Hello, 42yr female with L side ntos. As per the usual it has taken a while to figure this out. I have bounced from this Dr to that and been told along the way that I was crazy, malingering and trying to get out of work. Sound familiar? When I fell I possibly dislocated my shoulder and definitely broke my wrist. I was given ibuprofen and told to ace wrap my wrist for work the next morning. I worked for 3 months in a physical job without appropriate treatment for my injuries. Fun, fun.

Since then, I have met drs who say its tendonitis, a sprain, residual swelling, and needs to be replaced due to arthritis. I have MRIs that show three partial tears of the rotator cuff, arthritis, impingement, spurs, and abnormal fluid. I also have MRIs that show a class 2 acromion and an otherwise normal shoulder. Go figure? Never once have I asked for oral pain meds. Though the shoulder replacement guy had several narcotic scripts written before he walked in the door. BIG RED FLAG!!! I want o know what's wring before we start medication.

I have had the current ortho specialist since July. He is the shoulder guy for the local NBA/hockey team. After several wrong guesses at a DX, he told me that he just didn't know what to do with me and was simply going to send me to pain management. This was just not acceptable to me. I just don't see the point in continuing to mop up the kitchen floor if the pipes are leaking....so,

Being the patient mild mannered delicate woman which I am not, I flat out threw a kaniption fit. I actually blocked the door until he looked at my neck/collarbone. Why does this stick out like this why does it hurt all of the time? why cant I feel my fingers? (We went fingertip to skull with every spot and area that acts up.) And don't ever mention a negative emg again. I AM NOT A TEST RESULT! Yeah, it went pretty well.

He did look at my neck and i was able to show him movement issues that didn't make sense. I put a safety pin through my thumb to get his attention. It worked. He became interested then and asked me what my pain level was after the (unneeded MUA) scalene block. I told him that was the best 8 hours since the accident. You could almost see a light pop on in his head. Yep, it all finally made sense to him. All of these weird things I have going on. He figures I have ntos, left ulnar needs transposition at the elbow and the superficial branch of the radius is toasted. So, even though my emg came back negative I have obvious nerve involvement. I am now headed to neuro. Not sure what to expect there but at least we are making some progress. It has been a long terrible ride.

I was warned by pt that since they have already been treating me for tos (and arguing with the drs over a dx) there really isn't much more they can do for me. I have been there since April. I work on Trigger points, have a tens and an extensive HEP. I would love input from you guys on how effective the non surgical and surgery treatment went.

As I am a federal employee, my wc is through the dept. of labor. DoL will need to retrain me as I can't resume my position as Post master. The muscle wasting in my hand is not reversible. I wont ever be able to handle 70lb packages again. I cant even hold a water bottle without pain or dropping it.

I have been seeing a therapist due to anxiety and depression, I am sure you can understand the mental battles I have faced, and will face. I don't share my issues with my family or husband any more than I have to. Although hubby is a good man he isn't a very good comforter and currently has his own medical issues. Thankfully all of the kids are up and grown. So I really appreciate being able to ask questions and vent. This is such a weird situation. I feel like Alice in the Twilight Zone.

So, in conclusion my basic questions are:
If you could change your participation in surgical treatment would you?
Did anything about treatment and recovery surprise you?
Does anyone else get headaches from the base of the skull and around into their face? Or did I just get lucky?
Does/did anyone else have regimental badge numbness?

Well, anyhow, thanks for the ear bending. I hope you all have a restful night.
Daesin