[dreambeliever128]

First off, I wanted to ask about seatbelts. How do you guys stand them. Right now I can't wear them due to the surgery I had on my neck to put the wires in for the VNS but I have never been able to wear them too good with the TOS. I hate them. I know, I know they say lives. They drive me nuts doing it.

Now for brooms. As most of you know I haven't had TOS surgery on the left side for the actual TOS. I had 3 inches of muscle taken out from under my arm for the chest pain.

I was out on the patio sweeping and the way I twist and turn, I got my ribs going on my left side. I'm going to try and get them calmed down, it's been a long time since I've done that. My ribs feel like they move and I have trouble breathing. Do any of you feel like your ribs move?

Thanks,
Ada

[astern]

Hi Ada!

I hate my seatbelt too. I have it adjusted as much as I can to not be too close to my neck, but the slightest pressure from the chest-belt is annoying as heck. They do make things that wrap around the belt near your neck and over shoulder that are made of lamb fleece. Sometimes they're cute stuffed-animal looking things. Not sure where to buy one though. Any ideas out there?

My more immediate worry is the airbag system. I live in fear that I may bump something slightly and the bag could go off. It's illegal to remove the air bag. Not even a DR's note can waive the law. It's hard to find a functioning, reliable late-model car. The laws are crazy. I don't want to think about what an airbag impact would do to me, much less think about the local failing health system trying to make heads or tails of my condition.

Sweeping: sometimes it feels like my ribs 'flex', but move? gee I hope not! The lightest weight broom I could find is an OXO brand. Very easy to use in the kitchen. But any other surface type makes pushing the lightest of brooms painful in a very short time.

After your ribs calm down, you can try sweeping in shorter bursts? Or not sweep at all. Hope your broom is light-weight!

((((((HUGS)))))
Anne

[Jomar]

I thought you can lock out the airbaG FOR A CHILD SEAT on the passenger side{ sorry hit caps gggrr} so why not for a driver side one?
I didn't know there was a law about that- it seems there should be some room for health issues and considerations.

You might be able to have the bag disabled by a self taught mechanic- as long as you don't sell the car without it functioning.??
Or have the steering wheel changed to a non -airbag one?
that might be a better option

You should be able to get a medical waiver for the seatbelt use though- my aunt had one of those.


sweeping - I get a pain in my sacroiliac?? or sciatic -sometimes even with a light broom. it is the twisting and push/pull movement because I can sweep straight in front of me with the big wide shop broom - no problem

[olecyn]

Ouchy,
Comfort is hard to find being a driver or a passender.
This is something I'm always trying new things with.

The best thing FOR ME is:
A cervical pillow behind my neck (Bed Bath & Beyond) and a pillow or blanket under the seatbelt as not to press on the brachial plexus.
I use this technique for driving and as a passenger.
If anyone rear ends me I don't want more cervical pain and the seat belt crushing my thoracic area.

Dr. Agnew has also perscribed a 20" McKenzie Cervical roll pillow and place it vertically when sitting.
It rises up your posture when sitting.

As a passenger I do the same but with a pillow under my right arm.
Lots of stops to get my flexibility and circulation going.
Most of the time a small dose of pain meds as not to impair my driving to relax my muscles.