HOW AND WHEN DID YOU
GET RSD?
I am a Glazier Trade
Man. I was working on an entrance in Carlton Place, Ontario. At 5 to
3, my partner and I fell around 7' to the uneven ground. I broke four
metatarsals and my big toe on June 26, 2007.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT
AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
I haven't worked
since, and the CRPS has gotten worse. It went bilateral 2½ years
ago. Not as bad in the left leg. Thank God. On the top of my right
foot, I developed an ulcer 1½ years ago.Then another beside the one
already there. It just kept getting worse till I couldn't handle it,
anymore. I had my right leg amputated Feb. 20, 2013. I know it isn't a
good idea. My doc talked a long time before I made my decision. It
was either that or something worse was going to happen. I could not
take it anymore!
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD
SUPPORT SYSTEM?
My family and
friends, and the people on a few RSD/CRPS sites.
DOES FAITH PLAY A
PART IN YOUR STRUGGLE OR YOUR STAMINA?
It does very much.
HOW HAVE YOU
REINVENTED YOURSELF?
I haven't.
HAS ANYTHING GOOD
COME FROM THIS TRIAL?
No.
WHAT THINGS DO YOU
MISS THE MOST?
It might sound crazy
to some but I miss working so bad (and the ability to walk). I
haven't walked on my right leg since the accident.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE
GENERAL PUBLIC TO
KNOW ABOUT YOU
AND/OR YOUR DISEASE?
*That it is very
hard to diagnose.
*That the doctors
need to be educated about it.
*That the pain is
just unbearable, at times.
I would not wish
this on my worst enemy!! That's how bad it is. Get the doctors
educated about this disease, PLEASE!
This interview is very emotional & you can tell my Denis' answers RSD has taken quite a toll on him. Thank you Jane for taking the time to record this interviews.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dannel. It really has taken a toll on him and I appreciate him speaking out for awareness about the depths of suffering RSD can cause.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I too have felt as if I would be better off with amputation! I cannot drive or walk as well. Yes, it is my right leg as well! I can only achieve about 1/2 hour of steps in a 24hr period. After the 1/2 hr, I am down for the count with burning pain, swelling, and throbbing. I can't even tolerate socks! Denis, you are Brave, and I am thinking like you. Take it off, and give me something I can use!
ReplyDeleteTERRY -
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. Denis was unable to reply but wanted me to tell you "IF I HADN’T DEVELOPED MY ULCER, I'M PRETTY SURE I WOULD STILL HAVE MY LEG. THE ULCER WAS THE DECIDER. ALL I CAN SAY IS, IT IS A BIG DECISION AND YOU SHOULD TALK TO YOU DOCTOR. I HAD QUITE A FEW TALKS WITH MINE. IN THE END, IT WAS MY DECISION AND, AS OF NOW, I'M NOT SORRY. BUT EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK. KEEP IN TOUCH. I THINK EVERYONE IS GLAD OF MY FINAL DECISION, COMPARED TO WHAT I HAD IN MIND!! "