I am back and so is TOS
 

Hi all,
I haven't been on here lately. I had started feeling better in the spring, and I got busy. Went back to work, started renovating the house. All very bad ideas. I am now worse than I was pre-surgery. The pain is horrific.
The doctor has now declared me unable to work. I went to see an occupational therapist. I saw her on a "good" day. For eight hours she put me through every activity you can think of. From filing papers, to hanging up laundry, we did it all. At the end of the day, she said that she agrees with my Doctor. I am unable to work at any job that has prolonged computer use, lifting, twisting, any physical activity, prolonged sitting or standing......
The list goes on. So now my lawyer wants to send me to a vocational specialist to combine the occupational therapists results with my apptitudes to see what I should do for a living. All I know is that I cannot imagine working right now. The pain is just too much.
I am facing a 13 hour drive this weekend, and don't know how I am going to fare after that.
Anyway just thought I would update you on what is going on with me.
Trix

take lots of soft pillows for the drive :grouphug:

Hi Trix
 

:hug:

Your post came at a great time for me, and I appreciate yo writing it. First of all, welcome back! Not wb cuz of the pian, but welcome back to a group of people who understand the pain and frustration we deal with. It's so good to have each other.

I have just started experiencing symptoms in the past few months. I am still trying very hard to be "normal" and want to get back to work desperately. Reading your post helps me keep things in perspective...and drives it home that when I do go back to work (hopefully soon!) , that I need to keep my condition in mind, and try to do everything I can to take it easy, use proper posture methods and not to take on too much.

Oh! and I second Jo's suggestion....pillows and heat are our gift from God.

Trix, I am so sad to hear that you have become worse.

I know what you mean by "horrific" pain. Unbelievable, isn't it???

As for that 13 hour drive, MUST you do it? Can anyone else do the driving and you put the seat back, pillow up, have a bed ready for wherever you arrive? Whenever I am transported, we call it "bed to bed" transport...hahaha, really! And still over the next few days I will be flaring.

God bless you and I'll keep you in my prayers tonight for less pain.

thank you for saying hello!

Trix- I"m sorry that this has become worse :( 13 hour drives aren't generally fun to begin with. A couple of ideas...i hope they're helpful. I bought some off-brand (Walgreens) arthritis heat wraps. They don't get as hot as the name-brand ones, which were way too hot for me. and they seemed to stay hot for about 6-8 hours. That way you can have some relaxing heat on the drive. Another thing I found at walgreens was a memory foam neck pillow.... you know, the ones shaped kinda horse-shoe like? I always travel with one when I have to travel. Keeps my head from flopping around if I doze off. Finally, some pillows for under your arms to support them.

Oh- would it be possible to schedule a massage (if they help you) for when you get to your destination?

I hope the drive is easier and less painful than you anticipate.

Thankfully my hubby will be doing the driving. We have a large passenger van, so I have many options for comfort.
I have recently been experiencing pain into my jaw and ears. Is this because of scalene muscles being tight? I also have a lot of tightness in my scalp muscles.
I am going to see my mom, so I can colapse onto the couch and have mom and hubby take care of me.
Trix

my scalp changes all the time - sometimes totally fine no "'sore spots" at all and other times -kind of almost lumpy with little sore spots -must be like mini trigger points.
and they usually appear after computer time or uses like it.