself feeling helpless and in agony, spending sleepless nights in A&E more times than I can count, my hands turning almost purple from the strain the spasms and inflammation were putting on my nervous system.”   

With dreams of working in film and photography, Charlie was building a strong career in the industry. At 17 years old, he was signed to a personal manager and contracted to photograph artists and film music videos with Warner Music.  

“I went on a life-changing trip abroad to photograph an album cover for an established artist. That was the moment it began to unravel. Despite the pain and difficulty I was in, I said yes to the job,” says Charlie. “However, I was so heavily sedated on pain medication to get through the shoot, I slipped on some rocks by a beach during the shoot, breaking my camera and other equipment. I walked hours to try to get a replacement, I didn’t succeed. I was exhausted and had to return home, my equipment has never been repaired and it marked the beginning of a spiral I have not come out of.”  

So far, Charlie has explored 20 different medications for various issues, has taken part in nerve conduction studies, has received electromyography (EMG) and has attended consultations at pain clinics in London, as well as undergoing multiple MRI scans on his brain and spine. 

He said, “Living with complex regional pain syndrome and musculoskeletal pain has drastically altered my daily life. Simple tasks like getting out of bed or preparing a meal can feel insurmountable due to the constant pain and muscle spasms. I wake up each day wondering how much I will be able to accomplish and often I find myself relying on family for support with even basic activities. When I manage to, I go to sleep heavily medicated, covered in ice or heat packs and with wrist splints on my arms. This is no way to live.  

“Your support can truly transform my life, only you can help me find the path to healing and creativity. Whether it is assisting me in accessing necessary treatments, regaining my mobility, or restarting my career as a filmmaker and photographer, every contribution brings me one step closer to living the life I dream of.  

“I know this is a financially difficult time for everyone but if you can provide a donation or otherwise give me advice on how to share my story, it would mean everything.” 

To support Charlie visit his Go Fund Me page https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-charlie-overcome-chronic-msk-pain-reclaim-his-career.