Hi everybody,

When BT went down I was fine for a while. But I REALLY started missing my friends after 3-4 weeks, ya know? Very happy DocJohn put this up for BT users!

Here's my story:

2/2003 Td vaccine reaction causes BP neuritis, RSD, central sensitization, leads to rt-side TOS due to pre-disposition (extra scalene muscle wrapped around lower BP)

2/2003-8/2003 Pain meds, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, MRI, EMGs, PT/OT, chiropractic, physiatry, rest, Doppler sonogram, more PT, see numerous Drs looking for answers

8/2003 Diagnosed w/ TOS, RSD w/ central sensitization - Dr Togut

9/2003- 12/2003 TPIs, stellate ganglion blocks, pain management program (biofeedback, counseling, pain education, massage, ultrasound, interferential, more PT/OT), EKG, MRI, narcotic pain meds, nerve pain meds, anti-depressant,

2/2004 Rt first rib resection/scalenectomy- Dr Annest (re C-8 EMG)

3/2004-1/2005 Nerve glides, PT, Feldenkrais, Tae Chi, massage, warm water therapy, counseling, narcotic pain meds, nerve pain meds, anti-depressant, TPIs

8/2004 Diagnosed w/ lesion rt lateral cord (re 2 EMGs) - Dr Sureka (Peoria)

10/2004 Surgery - pec minor release - Dr Annest

11/2004 Left side TOS diagnosed - Dr Togut (10/2004 Denver EMG supports)

11/2004 Appt w/ Dr Schwartzman - diagnosis severe, full-body RSD.

1/2005 Hahnemann Hospital, Philly, 5-day Lidocaine IV infusion, react to Lidocaine on day 3, relief attempt fails.

9/2005 Hahnemann Hospital, Philly, 5-day Ketamine IV infusion, have really good response, day 5 have zero RSD pain!

10/2005-2/2006 To Philly for boosters, 1st every 2 wks, then every month. Relief now abt only 50% due to the ongoing nerve damage and because I'm always worse in winter. But things stay stable all winter, and it's the best winter I've had in the last 3!

5/2006 Time between boosters extended to 3 months, and it's as though the "magic spell" has started to wear off. One by one pain and sx come back. Stress from frustration w/the insurance co. and legal battle cost me greatly as well.

Which brings me to where I was when BT went down - insurance has denied paying for any ketamine treatments and I've tried most everything else, treatment wise. And when will I hear about the decision on my compensation case? All my RSD sx are back, esp. the pain. Counseling is helping my mental framework, but nothing else is happening. Somethin' has to change! WELL........

I HAVE NEWS - see my post "Good News"!!!!

beth