I'm going on holiday soon, and have (of course ) too much to do, and my CRPS is having fun with me just when I could do without it!

Any advice on the best products for leg hair removal? I don't like to shave if possible, don't dare to wax or pluck (ouch). I've used removal creams ok previously, but the one I usually use (Avon) I can't get in time. Any recommendations for an alternative that is as gentle on my skin?

Thanks!

Bram.

I wouldn't mind knowing this either. Shaving seems to be okay as long as I am really careful and the blade is new, but it growing back stubbly is another kettle of fish and I hate shaving every day or every other day. My one and only go with hair removal cream was the sensitive Superdrug one and that made my skin red and sore. I would love to get my legs waxed but am frightened to, not because of pain but because of the CRPS - and yet I'm looking at going ahead with a large tattoo soon, lol. I don't make sense to myself!!

Yes!!! I have this problem too. I am thinking of starting waxing, because my legs are not sencitive yet. but im a little scared. I hate creams, they irritate my skin. shave only when I have appointments where I have to show my legs. Shaving leaves me exhausted and I never take enough care because my arm cant take it. I feel so unatractive and always keep covered. Its winter here at the moment so its ok, but summer could be an issue. I dont feel feminine anymore.

Nor me Molly! CRPS has that effect - makes you feel less like a human all round, let alone a woman, and definitely not an attractive woman...grr...

Kathy, I can't believe you are going for a tattoo!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! What are to having done and where?!

I usually use the Avon cream and it works nicely and has doesn't irritate my skin, but I can't get more before I go away. I've been having a lot of pain in my tibia and lower leg recently, and I'm just wary of using a different cream unless someone else with RSD has used it safely.

I used to wax my legs, but I daren't now because my skin is more dry and fragile, and waxing is quite rough on the skin. Plus my pain responses are all over the shop these days, and I'd probably have to be scraped off the ceiling after the first strip!!

Bram.

LOL wellllll. I have a couple of tattoos already and I had my feet done after I got this bloody disease (but before diagnosis), so I figured it can't be that risky. I have the choice of having a half sleeve and risking spread, or having a leg done where the CRPS already is. You only get one life and I'll be buggered if I'm doing without my "big" tattoo. I have a few ideas but my joint favourites are a maneki neko "lucky cat" or 50s style hawaiian flowers, with some of the runners up including B-movie theme (I have a friend with the Bride of Frankenstein tattooed on his arm and it is amazing) and even a pinup girl if done really well. Nice and vintagey and BIG. Got enough little ones.

I've spoken to a couple of tattooists about having EMLA cream before it's done to minimise the risks. They're fine with it, a lot of people do that because they're wusses, so they're used to it.

Kathy, I doubt you're a wuss!

I haven't got a tattoo and never wanted to, but I've seen some amazing ones. Since having CRPS I assumed (never assume - it makes as *** out of u and me my husband's favourite) that tattoos, being a needly painful thing, were out of the question. You live and learn!

Bram.

They probably are, but this thing's got me in the legs and back and feet already. I'm in control of the tattoo. I suppose it means I'm swaying towards having a leg done as it's already there so can't possibly spread there, but who knows, I might take a leap and get the arm/s done. It's more about saying "Up yours" to it than being sensible, but if I get worse I will do so knowing I took that risk. One life!

Kathy a Tattoo is extremely risky my first spread was caused by a specialist touching my arm 4ins outside that affected area with a sensitivity pin, these pins don't have points it's a ball end, caused the RSD to spread from my hand upto my elbow. Just because it didn't spread the first time doesn't mean it won't the next time.

Yep I know Kev. It could just as easily have spread from my injection the other night for my migraine which seemed to be in a syringe made for elephants, or from the 7 attempts at taking blood from me recently at the GP. I fall a LOT and it could easily spread from any of those falls. If I have one on my legs it can't spread where it already is. My arms are a higher risk but one I'm more willing to take than I was because I'm pig sick of having to give up things. This disease already has control over so much, I am not doing without any more things I really love out of fear. I've wanted my big tattoo for many many years and I've discussed how to minimise risks with the artists. It's just about choosing between arms and legs for the first big one. Of course I may end up with all four limbs done in the future or I might not do it at all, but either way it won't be the CRPS choosing, it'll be my bank account. Got to enjoy something in life and I've spoken with other CRPS peeps who went through the same choice. Not taking it lightly but also not giving up. It's part of who I am. Besides, if it goes wrong it's not like I didn't know so everyone can have a good "I told you so", I won't be arguing with that lol.

Bram, have you tried Veet? I have not, but it's been around for ages. I wish I could speak from experience.

Molly, I SO agree with not feeling feminine ... My God I miss shoes!! I never knew how much I liked shoes until I couldn't wear but one or two pairs. They really do make an outfit. Funny how long I hung on to mine thinking, someday I will wear them again. yeah, not so much.

Kathy, I understand wanting to be in control, but YIKES! If you decide to push forward with the tat, I sure hope it goes well!