Your poor sore arm & shoulder. :(

DH had an EMG a few months back, but I didn't want to frighten you by telling you what they did to him.They're sure not nice!

I hope that you get an answer soon, and I do hope your pain hurries up and leaves. Sending you some nice healing vibes, and ........

I think, the only thing I can offer you is lots of cyber:hug:s and prayers. I truly feel for you and hope they get to the bottom of things soon so that you can be treated effectively.

This wasn't the first EMG so I knew what to expect! This one wasn't nearly as painful as the last one. Maybe because it was in the arm instead of my leg...who knows. I just remember the one in my leg being a whole lot more painful.

Right now anything being done to this arm is painful. Just touching it hurts.

On the bright side, I am learning a lot about anatomy. What nerves are connected to what muscles and where they are connected in the spine and what part of the brain makes what work, etc etc etc. You know, the stuff you learn in high school and forget. The names of all the muscles, the nerve plexus, etc. Useless information that is now coming in handy!

Wonder where I can put all this on my resume when I go looking for a job next month!

Can I look yet? OMG! :eek::yikes:

You poor little thing!

Torture! Just pure torture!

Hi FG,
I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and had to have surgery by a Thoracic Neurosurgeon, eons ago (32 years ago?). I have pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm and hand with my pinky and ring finger being numb most of the time.

I had a blue-ish color to my arm from lack of circulating blood at times when I woke from sleep. I also could not find my arm when I woke up in the morning. I had lost the sense of where it was in time and space.:(

I found it with my other arm and pulled it close to my body so I could get up and move and circulate the blood back into it. It was not a MS problem. I have 5 extra Cervical Ribs pressing on my Carotid Artery in my neck. First doctor said Cervical Spondylosis (narrowing of the neck opening) which I guess it was, in a way, but why?

I had pain in the arm (but was nerve root). The doctor x-rayed my shoulder which I thought how odd. Being very young, I assumed pain in the arm meant injury or sprain/strain from lifting, etc. They said extra ribs and I went off to PT. Well PT almost put my through the roof.

Frank and FG, I know what you meant because my EMG was awful, but necessary when nothing else worked or took away the pain and numbness. Everything increased the pain. No MRI's back then in the stone age.:)

FG, my leg one after that was worst. I don't know why, but I swear they jacked up the current on that one (other issue, not related). Cyst on spine.

First I said no surgery on the shoulder, but after trying everything..PT, meds and you name it, I agreed and had the surgery. They removed the 5 extra ribs, very visible on x-ray. They went in through my armpit region, so no scars are visible.

A few doctors said if I didn't have the surgery the compressed carotid artery would cause a stroke eventually. You only have two main arteries to get blood to your head and one of mine was compressed.:eek:

I healed well and I have had no problems since. The surgery was longer in those days, no lasers and less knowledge, but it was done in NYC by the top Thoracic Neurosurgeon. Would it have gotten better on it's own, I doubt it, but you never know. I have had no pain there now or numbness either.

I am not saying you have this problem, but it is a thought. They put both arms behind my back, out straight and pulled together and the pressure on the artery made me feel like passing out from lack of blood to the head and the pulse had diminished on the wrist.

They did the hands over the head too, I don't remember the feeling of that one or if the pulse changed. If I laid flat without a pillow I got dizzy, it pressed on the artery by position, like on a beach blanket, as a kid, it happened many times.

Something worth thinking about. There are many causes. This is just my experience. I know the pain you must be suffering. Best of luck to you.:hug:

A "normal" EMG would seem to indicate a CNS or "root" problem then, not peripheral . . . right?

Back to the Bachial plexus? . . .

That was my first guess, so my vote is still for nerve damage (possibly at the root), due to unseen MS lesions.

No surgery for you (except maybe exploratory). :D

Cherie

FG - Knowledge is great and is always useful. However, they way you are gaining this knowledge is not fun. Couldn't you have just bought a book? lol j/k

Still keeping you in my prayers and sending you gentle cyber:hug::hug:'s.

Now there's a thought! Probably would have been a whole lot cheaper too!!!

