[catra121]

Usually I post when I am having a bad or rough day...but today is actually a very good day (at least compared to what I am used to). The doctor started me on Clonidine patches at the beginning of this month to see if those would help with the dizziness and blurry vision (I brought in the RSD Puzzle on that and that's what was recommended). They seem to be working. I will still get the dizziness and blurry vision...but only when my pain gets up to that 9-10 range.

So...I finally felt after two weeks on these things that it was safe enough for me to go for a (very short) drive. I haven't been in any condition to drive for almost a year now and let me tell you...the freedom I felt even just driving to the bank to deposit some checks was incredible. I will be careful...taking it slow (nothing more than 10-15 minutes) but this is a huge milestone for me.

The biggest thing I am worried about is my ability to get the walker in and out of the car...but it went fine today. I deliberately bought a light one for this reason. But I have to admit to being worried about how well I will be able to do this when it's slippery out.

Add to that the fact that I walked for 40 minutes straight last night and even though I was sore afterwards I was still able to function...and you have one very happy girl right now. I still have a long way to go over the next few weeks if I am going to get myself in shape to go back to work...and I am being super cautious about not doing too much because I don't want any setbacks...but I am feeling VERY optimistic about this.

I have a doctor's appointment a week from Friday...so we'll see where I am at by then. But just wanted to share my joy with everyone and to let everyone know how much help you have all been to me during this last year. It can be so hard to keep your spirits up when you are in so much pain all the time but you all help keep me strong and help me find those little things that help with the pain that I probably would never hear about from my doctors. Those little things really do add up and I now feel like I have a system of things that I can use to help me get through each and every day. Thanks.

[alt1268]

Catra,
I am happy to hear you are doing well. I am also on clonidine patch. As well as the butran's. Somedays are better then others but I am noticing with the cold weather my foot and leg are not as bad as usual. Still burns and has sensitivity. keep pushing forward.

[birchlake]

With CRPS, even the simple day-to-day things are things to savor!!

The thing with your improvements is that it gives you hope for nibbling away at more daily functional capacity over time. Go slow; don't overdo it and set yourself back.

But we are ALL very, very happy for you. It is indeed nice to hear a good story, as so many of them are on the other side of the fence......!

[LIT LOVE]

Placement of the patch can make a difference to RSD pain. Also, the directions do tell you not to put it in the exact location 2 weeks in a row if you didn't notice it...and my experience concurs that this is good advice.

Be careful when you're driving if your pain levels spike on the trip home, since elevated pain levels can make you lose focus on the road. It would be a good idea to have a passenger review your driving ability since we're not always able to judge how are driving performance has declined.

[catra121]

Thanks everyone!

I have been putting the patches in different spots as per the directions. Alternating which side of my body it is on. I just noticed today that I have redness where the old patches were...even the one from two weeks ago. But it doesn't bother me...doesn't itch or anything. But I will definitely make sure that I do not put it on the same place twice.

It is just such a mental boost to know that I am slowly getting the function back.

[catra121]

I feel like someone must have slipped me a happy pill today. I'm not sure if it is because my parents are in town for the next couple days to spend the holiday with me (haven't spent a Christmas with them in YEARS) or if it's because I have been able to leave the house and spend an hour or so walking around a store each day for the past 3 days. Probably a combination of both.

The pain is still horrible...it's COLD outside...but I am just in a better mood than I have been in a really long time. TV is off, music is playing, and I just feel peppy. I wanna dance...but that's still way beyond what I can do. Oh well...just gonna keep singing along like the major dork I am and enjoy it while it lasts.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and here's hoping, as always, that next year is a better one for everybody!