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Paige Collette’s appearance on Vince Russo’s live show took an unexpected turn, shifting from wrestling discussions to a deeply personal narrative about her life with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and its impact on her existence, including aspects of intimacy.
She explained the gravity of her condition, revealing that she avoided any physical contact for years as a means of coping, relearning how to walk and managing constant pain. This time, she described as a period of complete isolation from relationships, not by her choice, but dictated by her body’s limitations.
“For seven years…I was never touched. I was single. I got out of my wheelchair, learned how to walk again, lost weight…I was untouchable.”
Recently, Paige has been attempting to reclaim some sense of normalcy, but even minor steps toward intimacy have significant repercussions. She shared that she has recently begun to experience intimacy again, starting with something as basic as a kiss.
“I decided to have a boy kiss me…but even that hurt. My mouth hurt for three days.”
As the conversation progressed, she elaborated on how intense the physical consequences can be when she tries to engage in fundamental human experiences that many take for granted.
“I’ll say this in public right now… I performed oral sex on a man this year, and I had to recover for three solid days in bed.”
Rather than seeing this revelation as shocking, Paige considers it part of her broader mission to candidly portray the realities of living with CRPS. She stated that she aims to help individuals with severe illnesses recognize their own humanity.
“I say to those who are sick: Be human. You have desires, you have needs, and you are allowed to be human.”
This statement was impactful, especially when juxtaposed with the other challenges she faced, such as surviving homelessness, living in a wheelchair, advocating for herself amidst years without a diagnosis, and persisting in both wrestling and advocacy despite the relentless pain.
What are your thoughts on Paige’s decision to openly share her experiences and struggles, and do you believe this level of honesty can shift perceptions about chronic illness?
Fan Take: Paige’s bravery in discussing her struggles with CRPS sheds light on the often hidden battles many face, fostering empathy within the wrestling community. This honesty not only humanizes athletes but could also pave the way for broader conversations about mental and physical health in sports.