:D

hi cheryl,

thinking of you.
when is your dr coming up with a plan?

Doc called this afternoon with the results of the brachial plexus MRI.

He said he sees nothing on the MRI that gives him any more information as to what is causing the pain in my arm and also no reason for him to operate. This is from the neurosurgeon. That's the good news. No surgery. That's the bad news. Still no answer.

He is referring me to a rehab doc and will call me tomorrow with his name.

He said that this is very puzzling. He said I am a very puzzling patient and hmmm always have been, haven't I? Ayup...that would be me! We laughed and he said we are going to solve this and he would call me tomorrow.

Hi Cheryl,

Are they still giving you medicine for the pain? I hope so. :hug: :hug: :hug:

I was asking my neuro's advice today about back pain that leads to shoulder and sometimes arm pain. He was describing the muscle actions and told me how to use stretching exercises to help with the pain. I'm hoping it helps. Sometimes it gets bad enough to wake me up at night or I can't move in the morning after a long night's sleep.

I hope they can help you with this and that it won't be an invasive fix. :hug::hug:

I saw the physiatrist today. He spent about an hour with me after I commented that not one of the docs I have seen in the last two months has done an actual "hands on" does this hurt exam. They just ask me where it hurts and I tell them from my neck down to the tips of my fingers and from my shoulder blade around to just past my armpit. He was surprised. So he had me put on one of those gorgeous paper gowns and did a "touchy feely" does this hurt and what kind of pain exam.

Temporary dx - frozen shoulder and pinched nerve at the C3/4, and something-er-other that I didn't quite catch at the C5 that's affecting the shoulder but he's not real concerned about that right now.

So, what's the plan? He's gathering up all my MRIs, EMG, and going to talk to the neurosurgeon and the ortho doc before I see them next week. In the meantime, stop the Soma and start neurontin. He asked me if I had ever tried Lyrica oh yeah, best hallucinagenic drug I've ever tried. Ok...how about neurontic. Haven't tried that one. Let's try that, maybe heat instead of the ice, and maybe nerve block at the C3/4 if you don't get any relief in the meantime.

He wants to try pain management program along with my massage therapist in lieu of surgery of any type (yeah I am all for that).

He listened...he wrote stuff down, and spent an hour with me! I was only scheduled for 15 minutes! I see him again in 3 weeks but see 3 other docs in between.

Gee, and I thought MS was expensive. This has become THE most expensive problem I've ever had.

I am blaming this on P Shappy....she's contagious. LOL! Need mints Shappy.

I NEED A VACATION is what I need! A very long one.

Oh--oh!:eek: Hey P_S...How long have you had your FS? I have had mine over 2 years now. So the question is...Did I give it to you and then you gave it to FG? OR...did you give it to me and I gave it to FG?

Well....anyhoo...she can't say we have never given her anything.:D

P_S, by the way know a great FS therapy move with Mint City mints!

P_S = P Shappy

FS = Frozen Shoulder

FG = :hug:

So now we have something ELSE in common? :D What do you do for your shoulder?

I am ready to amputate.....:(

Cheryl, I am so sorry really sucks not much I can do hugs prayers positive vibrations and an occasional suggestion, Acupunture and or look up acu pressure, involves using pressure points to help ease pains, I imagine at this point you are open to a suggestion or two

I sure hope it gets to feeling better real soon

FG - Continuing to keep you in my prayers. I hope the Neurontin helps you with the pain. It takes a bit to get used to but it sure is my best friend.;)

Polar - You are not way off. Things as simple as an abscessed tooth could cause that kind of pain. DBF and I just had a discussion about this as he is going through something similar to FG situation.

very true Trish, Deb had severe abdomen pains for about a month no one could figure it out, it was an absessed tooth, have they done any blood work to make sure there is no infection?

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

I am seeing my PCP on Monday for blood work. Massage therapist is working on trigger points and pressure points and she is doing a great job.

Last night I tried the heat and it did help....stopped the soma but haven't started the neurontin yet. Have to find time to get the rx filled. Long story...been working very long hours this week, but that will end tomorrow.

