Dear RSI folks-

6 years ago I got neuro TOS from overuse of my computer with bad ergonomics.

I now use voice software, as does my law firm of 200 attorneys! Too late for me...I am bedridden by the neuro and vascular aspects of this injury, primarily PAIN.

I would like to ask if:

1. Did any of you get your injury via the computer by overuse?

2. Did any of you have to stop working?

3. Do any of you now use voice software?

4. Would you be interested in anything (meetings, letter writing) that the TOSers do to inform the public about the dangers of computer overuse?

Please respond informally below. I will contact you then via PMs. Thank you so much.

Also, are ANY of you in the Palm Desert area where I am located? I was in OC and now I don't have ANY of my friends, and our meetings were so helpful, informative and uplifting. Everyone needs a friend now and then!!

God bless, Tam

Hi Tam,
I ddon't really know how this works.
I got TOS from overuse. I use voice software, but it stalls all of the time. I have it for mac, which is better; but it doesn't move the mouse or read the page like Dragon did on my PC... when it worked.


My life went to hell, too. I couldn't take the pain, had to stop working, lost my house, relationships, hobbies. I'm still waiting for surgery authorization after over four years. No lawyer will even take my case. My employer has been a nightmare. Most of the nerve medications sedated me.
Finally I agreed to try narcotic pain medication. Nothing helped until I got on a patch, and now I can actually get up and do stuff. I live on cereal.

Did you get surgery?
I don't know anyone in my city with this same problem. Maybe you should start a "Meet up" group on line.
Keep your chin up.

I found this item while searching the web. I developed TOS over 10 years ago which was related to a work related injury head/neck/back. I needed surgery and paralysis does come on days while waking from sleep. No pain killers have worked. I am on a patch that helps a lot but I am not ever without pain. Since I have used this magnetic shoulder brace very inexpensive and not uncomfortable the numbness and killer pain has dulled to a more tolerable level. I have the back braces which were prescribed by Dr's but this one seems to be doing way better than anything I have tried. Therapy is useless with the exception of "pool therapy" I used all that could be paid for and was cut off. I also use a TENS Unit. Sleeping is nearly impossible.
I am just a patient who lives with chronic pain. I am only posting this with the hope that maybe this may help someone else. I opted out of surgery by my Neurologist's advice. Sometimes I use an ice pack. I put it under my armpit and wrap it with an ace bandage to hold it there this sometimes helps.

We Neuro/Muscular/Skeletal patients seem be last when it comes to helping with this TOS. I sure wish some neuroscientist would take this on. The pain (for me anyway) can become so unbearable you can't even think straight.
Regular therapy learned exercise daily helps. i have been told by every Dr. but none will put it in writing that I am "too complicated". So it is up to us who suffer to find relief. Best of luck hope this helps someone.

The pain will never end for me. It is always there but I keep on fighting and looking for a way to decrease the pain as much as I can.

Type in search on Amazon for magnetic shoulder brace and you will find it there.

I have not been diagnosed with TOS, although I have the symtoms. I was only able to sleep 4 hours at night before my hands and arms were numb and burning with pain. My doctor tried to put me on antidepressants, rather than run other tests for my symtoms. I want to thank you for mentioning the ice pack. I put the ice packs in my armpits, and I have been able to sleep comfortably for 7 to 8 hours. Thank you again!

I am having the same blinding pain. I was diagnosed last month. Waiting for an mri still. If I take zopliclon I can sleep though.

I suffer from Right TOS with pec minor syndrome, Scalene Dysfunction, chronic C6 Radiculopathy and popping scapula. It all started with my desk in work. I went thru every dx bicep tendinitis, carpal tunnel and Rotator Cuff Tendonosis. I kept working because workers comp of course denied the claim and I'm a single mom of 2 boys. Well I eventually blew my whole right side now I can not work. I been out for a year now. I finally won my comp case but they are trying to block my care in every way. In PA there really isn't much help for TOS. So I had to go to Maryland and after 4 surgeons she agreed to help me. WC is holding on my preauth. So I continue to sit here in chronic pain n loose my whole life as I knew it. Its just not fair

Hi Candie66, diegosmom, lintrecek, 23yrsnstillfighting,

I didn't notice your posts until today.
Please come to our TOS forum section even if you don't have an official dx of TOS , we have many members posting there and you will get many more replies and helpful tips. Many of the therapies talked about will help for RSI also.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome forum -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

Be sure to check out the useful sticky threads too.