Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Support Group

Please, I'm not trying to offend anyone with this post. I was wanting to know how you get around with so much pain. Are you using a cane all the time? Wheelchair? Housebound?

Again, I'm not trying to upset anyone with this. Thank you.

HI....I don't see how this could upset anyone....

As for me....I limp alot....... sometimes I use crutches....a lot of the time really...... and once in a while...a wheelchair.....

But as for me.... I will not let it get me yet..... I am going to hang on for as long as I can.....

Craig..

Post edited by: Fletch2ya, at: 04/06/2009 17:13

since i hurt myself i have been using crutches and as you founf out in my latest post i am learning to use a cane which was my idea since i really didn't want to go to prom on crutches although it would be much easier to stick with the crutches cuz it would be so much less painful but as i get use to it i will be able to tolerate it better.

i have never used a wheelcahir except for when i was at the hospital for testing even though i was offered one many times at school ... im an athlete i just can't do that even though my body wants to so bad my ... spirit, if you will, won't let me. yeah i don't see how it could upset anyone either ... oh wait, unless you mean by other people seeing how other people might possibly be doing or handling this better?

Mandie.

I use a cane.

Mobility Protection

I keep crutches and spare cane in car trunk just in case. I broke the handle off one cane when out of state, I have left a cane leaning against the car when driving cross country. I have mis-stepped unable to use a cane. Awkward times.

If necessary I much prefer two canes to a pair of crutches but in public it feels too strange and no free hands.

Until it warms up I am mostly home bare foot and wearing shorts. HOT bath helps desensitize for pants for outdoors and with cool weather I wear soft pajamas underneath.

I am a big believer in regular desensitization, range of motion and light exercise to prevent crippling atrophy caused by dis-use. I can not get to my place with a wheel chair, I can't let that happen, a Capricorn needs his legs. It doesn't take long for disuse to make going down stairs (straight rather than sideways) difficult.

Scott

Post edited by: Fathom, at: 04/07/2009 02:04

Hi Lazy! This dosen't offend me in the least. I use a cane around the house and for walks out to the car.I have a wheelchair that I use for places that I know don't provide one and if that's the case I can't shop there cause I can only walk a few feet then I am in agony. When I go shopping ex:walmart,target, and the supermarkets I use the scooters they provide. I also have a walker that I use when it's raining or snowing to give me more stability and I should really use it more but with me I think it's an age thing. Are you using anything now?

Hope this helps. If you have more questions let me know

Jennifer!!

I think it was a great question! Its nice to know we arent alone!! I have a wheelchair, walker, and crutches. The last time I used my wheelchair was last summer when we went to Colorado for a week. I use the wheelchairs or scooters if I feel like I need it when I am at the mall or stores, I dont bring my own. I use my walker on days that I cant manage to get my left leg to do anything but drag.. And that happends about twice a month.. And I havent used my crutches since the dr took the removable cast off..

I know I should use my walker more, but I am pretty much as stubborn as they come when it comes to RSD. The drs keep telling me you cant do this or that, and I am bent on proving them wrong, but I do listen to my body and know most of my limits... Hope this helps!

Christy

yeah i use the motorized wheelchair thingies like at walmart when i got to places at walmart. ain't nothing wrong with it, actually it's pretty fun. i can drive those better than most old people!

New Question: How do you use a cane when your wrists are sore? Thanks.

yeah! & what about your hand or arm?

I had been having increasing problems with my right hand (fingers) since I banged it into something in January. It isn't RSD but when it's bad I can not use a cane in that hand, and I use my left hand instead.

If my left hand were to develop problems also, I would use crutches. After that I guess would have to be scooter?

(thankfully my right hand has finally started improving the past week but the fact that all those joints became inflamed from one bump is worrisome, sign of upper middle age?)