[countblessings]

Hi folks,
Just got home, and trying to do some computer work for a class I'm taking...and my arm is driving me up the wall--not so much pain, but I want to just crawl up the wall...or hit it--or something...it's hard to describe, but am going crazy--my hand is it's lovely purple hue [the color of choice, seems not all the time, but when the pain/burn or any activity at all] I'd appreciate anything you can offer!

Thanks a million!
CB

[frogga]

heya

sorry your arm is being REALLY annoying. Have you tried elevating your arm up? I know it sounds stupid but I find I get really stupid blobby pain (can't think how to describe it!) if I don't try and keep my arms up or at least flat. I guess you have tried heat'/ heating pads/ having a 30 minute rest where you just relax/ watch TV/ meditate/ listen to tapes where you rest your hands up? - well, whole arm up. Stupid question I know but does the purple reduce if you wiggle your fingers?

Hope it improves!! Sorry I can't send magic answers!!!

Love

Froggsy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

THE ONLY REAL FROG IN THE VILLAGE

[countblessings]

LOL! I'll give it a shot--Can't lift my arm up when I'm up, cuz of the pain and dead arm thing...[TOS anyone?] I've got a tens unit going on my shoulder right now--weird how the muscle is spasming--I've never the unit, I'll try anything. I usually only use the tens on the really hard knots in my back. Have done heat. I've used ice at the base of my skull before [have herniated disc] but after reading the forum about the ice, I won't try that on my arm!
Thanks for the post!

CB

[frogga]

hey

can you bend your elbow? The drs made me a thing that I could sit with and have (well, they invented several slings)

First one was tied to an IV pole and involved a type of sling where the bottom of my elbow went in to the sling and held my hand up straight - but with all the weight being born through the sling. The next generation one was made by doubling a pillow and placeing another on top - so that my arms could rest on the pillow but the arms were extended and raised.

Definetly takes a while to get used to!

really wish I could offer some help... erm.. open a bottle of Rose (no glasses - just long straw , dig out the chocolates and watch a movie?

Just thought I'd say I'm thinking of you..

love

Froggsy

PS - does wearing a sling for small amount of times help? or a collar and cuff??

[countblessings]

The tens helped a little...along with the Vicodin and Flexoril--
Collar isn't all that great for me with my disc problems, but have done a sling, will bring one with me to work...thanks for all of your insight and thoughts. You know, as I read more and more on this forum, I truly feel that I have little right to complain, as others have much "fuller" plates.

You are appreciated!
CB

[frogga]

Hey CB

how are you doing today?

The collar and cuff can be hard - there is a way of putting it on though that takes the strain off your neck and takes it on lower back/ shoulders - by wrapping the cuff round your back and bringing it round.

I guess the biggest thing I have found since I got this is that no one can compare themselves with others here - although we can give insight into others and sometimes offer abit of practial advice or just stop people feeling so lonely by going "I do understand what you are going through, it sucks but I found x/y/z helped"...

How are you coping with work and RSD? I'm at uni doing a full time degree in Psychology and it's not the easiest when you have very brief "work" periods when the pain is low enough to concentrate... (also, sometimes I blame this place - I am serially addicted to it - and it's so much more fun gossiping than working!)...

Hope today is better

Love

Frogga xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS - I'm lucky - I have a minion to do my typing...

[Jomar]

If CB has TOS??- she might have the venous type- where the compressions will tend to block off the blood supply.
{ swelling/color changes happen often with that version of TOS & and a tendency for possible clots- so the need to get it sorted out is important}

There can be arterial, venous, nerves, and various anatomy that could be causing compressions. Could be scalenes, pec minor, out of the norm large bones or ligaments, etc

CB are you reading on the TOS forum too? useful links and such?
Members on both RSD & TOS forums have both- so they might be able to help you sort out the differences.

ps - with TOS raising the arms up or out too far will cause the blood flow to be stopped in the arms - mine will stop in 30 sec if I do the "stick em up" "test" like being robbed or arrested
my TOS is mostly mild/arterial

[dreambeliever128]

I have TOS and I used my tens unit all of the time on my arms. For years I use to beg the Drs. to cut off my right arm. After TOS surgery, blocks, triggerpoint injections, I finally got it to where it only drives me nuts with the weather changes and overuse.

You sound like me. I have a collar, a sling, 2 arm braces, 2 elbow braces, 3 heating pads, a shoulder sling to hold my back and shoulders straight.

Do give the tens unit time and do like Jo says, go over to the TOS site and learn about it. To me it is just as bad as the RSD. It takes a lot to calm it down.

Don't lift your arm over your head to hang clothes, put dishes in cabinets, and don't overdo on the driving. They all agitate the TOS.

Feel better soon.
Ada

[countblessings]

By day's end it's tough. I am beginning to look into the TOS, of course, I've just begun the RSD stuff too, so it's a bit overwhelming...that plus being in the midst of changing insurance companies...will have to post that question elsewhere.
I hadn't looked at the vascular TOS, my physiatrist had mentioned the posibility of a vascular study???
Froggie had asked about work...I'm a teacher...I've had to stop using the white board, and use only the overhead--which is okay except my overhead is older than time and gets so hot that it causes my hand to swell pretty quick.
Nice part of my job is that I have some control over my day, so it helps.

Thanks so much for all the feedback, it is nice to not be alone in this. I mean my husband is trying to understand, but can he really?

CB

today the blessing I count is the new support I've found here!

[qtkatie013]

i have rsd in my leg.. but recently i have been getting the same feeling in my left arm and it's driving me nuts!! i'm on lyrica right now (maxium dose that my doctor will prescribe) and it's not helping at all. he doesn't know about my arm yet, so i'm anxious to see what he'll say next tuesday. they just thought it was carpal tunnel but i had an EMG done and the test came back normal... so i'm guessing that means the rsd is in my arm now??