LH,

Ditto what the other person said. How are you doing?

I have taken a nose dive in the past week. I assume the botox wore off much faster than I was told but this is unbearable. Pain meds are not much help although I guess I could take more but I hate them and want to get rid of them so bad.

Does anyone have a suggestion for meds to help severe TOS? I go to pain management next week.

My appointment in Dallas is two weeks away. I hurt so bad I wish I had opted for the "do it all in one trip" approach. Hopefully they will be able to schedule the surgery fairly soon after the visit.

I really feel for everyone who is suffering with this. I have had it 7 years but went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed the first 6 1/2. Hopefully relief is on the way.

Hey guys, thanks for checking in on me! I've come down with some virus that's going around, so I'll write more when I'm more coherent.
But for now, to romans8 - I don't know which drugs you've already tried, but for me, a combination of a nerve drug (in my case Lyrica), a muscle relaxant (Flexeril), and an OTC NSAID along with Toradol injections at least took the edge off without making me lose consciousness. Or, since you're (hopefully) just needing short-term relief, give in and let them put you on narcotics; they work. Just don't plan on doing much else. ;-) I know you hate to take the drugs, but being in constant pain will just exhaust you physically, mentally and emotionally. I'm sorry your botox didn't last any longer. :-(

I came down with the flu a few weeks before my first TOS surgery and it flared the TOS to my worst point. I wish you luck that you get over your virus very soon.

Toradol is the miracle drug for TOS and surgical recovery in my opinion, it's too bad that it is harmful to your boy and can't be taken continuously for more than a few days (5 days max but my surgeon prefers to limit it to 3 days to be safe).

Marc - it's interesting you say that; my left ("good") side flared up a little during this virus, and I was already sore from work. I was attributing the left side flare up to laying around in bed for days on end, but maybe it also has to do with systemic inflammation caused by illness?

tosmother - I have not had my recheck appointment yet. I was supposed to have it next week, but my ride weaseled out on me, so now I'm going on the 24th. Other than this virus, I've been doing okay. I had a rough week at work that left me sore, but not like what I was experiencing prior to surgery so, yes, still very glad I had the surgery. :-) I was feeling pretty discouraged when I got sore and sick at the same time, initially blaming the soreness/pain for the fact that I felt crappy all over. Prior to surgery I did have pain episodes so severe that they caused fever spikes, nausea and vomiting, and I was scared that was starting to happen again - it was almost a relief to find I had a virus.

Losing Hope: I was literally tearing up reading your last post. I'm so glad there's hope. Goodluck with your appointment on the 24th, and keep us informed.

Thanks, and same to you (re: your Dec appt/surgery and progress)! :-)

To mytea: I've PM'd you; try seeing if you can reply back now.

It looks like Carpenter is pitching tonight. I might have to check that out. I notice when they talk about him, they just say he had a "nerve problem". I guess if they said Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, people would just say, "Huh? What?" We've all heard that. LOL

I cannot PM you back yet as I have to post at least 5 messages before I can do so! I will definitely be in touch with you shortly! Thank you so much for responding back to me as I thought you might not see it. I am so happy that you are doing so well. Be in touch soon...

Mytea

I am in Dallas. I saw Dr. Pearl today. He confirmed TOS and I will set the return trip and surgery date tomorrow. It may be as quick as Oct. 29.

I am watching the baseball playoffs on TV from hotel room. Guess who is pitching for the Cardinals? Oh no! He just gave up a lead off HR! I asked Dr. Pearl about him today. He smiled and said he was doing fine but returned to very soon afterwards. They are talking about the surgery on TV now.

Have you recovered from the virus? Are you still doing well with recovery?

Romans: glad to hear the consult went well. Keep us updated. What tests did you take to Dr Pearl? I have a inconclusive EMG and I'm worried he's going to order another even though I have cervical ribs.