Hi all I am new here m/51 Kentucky. I have Bilateral Thoracic Outlet secondary Carpel Tunnel. I am a Sr. Maintenance Tech. on work restrictions. No pushing, no puling, no pinching, no griping, no repetitive motion and I am not to raise my arms above the level of my heart.

I found out in Dec. that I had all of this going on with me. I feel lost, I don't know what to do about work. I set here and type this and my neck is hurting so bad that I can't feel the pain in my arms and hands. Work has been trying to put me on modified duty but everything they give me to do causes more pain.

I’m fighting with work comp.

I have been on Neurontin and it helps some but I am gaining weight like crazy from the meds or lack of exercise from not doing the work that I am accustomed to?

I have always been in control of my life for the most part and now I feel lost in not knowing what is next.

Thanks
DA

Hi, and Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry you are suffering and struggling so. I know and remember the initial feeling well!! It is devestating to have the world as you know it change in such a drastic way.

I hope that you will come to this forum whenever you need some support or information to help you through this journey.

One suggestion I would like to make is don't push your body and do things at work or home that cause you further pain. If the changes that are made for you at your job are still not the right accomedations, try to have them continue to modify your work. It is importnat to not injure yourself any further.

That also applies to any P.T. that might be suggested. Never let the Dr.'s or P.T.'s push you into doing any tests, for example range of motion or stretches, that hurt. That could also cause re-injury.

What kind of tests have you received so far??

Take Care,
G ~

hI Lovestofish,

welcome...I hear your pain in the fight for comp....it took me three years to get my appeal but did eventually win my case and they are now paying my way....not that it is much.....but better than no income!!!!!

oh the weight gain......I tried yoga you may want to consider it as it is low inpact and I find I gain relaxation skills from it as it teaches you how to breath properly.....

Have you tried progressive muscle relaxation??? it teaches you how to notice which muscles do what as you tighten them then relax them in a certian order this way you can learn to do a body scan which means you can notice when you are tensing up your muscles.....and relax them as best you can...like when your shoulder goes up past your ear

I hope we can help you with resources and if you need articles to take to your doctor I'm your gal....let me know what type of info you need and I will do my best to find the article you need to educate your physicians and your comp idiots.....lol

take care and welcome
Victoria rn con(c)


ps what do you like to fish for???

I am just 3 days post op, I just wanted to send a quick Hi and welcome to you..
Hope to chat with you soon..
((Hugs)) Dawn

Welcome DA,

Sorry this has happened to you, but you've found a great home here full of caring people and invaluable information! Search, read and learn!

Hopefully your job will keep you on in some restricted capacity. Teaching? But if this evil monster forces you to stop working, it will be ok. We aren't defined by our jobs, but how we care for each other. Get a w/c attorney sooner rather than later. Others here are far more experienced with w/c and will be able to help you.

Weight gain is a no-no. You may want to ask your Dr about changing your medication to something different. More weight is more compression on nerves.

Best of luck to you on your journey,
Anne

Hi DA.. Welcome !

You have definately come to the right place. If it wasn't for all these awesome people I wouldn't know what I know today about TOS. So.. I wish you the best.

Gibbrn.. maybe some soon I will take you up on you offer if that is o.k.? I am going to a "new" Doctor Tuesday.... DA welcome to the family !