Hi all, I've been a long-time reader of neuro talk, however this is the first time I've posted. I would like to be able to share conversations with people who have similar experiences in navigating life with chronic health issues.

I have lived with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II for18 years now. I also have Bilateral Brachial Plexus Nerve damage from an injury late 1996(LHS) and surgery trauma 2012(RHS) related to bilateral pre-existing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I've managed my health conditions with surgical interventions (including bilateral rib resections and scalenotomies, implanted Medtronic spinal cord stimulator 2008), multiple medications and physical therapies. I suppose this qualifies me for a few different forums depending on my interests at the time?

On a more personal note, I am in my mid-40s, married with a supportive husband and a delightful, although stubborn 10-year-old son living in Australia. There's a bit going on for me/us at the moment. Unfortunately, further surgery may be in the mix, as my battery is migrating to the surface. I'm also exploring return to work options but finding my restrictions seem to be blocking every avenue which is disheartening. We’d love to move from a townhouse into a house with a back yard /garden if everything falls into place. I'm in a book club and love to read when I get the chance, especially fiction. Imagination is a great escape.

I'm looking forward to joining your community. Thank you for all the postings I have already read and benefited from.

Booklover

"It is both relaxing and invigorating to occasionally set aside the worries of life, seek the company of a friendly book... from the reading of "good books" there comes a richness of life that can be obtained in no other way. Gordon B. Hinkley

G'day booklover,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I'll leave the links to a few of the forums

RSD & CRPS Forum
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Forum
SCS & Pain Pumps

If you need any help finding your way around NeuroTalk, please just post again and someone will help.

take care.

booklover,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will find a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Welcome booklover.

Hey ,Gordon
I am a book lover as well. I have a habit that I just read non fiction. Believe it or not it is still an escape. I have always been interested in political science, geo politics, the justice system, and healthcare. I had spent 35 years working in both fields sometimes simultaneously. It was a head and cervical spine injury on the job that brought this on. That was in 2003..
I was misdiagnosed and that caused 2 years of crippling agony. Now I am stuck with systemic reflex sympathetic dystrophy. I will keep you in my prayers.

Welcome rivkalea matthews.

Hi Rivkalea Matthews,

Glad to meet another booklover, thank you for your prayers and first post. Even when my health was at it's worst and holding a book and flexing my neck was difficult,I would listen to talking books. Despite all the changes, it has been a pleasurable constant in my life and kept me company through many late-nights. Last year our bookclub read Franklin and Eleanor by Hazel Rowley, based on your stated interests you may enjoy it. It was amazing what Franklin Roosevelt achieved, despite the effects of polio, with good people supporting him. Sorry to hear you also share CRPS and life with severe ongoing pain. I hope you too have/find good people who understand to support you on this journey.

Booklover (ps Gordon was the person who wrote the quote about books not me. Sorry it was a bit confusing.