I go through a similar dilemma every time I go to a supermarket or big box store. Can I make it to the back of the store & back, or should I grab a scooter? Which door should I park closest to? There've been occasions I've grabbed the scooter, which showed a full battery, but it drained by the time I got to the back of the store, leaving me stranded.

Doc

I have a friend who tells me, that because I have a positive attitude, people don't believe I'm in distress. But that is my public face. I can't keep that up too long. The pain starts talking, instead of me. But I know exactly what you are saying, and my fam physician never touched my leg.

If it wasn't for my pain mgt Doc, I'd be insane. When I took my disability physical, I took 3 pages of symptoms and how to diagnose CRPS and the MD who did my physical asked to keep the papers.

As if it is not enough to need to use the cart, being stranded at the back of a giant box store is not my idea of a fun shopping trip. Or an electric cart that makes so much noise, I sound like the trash truck coming down the road. I've decided it is better to use the wheel chair if someone is with me. And I now have my own and my own electric scooter.

I go to Best Buy a lot. At least they provide a wheelchair. They're in between the front doors on the left...

Gram E
That is exactly what I'm saying, if I go to the dr. Crying and screaming, etc. What have I accomplished. Nothing. Not to mention I'm scared eventually they will put me in the nut Hse. I'm not a quitter. This monster is strong but if I let it beat me down I will be in the nut Hse.

That is funny. Funny because I've done it and been there. I get so ****** off when that happens most of the time I avoid grocery shopping unless someone is with me so they can push a cart and I can use my. Rollabout.

Alt1268: I have often wondered the same thing. After a severe auto accident 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with RSD in both hands and my right arm, should, and neck. To the "outside world" you like fine. But if they only knew what we deal with with our body on a daily basis. I never know what type of "body" I'm going to wake up in. My RSD looks like tired eyes, bags under my eyes, often blue cold hands, and the way I walk when I'm having a bad day is slower and less enthusiastic. With the significant fatigue that often goes with RSD, my colleagues and friends who now know what RSD is, because they care about me and often ask about it, the fatigue is a dead giveaway of the type of day I'm having. Prior to the accident I always had a positive, bubbly, energetic personality. Now, not so much. Please know that those of us with RSD really understand what you're going through regarding doctor visits, symptoms they acknowledge, and especially those that don't. The important thing is that you continue to advocate for yourself and your RSD needs. Not easy, but please continue to do so. Would it be better for you physically, and mentally, to look for another RSD/pain specialist (physiatrist)? My prayers are with you that your physician(s) "get it."

Was this the insurance company's doc? Honestly, if it was, consider yourself lucky. Every state is different, so maybe the WC system in your state isn't as messed up as in CA...still, most are reportedly fairly adversarial.

Here's a good website to explore the WC system in your state.http://www.workerscompensationinsura...s-Workers-Comp

Please try not to take these appointments personally. Often times their whole goal is to try and make the experience so miserable for the injured worker, that they will take a raw deal just to not have to deal with WC anymore.

I can fake "normal" for small chunks of time. And when I'm in too much pain to appear normal, I stay home. I've learned that it is appropriate to run errands (or go out to breakfast, etc.) and not take breakthrough meds before a doc appointment, so he/she can also see me in bad shape during some appointments as well.

A good PT can be invaluable in documenting what causes your pain to spike during the course of your treatment. Having your doc request a Functional Capacity Test can be helpful as well. For example, I repeatedly stated writing caused me both pain and swelling or swelling and pain (chicken or the egg kinda deal), so testing my ability to write was important. My PT had me write until my pain escalated to a fairly high level (and I was crying), by measuring my swelling before and after with water displacement, and documenting how little activity was required (1/3 of a page or so), it proved I wasn't in danger of winning a daytime Emmy anytime...

Irish4luck,
The problem isn't not my docs, but wc doc and just generalized. I was told one time at a new position that my employer wanted me to try. (desk work) that I ask stupid questions and she monitored how many times I pee. (I am a coffee, tea drinker, to stay awake) so yes I will pee and no question is stupid. So yes I agree fatigue is a part of it.

Lit Love,
yes this was wc doc. But it just makes me wonder. This is not like acute pain. Maybe in the begining, but now its like a burning, tingling (bee stink), throbbing, crushing, raw, etc. feeling.
I'll check out the website.