Welcome to NT
I do understand... 7 and 1/2 years of hell. I run the gambit on things. You can check out my profile if you have the upright time.
I also had a bad neck and back to contend with, along with TOS...
It is very frustrating and painful. I so much didn't need that in my life. I did not come out of it a better person because of it, either. I could have done with the whole thing. but, didn't get a choice.
I've had PT for 7 yrs, injections, trigger point injections and therapies, balls, Theracane, Lidoderm Patches, meds, Kinesio Tape, heat/ice, electrical stimulation, aqua therapy, yoga, relaxation and breathing techniques, and other things that I'm trying really hard to forget about
I did get some benefit from most things.
My latest help came from LED and infrared light therapy pads. Love them. It's taken over a year treating with them, but I am much better. I ended up with three. Not 100 % but better than I thought I could be. I'll share more info if you're interested.
I was offered surgery, bilateral scalenectomy with first rib resections. do one one year and give my body time to heal and then the other side. It was a scary offer, but one that was certainly an option. I never did have surgery and now I do not need it. It has been a long, hard battle and the fight's not over. I'm afraid this is a long-term condition.
We do understand what you're going through. We've been there. Let us know what you're having problems with and we'll try to give you suggestions to help you along till you get on a better path to recovery. First one that pops into my head is a hairdryer stand.
I pray you find some peace in your day and somehow manage to get some rest.
See ya around...
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandnewkey
Hello, all.
I have been suffering from TOS (and possibly Pectoralis Minor Syndrome) for about 3 years now. I am all too familiar with the doctor shuffle, the frustration, the chronic pain, the mental stress, etc.
I have been out of work since January - when my doctor finally acknowledged that the 8+ hours per day sitting at a desk, using a computer, needed to stop. Worker's compensation has actually been mostly helpful. Although finding something new that works within the restrictions I've been given is proving near impossible.
Over the last few years, I have tried physical therapy (multiple times), acupuncture, massage, nerve pain medications (currently on Gabapentin)....
Nothing has caused any improvement in my symptoms.
I have finally been referred to surgery as my last resort.
On one hand, I am terrified of having the recommended surgery. On the other hand (the very cold, weak, numb one), I just want my old life back.
I am at the point where I would do anything not to continue suffering as I have over the last 3 years. But the thought of surgery terrifies me.
I would love to hear from others who have TOS, who got to the point of having surgery, what you decided and why, and how you are doing now. Or I just need to hear from others with TOS. Because nobody else really seems to understand just how devastating this condition can be to all aspects of one's life.
Thanks for listening.
-Melanie
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