Welcome Luthier, though I'm sorry you have CRPS and really sorry about the way you got it - so unfair.
I haven't had CRPS as long as you have. I've had only had it about 15 months, so I'm still adjusting. Like you, I still work full time and am just trying to get on with my life as best I can. I haven't tried very many medications because they all seem to turn me into a zombie, which is no good for work (though there are no band saws in my office :P).
It sucks that people stare because of your handicap tag. Why stare? You have it, so you obviously need it. I'm sure they don't just give those away to anyone who asks. My CRPS is in my right hand/wrist/arm and unless you look closely, you can't see anything wrong with it so people bump into me all the time.
It is wonderful that you have friends that look out for you. I have some good people around me too. But sometimes there is just no substitute for talking to someone who knows what you are going through and just 'gets it' without any need for explanation. I have different levels of explanation I give to people depending on what seems appropriate. My shortest version is - I had surgery to repair torn cartilage; it didn't end well. Lol.
I think it is great that you have been able to continue working. You must have an amazing sense of accomplishment when you finish an guitar. My husband is a musician. He plays guitar mainly (and sometimes bass) so I know how much guitarists love their guitars.
This forum is full of wonderful people. I hope you enjoy being more involved.
KimA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luthier
Hello all.
I think that I actually joined this forum about a year ago but I've neglected to actually keep up on it.
I was involved in a hit and run 4 years ago and I was the one that got hit. I was on a motorcycle. Tore the **** outta my right calf. Blood, muscle tissue, and fatty tissues were all over my bike. Somehow managed to get the bike off me and made it to the closest house to call for help.
I've had RSD in my right calf for about 4 years now. I'm somewhere in between stage 2 and 3 (I lose motor control sometimes but not all the time, mostly at the end of the day). I use a cane when I need to but I'll muster through it because every time I use that damn stick I feel like I've let it win. I don't let it control me. Not saying that I run a mile every morning but I work a lot and I try to keep my mind busy. I have a couple of really good friends that actually look out for me.
Just recently I just gave into getting the handicap tag. I didn't want it one bit, but my friends finally talked me into it. I hate the staring. It's like "Yeah I *******have one, I actually need it, so **** ***
As far as the "Treatments" I've only really done a few blocks and different medications, Which I have signed off on both of those because of the kind of work that I do. (I'm a master luthier, so in other words I build guitars from scratch. I work at two custom shops and I teach others how to build.) there's a lot of woodworking involved with a lot of sharp tools, which is why i signed off on the meds. I don't need to be operating a band saw that could take my hand or even a few fingers because I took cymbalta or lyrica. so yeah **** that ****. But I do smoke weed, not all the time. Kind of a end of day thing as well.
What am I doing here? Well....I've decided that I need to talk to others that have this curse. Hopefully make a few friends. I have some pretty awesome friends but they don't have this. And I can't expect them to understand. And to be completely honest. I'm tired of having to explain it over and over again....
I like that to think that I'm a pretty cool dude. Like I said before I work in two guitar custom shops and I play in a band (bass). For the most part I'm pretty easy going. I've been told I'm big teddy bear (I'm 6'6" and kinda fat, so yeah I'm a teddy bear lol!)
Well that's my story, I'm going actually make an effort to be involved in this forum. I wish you all a good day.
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