Car Journeys
 

Hello everyone, I'm hoping for some advice here.

I've had CRPS in my left wrist for the last seven months. I've generally got coping mechanisms in place but find car journeys absolutely agonsing - even fairly short ones. Basically, the vibrations from the road exacerbate my condition and leave me in a worse state for several days afterwards. Obviously, this is as a passenger, rather than trying to driving.

Does anyone else have this problem and if so, how do they deal with it? I've tried a pillow under my arm, but this doesn't seem to change anything!

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I to have this problem! You should see me when we hit the road for any distance...pillows under my arms, one under my left leg and one behind my neck. On top of that, there is usually a dose of pain meds to help me get through it.

A down pillow with a high thread count pillow case helps me. I also wear Lidoderm patches for car trips of more than 20 minutes. Take extra pain meds 1/2 an hour before starting out--it's harder to decrease pain... Close your eyes, put on headphones and listen to soothing music. Try and plan to leave when you feel at your best, if this after waking up and you can't go early, than try to take a nap. Eat well and avoid carbs and junk food the day before to try and minimize swelling. Dress comfortably and take your shoes off--you want to be relaxed as possible.

Yes and everytime my wife brakes and accelerates potholes, speed bumps as well. Haven't found anything to help apart from my faithful cigerettes

Thanks guys. It's good to see I'm doing what seems to be best - pain meds, pillows, etc.

Sadly, I can't switch out from everything, as I have to help keep an eye on the kids. Mind you, they're quickly learning I'm not my best when I'm in pain!

I have CRPS in my left ankle up to my lower back and car rides are horrible. I sit on a pillow and that seems to help with the vibrations of the car but I haven't found anything that really takes it away. Listening to good music, staying relaxed, and good breathing techniques!

I have had to travel by car and plane a lot with RSD and it is not fun. My worst is my legs and what helps one time does not another. For me though when I am in a flare having any pressure like a pillow etc makes me worse but everyone is different. I understand the road issue as I dread speed bumps. I try to keep my body as relaxed as possible because when I keep stiff it makes things worse. Also I am not sure if you have temp issues but the proper clothing because if I go frozen the pain increases and it is hard to settle down. I also agree with the distraction techniques.

Thanks all. I'm going to give some distraction techniques a go next time I'm making a journey.