Melbourne Girl, 10, Diagnosed With 'Most Painful Condition' Known To Mankind At End Of Vacation

The conclusion of a family vacation took a distressing turn when a 10-year-old girl was diagnosed with the "most painful condition" ever identified, casting a somber shadow over the experience.

Macey Family Handout

During their vacation in Fiji, Bella Macey and her family faced a distressing situation when an infection developed in a blister on her foot.

This unfortunate incident marked the onset of a chronic and incapacitating condition for Bella, causing her body to experience an agonizing sensation akin to being consumed by flames.

"It's all sharp, it's burning, it's tingly,” Bella told Nine’s A Current Affair. “It's all sorts of different pain I never knew was possible.”

Macey Family Handout

The young girl received a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition also endured by Maya Kowalski, whose harrowing journey was depicted in the impactful Netflix documentary Take Care of Maya.

CRPS, known for causing relentless, intense, and incapacitating pain, afflicted both the mentioned youngster and Maya Kowalski. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the pain experienced by individuals with CRPS is disproportionately severe and can arise spontaneously or from sensory triggers.

“Usually, patients with CRPS will experience limited use of their affected limbs due to the pain,” its website explains.”

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“Besides increased perception of pain, other signs and symptoms that are seen with CRPS particularly in its early stages are a warm, red and swollen extremity on the affected side.”

Although certain therapies can provide some level of management, there is currently no known cure for this condition.

"It's the most painful condition known to humankind," Bella's mother Emma Macey, from Melbourne, said.

Macey Family Handout

Bella's CRPS has reached an extreme level where simple actions like hugging her own family become a challenge, and even the touch of water causes excruciating pain. This condition has made it impossible for her to engage in basic activities such as showering or taking a bath.

Even though she takes 18 different medications, none of them have been able to reduce the constant pain she feels. Doctors have ruled out different possible causes for her condition, but they haven't found a treatment that works yet.

"I can't put on any sheets or anything on,” Bella said.

“Even with a tissue, you can't touch it with anything, otherwise I will scream."

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Bella is scheduled to travel to the Spero Clinic in Arkansas, USA, renowned for its expertise in treating CRPS. This specialized clinic offers hope for her condition.

Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, a globally recognized authority on CRPS, described the condition as truly terrible. She emphasized that CRPS ranks higher than childbirth on the McGill pain scale, indicating the immense intensity of the pain experienced.

Macey Family Handout

She added: "Our treatment process is very extensive. It consists of rehabilitating the central nervous system and removing barriers so that the body can heal from within, starting with the central nervous system.”

The family has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Bella's expenses. Emma mentioned that they are fully committed to doing whatever it takes to help Bella, showing their strong determination and support.

"A month ago everything changed, she was struck down with an excruciatingly painful illness called CRPS," Emma says in the fundraiser description.

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"Since her diagnosis, she has been battling excruciating pain that affects her daily activities and steals away her childhood."

"Bella's pain has meant she has lost mobility in her right foot and leg, right up to her groin. She is now bedridden or in a wheelchair if she needs to get around."

"Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Bella's journey towards recovery."

"Your support will not only alleviate 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 fight."

"Together, we can help Bella overcome CRPS and pave the way for a brighter future."