Littlepaw,
Congratulations! Two miles, that is wonderful.
LOL, I forced myself to walk, on crutches of course, around a small Trader Joe's after my endocrinology appointment the other day. It seemed like a huge achievement, even though I couldn't push a carriage and I was dressed in double thick fleece.
It is hard for me to believe that in less than a year I went from being a person who could in a flash get up and down from a squat without holding on -to this uncoordinated, slow, grimacing and groaning hot mess. For several months I literally did not have the energy to brush my hair. I stopped wearing make-up, jewelry or carrying a purse. And my clothes-pathetic! I cannot risk wearing zippered pants.
The podiatrist put me in very heavy, built up sneakers with inserts and lifts. I hate them, because I cannot feel the floor and the weight is too much for my CRPS leg. He told me never to walk barefoot, but I am not heeding this advice, because I think it is wrong.
I have a pain specialist meeting this week, but after reading the negative reviews about this doctor I am concerned. I don't know if it is a good idea, but I am going to bring a list of recommended meds from one of the RSD specialists.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Littlepaw
Pain will wear you right out! Having everyday tasks take five times the effort will wear you out! You are using muscles you didn't know you had to compensate. Sometimes it is just so ridiculous as to be comical; wearing pant seats out, hoisting onto bathroom fixtures.  When I was wiped out from dragging, hoisting, crutching, was when the pool became my favorite place. All that pesky gravity melted away.
It does get better but It takes time. Hang in there and forgive yourself for the things you can't do right now. Recovery comes in stages. I hit two miles today for the first time!  I am kind of in shock that I did it. That is a record. It took a year that started with a few steps, then a walk down the driveway, to the mailbox, etc. That first mile came super slow, but it came.
Keep up the good work! Because yes, under these circumstances taking a shower is work!  |