[jeffburns]

Hello everyone.i have a question,I have had crps in my right foot,ankle and leg sence 6/26/2006.for the past 2 to 3 months I have Been falling a lot.its like when I start to fall my leg doesn't work and I can't catch myself.do you all think it is the rsd? My PC doc has me going to pt to build some Moselle.i don't no what to do or think about it. I think I am getting a little depressed because there is a lot of things I want to do but can't .i just turned 51.i really think I need to talk to someone that can help me with the feelings I am having.i have to use my cane all the time now,but I am imbaresed.i no I shouldn't ,but it is somthing I am having a hard time working through.well thanks for listening.i guess i just needed to vent.thank you for being there for me.i love you all.

[Nanc]

Hi Jeff. Sorry you are having a hard time right now. I think loss of balance can be common in RSD/CRPS. I know I have had increased issues with balance. I have a question, do you take any medications that could be causing your balance issues?

Talking to someone is very beneficial...keeping things inside is not. It helps to talk and work through the things you need to work through. I had to finally stop working at age 46, that was very hard. I had to give up my hobbies and activities. I worked through it with a therapist.

You certainly should not be embarrassed about using a cane. I am 47 and have been using a rollator (walker with wheels) for a while now. You should not be embarrassed for using something that will help you get around. Who cares what other people think?? They are not the ones suffering and/or struggling.

Good luck to you!
Nanc

[Lottie]

Hi Jeff - I am affcted in my right foot, ankle, leg too. I have fallen at least 4 times in 2 years. I have lost muscle mass in my calf despite a ton of physical therapy and I know what it feels like to have your leg give out. I also completely understand about feeling self concious - I dread being out in public and running into someone who hasn't seen me since all this happened and you get that "what the heck happened to you?" Response. Be well ~Lottie

[~Sage~]

Jeff, what set off the CRPS?

[RSD ME]

Hi Jeff,
I'm sorry you've been having such a rough time. I've had rsd for almost three years after breaking my right wrist after a slip on the ice. I just started using a walker and cane about a year ago because of the rsd spread and fibromyalgia I now have. I also get dizzy spells and loss of balance sometimes when going up and down the stairs. I only use them at home because I don't go out much, but if I need to use them out I will. I know it's hard to deal with at our ages, I am 48 and never thought I'd need one so soon, but it helps so I am trying to accept it. You shouldn't be embarrassed. RSD can be very debilitating and it's better to use walking devices then to fall. I hope you sense of balance gets better and that you maybe someday can go without these walking devices. In the meantime, my prayers are with you that you get better soon.
Sincerely, Renee.

[Brambledog]

Hey Jeff

I've got CRPS in my left leg, starting in my knee after an operation. I lost a lot of muscle in my left leg, particularly my quad , and struggled with walking for about 18 months. I was in a wheelchair out of the house, and crutches on short distances. My leg just seemed to have no strength or control and would just fail me randomly. It felt very dangerous.

I had physio for about a year, and the last six months or so were me doing my own thing, keeping on working at it. I'm out if the wheelchair and off the crutches for now. My leg gives way by rarely now, and I can walk almost normally for a short distance. It's a big improvement.

You can get some control back, but it does take time and effort. Do the exercises as often as you can, but not so much that you exacerbate your symptoms. It's a delicate balance, but you find a way through. Never ever give up on it.

Good luck, and take care of yourself!

Bram.

[jeffburns]

Thank you all for being there for me.it makes me feel better when I'm not alone.i don't mean I'm glad you all hurt.i mean only someone with rsd/crps could no what we go through.i love yo all,and thank you for all of your support.

[suz66]

Only those with this condition can truly understand the pain and the inner fight with aging too soon.. I am 47 and have been using a cane for several years now due to osteoarthritis that has developed in my hips due to RSD. I have a hard time convincing others that it caused it, but recently found an article that links the two together. Take care, Jeff and many prayers to all. Suz

[Russell]

I have a balance issue too but it's from my Cerebellum shrinking but I sort of understand your frustration and you have my sympathetic ear anytime you need it...

[heatherg23]

I have bad balance but it's because of where my pain is. Since I now have it in my right foot and leg I put all my weight on my left foot/leg when standing still. Sometimes when i'm walking I trip over my good foot. It happens when I'm grocery shopping a lot. What can I do....I have more strength in my left side. I bump into door frames and door knobs all the time too.....when i'm walking around home. Im always a little off.

I'm falling apart at the seems
Heather