Former football player heads south for chronic pain treatment

After living in “bone-crushing pain” for more than a year, a former Regina Thunder football player says some potential relief is now attainable and in his game plan.

Jarrett Seck was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome — a chronic pain condition which can cause damage to the peripheral and central nervous systems — in December 2016, following a football injury a year before. Since then, he’s remained bedridden in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, due to the intense, full-body pain.

In the last few months, the 22-year-old said the soreness has spread from his legs and left arm to his other arm and left eye.

“It’s been tough just knowing that it’s my last good limb and I really can’t afford to lose it,” he whispered with his eyes closed, in between deep breaths.

Now, the former defensive linebacker’s hoping a Neurological Relief Centre in Arkansas, which offers holistic ways of healing and pain relief for those suffering from chronic pain disorders, will provide some comfort.

“It’s mainly the pain — if I can get that down by even half, I’d say it would be a very good outcome,” Seck explained, adding his best-case scenario would be coming back to start more intensive physical therapy.

The cost of the treatment at the American facility is $16,000 US.

As of Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe page had raised $93,680 towards Seck’s trip down to the U.S., which is more than its initial goal of $81,000. However, the family is still hoping to raise $110,000 to cover the price of an accessible van to drive him down south and homecare expenses during his 10-plus weeks of treatment, among other healthcare costs.

Though hopeful of the therapy, Seck said the 20-plus-hour drive to Fayetteville, Ark. will be his biggest challenge yet.

“Riding in gurneys in the past with going to the hospital, even a 10-minute trip would be excruciating,” remembered Seck. “We’re doing our best to make (the van) as comfortable as possible.”

His sister, Brooklynn, and his father will be along for the ride. Despite the circumstances around the road trip, Brooklynn said she’s looking forward to it, adding that it all comes down to mental strength.

“If I don’t have hope that (treatment) is going to work, how is he expected to either? Positivity obviously spreads, and maybe helping him be in a positive environment and positive mindset will help him and his healing — maybe it’ll help him back to his rehabilitation,” she said.

Meanwhile, with the lights dimmed in his Wascana Rehab room and a salt lamp beaming on his bedside table, Seck said he’s mentally prepping for his journey through deep breathing and meditation.

The Secks will make the drive down to the U.S. for treatment Jan. 20.