Doc has suggested referred pain but so far nothing has panned out in that area. I am open to anything at this point.

And no Polar, you are not way off base. I have asked these docs a bazillion questions!

:D

Another long-shot here . . . but have you had xrays recently?

My best friend had very bad shoulder and arm pain for about a year, and was having physio done on it. When the pain didn't let up, the PT finally sent her for an xray. They were meaning only to xray the shoulder, but "happened" to get her lungs in the picture. That was how they dx her lung cancer. :eek:

Like I said, it's a long-shot . . .

Cherie

Thanks Cherie, yes, been x-rayed, entire right side. Believe me, I've thought about that too. :eek: Been MRI'd and had my mammogram 3 weeks ago, too.

Thanks DM. I am finding out that FS is quite common. I am glad that your DS got some relief. :hug:

Gee, do you hear that one P Shappy? Huh...FG is calling US common.:mad:

I won't call US common. Would you?

Geez.......

off to do my FS exercises.....:mad:

OH NO! I didn't mean that. :sorry: It's the drugs and all this overtime I am working. :Red eyes: Please forgive me Oh Twiffy One! :Bow::Bow:

Good :hug:

Cherie

Hey Cheryl,

The yoga studio at the studio complex has the A.R.P. machine that all the sports teams are using for their injuries. I bet it could help your shoulder if you want to come check it out! I can try to get you more info. I think you need a visit back here in MA again. We could have a get together if it would tempt you to come back for a visit!!!

Carolyn:hug:

What the heck? Blaming it on me ???? Umm the twerpy one had it first and you met her before me.

Oh wait Twiffy has mints. :confused: Uh yep I gave it to ya FG. :rolleyes:

Anyway I have had this freaking frozen shoulder for a year now. And its frozen solid. I went to the neuro last week and he could not believe how frozen it still was and ordered an MRI. I picked up a copy of the report today for the stupid ortho that has been treating me and there are 6 conclusions onthe report and it aint good. :mad: Then combine that with the c5/c6 issue and the TOS and its the perfect storm

FG I have tendinopahty too, must have gotten it from you! My fave is that I have tears in the rotator cuff and the supraspinatus muscle and tendon. Thanks ortho doc....its only frozen shoulder no need for an MRI....just do PT. No wonder a year later I've made no freakin progress. TIme for a new Ortho. :mad::mad::mad:

And to top it off my left eye which has been crying for a month now with a blocked tear duct...I went to the ocular surgeon and he was like let me numb it and stick a needle in it and I was like that willhurt and he was like it really wont. Sure glad his ear was right near my mouth when I screamed it $%^#&*^ hurts really really loud.

Needless to say bad day. Sure you want to blame this on me FG :mad: then watch out :D

P.S. Twiffy do you feel bad for me :( bad enough for more mints :p

I'll be in DC in March! :D

Flying on One Wing and a Prayer
 

What? You still don't have answers? :confused:

I've been away and thought I'd check your thread to see what was causing your pain. Sheesh! Hard to believe they still don't have it figured out.

Still a One Winged Fly Girl -- try not to run into any geese, okay?

I hope you get some answers very soon. :hug:

Oh...you know I was just joking with you FG.

But Shaps...you must still have some mints left, don't you?

You have no progress with you FS Shaps? Like none?

I can almost make Mr. Golden Sun now. It freak'n hurts but I can almost do it. Hey, two years ago...I had to brush my teeth and eat with my other hand.

Yup...I am a show-off.:D

Yup you are. I will be happy when I can put my shirt on the right way again! When I saw the doc on Wed, he said to take off my shirt and bra and put on the gown and he would come back to do the exam. I just laughed and told him I don't have on a bra...can't put one on :eek: Good thing it's winter and I get away with it! Hope this problem get's solved pretty soon!

So let's talk about FS...what do you two do for it? Maybe we need to have chat. :wink:

I eat mints!:D

Oh...there are stupid exercises you are supposed to do.

Like...bend over slightly and move your arm and try to move your arm forward and backwards. And wall crawls and and carp with towels.

