Hi Parbie,
its so good to hear from you. i'm happy to hear you are in S. California and that you are able to work even if there is some pain. I am curious if you do go and see Dr. A. I still highly recommend him and his team but after seeing him for a couple of years off and on, i realized I was not really getting much better. Sometimes it flared me up because it is very aggressive. I stopped doing all their exercises for awhile but now am trying to add some back in. I can fill you in more by e-mail or PM...
I have found a new PT closer to me in Santa Monica that has helped me alot (very gentle)and I am also trying Prolozone injections. Once a month-3 times. it is now mostly covered by my insurance. I can feel a difference so fingers crossed.
I have had good luck with injections: Trigger point and now ozone so I would recommend them for tight muscles.
I may still go back down to see Dr. A, at some point to get my ribs adjusted . if I do come down we should try to meet-or if you ever come up to L.A.
I have tried to go back to work a few times and I get really bad flares, but I havent given up yet.
i have been on Lyrica for the past year and it definately helps me more than the Gaba and doesnt make me as spacey. i dont take very much though-also cannibis oil at night!! its legal here! It helps with bad pain and helps me sleep. Tumeric and Fish oil also.
BTW-Ocylyn has a website-"TOS society" that has some other O county practitioners listed. Massage therapists etc. Also Marc has seen some massage therapists and pilates instructers at A&A
Good Luck and Take Care of yourself,
jkl