[birchlake]

Just got back from seeing my orthopedic surgeon.

I have CRPS in my right foot and need a knee replacement on my left knee.

He won't do it (nor do I really want to have surgery) because of this grand disorder that I have.

Don't know how to walk anymore; my CRPS altered gait has piggybacked on my bum knee altered gait!! And in the process screwing my hip up.

Yikes! Sucks, but what are you going to do? Lots of others on this forum way worse than me. And my heart goes out to each and every one of you.

So trying to keep perspective. But still sucks, right? Sorry; had to vent just a little bit........ Now onward and forward!

[LIT LOVE]

Sending a hug! At least you're an optimist MOST of the time!!!

I recently got a French bulldog I'm in love with. It's forced me to take several short walks every day, so I'm feeling the effect of light exercise. I'm also laughing and generally happier, which won't cure me, but it's all about quality of life at this point.

Maybe you could get a way to somewhere warm to swim for a long weekend (or longer) with your hubby? Some of the cruises out of FL are very reasonable. I'm essentially pain free in warm ocean water... I can't remember if you react well to agua caliente, but I thought it was positive.

[CRPSsongbird]

I hope you find a way out of that nasty circle! I'm pretty new in my diagnosis, therefore i don't have much advice to offer. But, I send you the warmest wishes and luck in you progress!

[birchlake]

Thanks guys for the support and kind thoughts! It helps.....

So many of us with CRPS are dealing with "compensatory" problems. It is one of the banes of this condition.

But gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other (even though it may hurt like hell)!!

I swim in a lake in the summer, but living in Minnesota, that isn't working out real well right now as lakes are just starting to freeze over! Really do like to swim though; no impact and it is just so soothing to the entire body. Just feel so much better after a swim. I may have to look into swimming in a pool during the cold months here.

[catra121]

Have you considered trying a walker? I have the kind with 4 wheels and a seat. My gait is MUCH more normal because of the walker and it means less weight bearing on my left ankle (with CRPS) so it takes longer for the pain to get up to the level where I can't walk anymore. I was so grateful for my physical therapist to suggest the rollator because I really walk "normal" with the walker where as with a cane or without anything I have a pretty bad gait that throws my whole body out of whack (not to mention the balance issues I have). Just a thought...may be worth a try. I got mine off of amazon.com with free shipping but I think you can also get them at many pharmacies like Walgreens for fairly cheap.

[birchlake]

Not quite at the walker stage yet Catra121, but I will tell you that the thought has definitely crossed my mind! Thanks for keeping it front and center as a possibility.

I was buying groceries today and I did feel much better putting my weight on the grocery cart. Which is not dissimilar from a rollator walker is it?

[catra121]

It is sort of similar. When I go to the grocery store I actually just grab a basket and set it on the seat and push the walker around like a cart. I'm only 29 and feel a bit odd using a walker at my age...but it is a HUGE help and totally worth it. My quality of life is much improved since getting it.