Quote:
Originally Posted by fern
Thanks everyone. My neurologist phoned and actually said something like --TOS didn't show up on the EMG but you know that an EMG doesn't usually show TOS and you definitely have it. Wow, I thought I had chosen her because she is a nice person and as long as I couldn't find one that new about TOS in my area, I thought at least I could choose a nice person who has a reputation of being a good patient advocate.
I did see the report and the Dr testing said that he couldn't perform the C-8 nerve root test completely due to my pain level during the exam. I have to say that this part of the test was extremely painful and left me with quite a flare.
I'm done testing for now (I think I can safely say I've done them all) and will begin with another course of PT. I'm going to see if I can focus on the nerve glides in PTand continue the Sharon Butler pgm on my own. I know that I have neurogenic and vascular but my vascular issues have decreased some this past year I think by the work I am doing with the lymphedema specialist who also does some myofascial work with me. One goal is to learn to be able to put my arms in the position that B.W. illustrates as palms up is really not obtainable w/o pain or for any duration for me. btw-I do also use those "miracle balls" and find them quite useful as does BW.
Has anyone tried the ART therapy? It seems you can obtain it only fr a trained person at a chiro office which for me is not possible insurance-wise but I thought I had heard that it's quite effective.
I did and still do wonder how tendonitis shows up--as the current neurologist said that I may also have this in addition to the TOS and cervical disc issues.
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Sounds like you've found a good neurologist to guide you. That's most important.
You may need to adjust "palms up" a little at your elbows or use props where you need to. I had to support the back of my arms and shoulders with pillows, balls and hand towels when I would lay down for therapy or other things.
Yoga and stretches helped me a lot. I had to work at that. Slow progress but very helpful.
I also would use 3" balloons in my armpits. That seemed to help some too.
Seemed like propping myself up at a 45 degree angle wasn't as painful for arms, neck and back for many years. I had little nests of pillows and balls everywhere.
Would move 3 to 4 times during the night.
You're probably in a bad shape and it's hard to find any comfortable position. That's miserable. Been there.
I also had laser hair removal and put my blow dryer on a stand. Helped a lot with neck and arm issues.
I have moved a long mirror in my office, a side view at my computer station, so I can use it to help correct my posture. Boy did I need that to catch myself in a bad position. I knew I was doing it but didn't know it was this bad. I am able now to hold my posture up. Just now to that point though. For many years, hard to set uprigth for more than 4 - 6 hours. So much, much improved.