So, the original injury was an acute trauma and not an RSI (repetitive strain injury) then, is that correct? Involving you hitting your funny bone in a way that was DECIDEDLY unfunny? Was your whole arm involved in the incident? Shoulder, as well?

I'm asking because I may have led you a tiny bit astray the other day when I suggested the possibility of TOS being at play here, and I would soooooo hate to do that. I do think your instincts are right on, and that the upper extremity, neck and head sx you are experiencing are related to the original injury, as well as to the surgery/s you've had. I just don't know for sure if TOS is the right dx.

Dang, and I was so looking forward to a doc having you do one of the clinical tests they typically do to help rule TOS in or out, which would involve you putting your arms and hands straight up in the air in the "stick 'em up!" position for a certain period of time, all the while opening and closing your fists rapidly, after which s/he'd measure your radial pulse (or lack thereof). Thought you'd just be a natural at that one! Ah, I kill me…

On a more serious note, I'm starting to get ticked off at the Workers Comp laws in your state! Do you have a WC attorney working for you, by any chance? Because if you don't, I think it might be a good idea to get one - a good one! This business about not letting you see the doctors you want and need to see will only get worse; next it'll be a hang up approving your meds, your PT, your EMG/NCV and so on and so forth, down the line.

I don't have first-hand knowledge of the WC system mind you, but I've seen enough to recognize when having a legal advocate is worthwhile. And you certainly don't need the added stress of the inevitable battles. Let your legal rep handle those nightmares for you! You've got enough on your plate.

You deserve a good, solid tx plan developed and carried out, on a timely basis, by the best healthcare providers available in your area for the type of injury you have. Period. As I'm sure you are aware, NT has a WC forum, as well as a Caregiver forum (thinking of your daughter here). So I hope those will prove to be good resources for you, as well as the TOS forum and of course here. Please keep posting and let us know how things are going for you, OK?

Take care,

Alison