Victoria is the Founder and Chair of Burning Nights CRPS Support, a leading UK charity dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and improving the lives of those impacted by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

After being diagnosed with CRPS in 2004 following an accident at work, her leg gradually worsened to the point of ulcerations and irreversible skin breakdown from the knee to the toes. Victoria’s right leg was amputated above the knee. Sadly her CRPS story didn’t end there and a new incident in 2014 caused her CRPS to be re-triggered in her left leg. Unfortunately, after 9 months her left leg needed amputating above the knee, leaving her a full-time wheelchair and unable to use prosthetics.

Victoria turned her personal journey into a mission to support others. She established the charity to offer vital resources, advocacy, and hope to patients, families, and caregivers navigating the challenges of CRPS. Her dedication has made her a leading voice in the CRPS community and a passionate advocate for improved care and understanding.

Due to her charity work, she was awarded in June 2021 an MBE for Services to Charity, as well as other awards including Inspirational Woman of the Year 2023 for Female Entrepreneurs.

Presentation at The Society of Tissue Viability 2025 Conference

More than just pain – A lived experience of skin and wound challenges of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Objectives

This session will be of interest to healthcare professionals who participate in all forms of wound care, wound management, complex wounds including debridement.

The session is also aimed at nurses in primary, secondary and community healthcare who need to understand about this condition and the potential symptoms of it.

The session is also relevant to educators, trainers and others who are interested in establishing or supporting guidelines and practices in the care of patients with complex wounds or chronic pain conditions.

What delegates will gain from the session:

• A deeper understanding of the impact of CRPS including skin and tissue viability
• The challenges in wound care for CRPS patients
• How to recognise early signs of CRPS including any potential skin complications
• The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing CRPS patients
• The value of lived experience and patient perspectives

Abstract

Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating, pain condition often triggered by injury or surgery, with some patients facing issues surrounding tissue health and skin integrity. Victoria Abbott-Fleming, founder and CEO of Burning Nights CRPS Support, shares her powerful lived experience of CRPS, including the irreversible skin complications that ultimately led to bilateral above-knee amputations. This session highlights the challenges faced by CRPS patients, particularly in wound care, skin breakdown, and the wider implications for tissue viability.

Methods Used: This session iswill be a first-person narrative combined with medical insights into the dermatological and tissue viability issues experienced by CRPS patients. It will incorporate lived experience, photographic evidence, and research to illustrate the condition as well as skin complications and their impact on patients.

Summary: Victoria’s journey highlights the progressive nature of CRPS including ulceration, skin breakdown and poor wound healing. The presentation will explore the challenges of managing these complications, the gaps in healthcare knowledge, and the emotional and psychological impact on patients. Additionally, it will address the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing CRPS-related tissue issues.

Conclusion/Key Messages

• CRPS is not just a pain condition—it has multiple symptoms including ulceration and skin complications.
• For some patients CRPS can lead to skin issues and complications which may include amputation.
• Greater awareness and education among tissue viability professionals can improve patient care and outcomes.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial especially in managing complex wounds in CRPS.
• Listening to patient experiences can shape better clinical practices and support services.