Thank you all for taking the time out of your lives to help a guy like me going through a very tough time. Things may not be getting easier but coping with help of all of you people is making my life worth continuing on and trying to contribute what I can where I can. Sure there have been days where I have been confined to bed for weeks but all I have to do is get on here, or read my bible and I feel that I am still worth something...I know I my health is still going to be a fight but now I know its a fight worth having...not only for myself but for my beautiful family and friends....Just an update on my fight with the little demon...To this day it has spread from the right ankle. Up the right leg into my back and groin area and now into my left foot..Sooo we are looking for a motochair to get me around...and I am having trouble with sensitivity issues more and more. I was wondering if anyone would know what kind of dress socks are the best ? What kind of dress shoes are the best? You see I have to go to court and Im not sure it I could get away with wearing nothing at all or something like slippers? This part Im really getting concerned about because I have to go in front of a jury and some times my feet look ok but some times they are all purple and swollen. Ok Ill face it Im scared stiff about the whole thing. Does anyone have one of those reclining wheel chairs and do they work as far as reducing pain? And what would a jury think if I came in with no shoes, blue feet, in a recliner type chair. Help?!? Im also scared of not making it through the whole court proceeding...Has anyone had any experience and would like to share? Thank you

Hi Krank,

I've worn my fuzzy Crocs to court with a suit when my feet were bothering me. I doubt the judge noticed, they typically pay more attention to the attorneys than they do to the plaintiff in RI. It is appalling what I've seen other WC victims wearing in court - jeans, T-shirts, shorts, etc. Attorneys here don't appear to be advising their clients of a dresscode for their court appearances.

If you need a wheelchair, then use one. I would think that it is important that you substantiate what is in your paperwork to ensure that your case is settled in your favor. If your doc says you have difficulty with your feet and walking, but you show up without a wheelchair, that' not going to look good.

So sorry that your RSD appears to be spreading. I hope your inpatient ketamine treatments get approved quickly.

Good luck!

krank,
these folks here have saved my life as well!

As far as dressing, most 'who know', do know that we disabled people aren't as fastidious about personal attire and often even grooming.
I've let my hair grow out, (then send it to the children w/ cancer) a couple of times, I missed my step mothers funeral because my feet were swollen beyond my new bigger, extra wide New Balance sneakers, (and yes, I would wear these with a suit. I keep them very nice, and while they are sneakers, they're still OK.
I use a walking stick that has a shock absorber, so to be more gentle on my shoulder. It's called a leki and you can get them on Amazon, (Can't recommend it enough).

You've got to do what you've got to do. I had a lawyers appt today, and it was gonna be 100 degrees. No way!

There is no sin in avoiding pain!

Pete
asb

fuzzy crocs? Ive not heard of those...are they like a slipper kind of thing with a rubber outside? I think they are coming back to me....They used to be like a beach shoe that you just slipped you foot into and they came in different colors....Ill have to look for a pair...It would sure beat trying to fit my feet into a regular dress shoe that will put my pain through the roof....We just arent sure....Its a jury trial....not like a disability hearing or regular just meet with the judge....and as everyone is pounding in my head that the first impression especially with the jury is the most important...Im scared stiff right now...This stupid court case is the biggest thing in my families financial future... Thank you Im going to look for those fuzzy crocs...

krank,
That all being the case, if you must wear uncomfortable shoes for the first morning until break.... so be it. But it'd be odd, if you complained of not being able to wear what you please, and then do so in front of the jury! Make the first impression, then get comfy!
Be sure to get your attorney's input!

pete

Dear Krank,
I just had to write and tell you to be yourself...AND BE COMFORTABLE! The day will be stressful enough (before, during, and afterwards) so if you need to wear purple socks that day then so be it. YOU need to be as comfortable as possible so you can somewhat concentrate on answering questions. You need to be focused. My favorite things are trashcans (Yes that is what I said). I have full body going on over six years now (started in right foot) and comfort is the #1 thing for me. I have found that office size trashcans fit perfectly under your shins and your feet can hang over the side (Just make sure no one can bump into your feet). Having my feet up helps with compression and I can "last longer" with my legs/feet up than I can do with them down. That court day you need to do whatever you can to last as long as you can without hitting the "over the edge" part.

I have generic crocs as I can't wear the real ones because they have a hump under the toes and that hurts me more. I think I paid under $10 for them at Payless Shoes. If you go in a wheelchair then just wear your socks as you won't be getting up and down and have someone to wheel you around or if your arms can do it then you can do it too. You can always bring your slippers (I've worn brown Grandpa slippers as I refer to them) to everything for a few years as I could not get on sneakers at all. Who cares at this point what you look like...go for comfort! Another trick I learned is to wear your socks inside out so the seam does not hurt your feet and wear a bigger size of socks too. I have stolen a few of my sons socks after he wore them so they would be stretched out and fit me comfortably. If you can't get socks on that day of court then don't wear them and bring a light blanket to cover your toes...they can always slip out if necessary so people can see how purple and sore they are. I always wear a nice pair of slacks and a nice shirt and dress blazer. I think it is more respectful to look nice before the judge. I hate to see people wearing jeans and looking sloppy. I think it tells everyone that no matter what you still are a respectful person.

You are worth something!!!! To us (and God) you are gold! So go in there with your head held high and be truthful as when you have God on your side no one can defeat you because good always outwins evil. I have been to court many times and I am always myself because I have God on my side and I have done well. The two things I must do each day are: 1-pray alot 2-laugh at least one good belly laugh a day...no matter what. Even if you put on the tv and watch a comedy show. It does help.

This is the best site I found for questions and advice because everyone here gives you truthful and supportive answers. They are the best pep rally you will ever need! GO TEAM RSDers!! Best of luck to you.
kathy d

Well I wear Nike walking shoes always. For me I need support or it feels like a broken ankle and a knife to the foot. Maybe you could find some black ones or black other shoes you could tolerate. I am having issues with socks right now again but try to at least put them on for an hour or 2 daily because when I don't it becomes even harder to tolerate them. I have tried multiple kinds of socks I could open a store. For myself a thin pair that is bigger then my actual size are the best. They have med ped I think they are called for people who are diabetic but I think can work for rsd too. I also turn mine inside out. They feel better that way.
As for court I wish I could offer more. Try to stay in the moment and do the best you can. Reach out for help if you need it and just be honest if you struggle. I worry often about being able to make it to something or get through a long event. Sometimes the worry before is worse then the actual. Deep breaths,self talk,and asking for help are key.

Thank you all Pete, Sandy, Kathy, daniella....I really want to thank all of you so much. As for me anyway these little stupid things are scaring the crap out of me and I dont know why...I just would like to say that I wish I could meet all of you and thank you and give you a hug or shake you hand....Your like my family that has just passed on... I lost my only brother a year ago and my mother in january....Ive never had a dad and my older sister didnt want anything to do with us....Pete your like my brother and sandy, Kathy and Daniella are like the sisters I wish Ive had....I know Im getting mushy but this is as real as it gets and the pain and suffering that we experience makes...may I go out on a limb here and say the WE all dont want to see anyone suffer this for one second...let alone suffer for the rest of our lives...All of you have helped me so much...I dont even have to post when I have rotten day. I just go back and read all the encouraging words and wisdom from all of you and know the I too can make it....as tough as it ...there is at least some relief in laughter if nothing else which is good for the soul... Thank you all and May God Bless you

Thanks Krank, I have long thought the same way about people on this board, too. And Kathy d, guess what I have under my desk at work for my feet? it's perfect!! You are so right - an office trash can!!

Xoxo. Sandy