I will look for the site that has the exercises that I had found and get back to you.

It is a very slow process. You can't force it.

PT would be nice and they would tell you what to be doing. Esp if you get a cute one!;)

(((((((((((FlyGirl))))))))))))):)

FG, I am sorry to hear that you are still in pain. I hope the treatment does wonders for you. Was it from an injury?

I get pain in my shoulders, arm and neck, when I carry my pocketbook on my shoulder, or type too much. Vacuuming hurts it a lot too. I love to vacuum.
:( Now I use the Roomba Robot one, with remote control.

Mine is not frozen. Just unused muscles attached to the nerves. It hurts with overuse or light pressure.

I have heard how painful each movement is with a frozen shoulder. I hope you find an easy cure for that soon. Feel better.

I have done some research and am in full agreement with the Physiatrist. Frozen Shoulder. It fits 100%. I am in the first stage transitioning to the second stage. Pain/frozen.

I think all these docs had such a difficult time dx'ing it because of the secondary problem of the pinched nerve. It is also causing some of the problems. So when I didn't get relief in the shoulder area from the epidural steroid shot, that is what caught the attention of the Rehab/Pain Management Doc.

Tuesday I will get another steroid injection which will give me relief and now start the process of learning how to live with this new problem. Yeah. Just what I need in my line of work! Another challenge!

Taffy and Shappy, thanks for the support. :hug: Now you two can teach me how to deal with this and do the exercises once I get to the PT stage.

Thanks for the support everyone else! This has been a long road to dx. Since November! Yikes! And the pain is still at a 10...and worse at night.

I will get through this. :D

I was just going to ask how your FS (f'n shoulder) was..:D

Percoset is good stuff..:hug:

Yes it is. It is helping me sleep. I cannot take it during the day tho. It does PUT me to sleep!

:hug:Sally:hug:

Whatever you do don't fall down 7 months into frozen shoulder and end up with two torn muscles in your rotator cuff that they find 6 months after telling you its just frozen shoulder (after a year) and you need to work harder at PT to fix it and then when you dont get better they finally decide to do a freakin MRI and go ooops. :mad::mad::mad::mad: I now go back to a new ortho on Wednesday to see what they have to say. Atleast the neuro was like after a year of frozen shoulder you should be better and something is wrong so lets do an mri. I hope the damage is not permanent.:(:(:(

Hey twiffy maybe we need a trip to Portland with FG to show her all our frozen shoulder exercies. I will say FG that the painful stage of frozen shoulder is freakin painful and its hard to sleep at night.

That part I have already figured out! :(

My lab, Holly, jumped up on my arm a couple of nights ago and I thought I was going to lose my arm it hurt so bad. I also scared Holly when I screamed from the pain. Poor Holly. She went running from the room with her tail between her legs. It took me about 10 minutes to come down from the ceiling from the pain before I could go looking for her. She had run to the other end of the house and was curled up on her bed in DH's office. I went over to her and sat down and DH wanted to know what happened and if I was OK. Poor Holly. She's ok now.

I am learning about FS. MayoClinic says the pain stage lasts 6-12 weeks...ummm...I think I am long beyond that time frame but could be from the pinched nerve and then frozen shoulder started after that. Dunno. Too much going on at the same time. MS exacerbation, pinched nerve acting up, a little bit of stress in my life...all at the same time.

So, I've had the exacerbation treated. Pinched nerve treated. And the stress ... well, let's just say it's in the process of being taken care of. Sometimes we make business decisions and it takes us a while to realize 1) that we've made a mistake :eek: and 2) to extract ourselves from that situation that won't cause more damage. I've done that. Moving forward, thinking positive! :D

Ok you two, a Portland trip is definitely in order. When?

I am going to Seattle Feb 18-22. I can tack on a trip to PDX before or after...let me know!

:hug:Shappy:hug: I hope the doc figures out what needs to be done to fix your shoulder. We are a mess aren't we? Between us, we have two good arms...and with Twiffy, we have 3! LOL!!!

I just noticed you changed your name back to Shelley! *smack me*