I've been reading this forum since last fall, was a member of obt in the thoracic outlet forum. I'm 61, a retired nurse, with c-spine problems and a diagnosis of TOS. I was originally diagnosed with bilat. carpal tunnel syndrome and had surgery, which helped with the hands, but that's when the TOS/cervical spondylosis really kicked in, or at least that's when I realized the surgery wasn't going to "fix" everything. I've had pt which helped immediately post op, I've been going to a chiropractor for 2 yrs. which has helped. I've started Sharon Butler's TOS program for repetitive stress injuries but never finished. I've also done some trigger point self massage with tennis balls, which always helps, and loosens me up for the chiro, but I'm so much more aware of what hurts when I'm doing this. I think what I've found most helpful is Elavil at bedtime. I know this has been on a thread recently, I've been on it for 18 months with no problems. Maybe a touch stupider, but, as someone said, it has helped my sleep so very much. I'm, for the most part, pretty comfortable most of the time, BUT it's never going away, no matter how hard I try to ignore it. I have an exceptionally understanding husband, he knows what hurts me and what doesn't. I NEVER talk about this to anyone anymore, I've heard too many ignorant things from people who don't know what nerve pain feels like.


I mostly came back, not as much because of the TOS or C-spine, but because I've missed you. This forum has been wonderful. It seems to run so smoothly. Di, I am so very, very sorry about De. Martha, I was sick until I found out you were ok. Ada, I never knew you but I am so very sorry of the death of your husband. I think Jo and Mark have lost aunts. Even though I haven't been here officially, I've been here in spirit. phoebe