Work

Brain and nerves
1

Has anyone out there with CRPS managed to return to work

2

No...I am totally and permanently disabled.

3

I Have CRPS in my foot and leg and need either a walker or wheelchair to get about. I have many other health issues that stop me from working, not the CRPS. I think it depends how badly you are affected and where in the body your have it. 

4

Hi Lynn,

What part of the body does your Crps affect? I have just been told I have Crps in my wrist and hand. I am a full time student and planned to work again over summer when my finding stops, although after reading some stories I'm thinking I need a plan B.

Kelly x

5

Mine is in my leg and foot .I can't get a shoe on and have to wear an air boot  and crutches to leave the house.Walking is very difficult, I have been off work for nearly 8months and need to know if returning is possible.

6

Hi, I have crps in my legs, feet, pelvis, back and right arm. I'm a housewife with 3 young children and am very busy. I also do volunteer work. I have constant pain and some mobility issues. I think it is possible, if you smile lots and don't be frightened of the pain. Rehab does take some time and patience but don't give up. Good luck

7

Hi Joanna,

I'm sorry to hear about your pain etc. how long would you say your road to recovery was? I just received my referral letters for Chronic pain management, psychologist and physiotherapist today although my hand is getting worse, can now only move to fingers, can't move my wrist etc.

Thanks,

Kelly

8

Hi Sylvia I have recently been diagnosed with CRPS in my hand/wrist however with effective pain management I am definitely returning to work hopefully in 3 to 4 weeks time. I think that effective pain management is key as this will enable to keep the pain under control allowing you to do other things. Most companies work towards accommodating employees with disabilities e.g. Providing support and work adaptations to help support your return back to work. Is this something you have discussed with them? If it's available I recommend you contact the companies occupational health service as they will assess you and start the ball rolling. I hope this helps in some way. Please let me know how you get on and good luck.

 

9

Thanks for your reply ,I hope I can go back to work I am waiting to hear from work for their decision Sylvi

10

Hi Kelly good luck with you pain management ,mine is not under control yet. Maybe next time I go they will sort it out.

Sylvi

11

Hi Sylvia good to hear that you have the motivation to go back into work and fingers crossed the company will support your return back. I think that going back to work will really help mentally as it is so easy to get depressed and spend too much time thinking if you are at home. I just want to get back as near normal as possible as I have felt terribly depressed and it's a horrible place to be. So I am determined to fight this crps with hourly Physio exercises and keeping a positive mental attitude. In the meantime I am waiting for my referral to the pain management clinic so this shouldn't be too long. Must admit I read your post with interest but was a tad disappointed to note that no one with crps had replied to confirm that they have returned to work but we shall see! I am assuming that those people in question are now too busy leading a normal life to respond!  So lovely day today, going to sit in the sun and get some tough Physio started! Take care now and let me know how you get on with work x

12

It started in my right hand after a fall at work. Now it is in all 4 limbs. I was a teacher. Due to the extreme pain and lack of proper function of my limbs, I can no longer work. Do your best to return to work. There is nothing worse than feeling unless.

13

Hi Lynn,

I'm so sorry to hear you can't go back to something you worked hard for. I am still waiting on my physiotherapy appointments etc but the movement in my right hand/wrist is getting worse. I can't hold anything or move my wrist at all. I am trying to do exams just now but worrying about my degree at this point because I haven't spoken to anyone who has managed to get back to normal following Crps, which shows its such an awful thing.

Kelly

14

Kelly,

It is crucial that you begin treatment immediately following diagnosis. I did not realize that at the time. That is why I am suffering now. Return to the doc that diagnosed you and ask for ganglion nerve block injection. They have been proven to slow down the spread and intensity of the disease. I am in my 50s. You do not want to speak your life suffering as I am.Go's bless.

15

God bless . I don't know who Go's is. Haha

16

Hi Sylvia I've had this illness for three years plus now in my ankle so severe walking difficulties, I've actually been told I will never return to work? Where is yours, how long have you had it, and where is it? Carol

17

Mine is in my right leg ,and ankle. My ankle is quite deformed it is rolled over and I am walking on the outside edge of my foot. It is very painfull when I go out I wear an air boot and use crutches, as I can't get a shoe on.Going to the pain clinic tomorrow so maybe I will some answers then.

Silvi

18

How long have you had it, how did it happen? Don't get your hopes up to much with pain clinic as i did, you may get disappointed which one you going? Carr x

19

I had a car accident in August last year so 8months ago.In December last year I had a nerve block done ,it did'nt work the way they said it would.Just keeping my fingers crossed I get somwere .

20

I hope so for you too truly I do is it really bad pain any discolouration swollen etc? I've had my three plus years after being dropped in hospital! Struggle most days! X