[Donna7]

Thanks, Tracy, for posting the link to this on the MSN Groups TOS message board.

I'm Donna, in Colorado...
Had an MVA 5/02 with a drunk driver; had a lot of shoulder injuries including a SLAP lesion and torn middle glenohumeral ligament; arthroscopic repair to these and other problems in joint in 9/03. Still continued having problems with clavicular instability, numbness in left hand/shoulder and face, pain in shoulder, shoulder blade, neck, head, arm, clavicle. Also had a whiplash with bulging discs at C5-7.

Like everyone, had numerous MRIs, lots of doc visits, almost all of whom have diagnosed TOS, with some differences as to recommended treatments. Since I live near Denver, I was able to see Dr. Sanders for a consult and have Dr. Centeno for a PM doc, and an excellent neurosurgeon at Pres/St. Luke's.

I am now 6 weeks post op from an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion at C5-7, which my neurosurgeon was hoping would help with some of the numbness and pain in my arm/neck/head. So far, neck spasms are better, headaches gone, but left arm hasn't improved. I just got the collar off a couple of days ago, and that seems to have flared up the shoulder some, as well as some swallowing problems (I've lost about 20 pounds, though...one benefit!)

I'm very thankful to have good doctors and a supportive family. My husband has been so patient and kind... I also have a very good attorney who is helping with all insurance issues (we just maxed out the auto insurance and have to switch to our private insurance) and working on a settlement.

It's nice to "see" you all again! Anybody know how Sea Pines (Alison) is doing?

Donna

[astern]

haha... TOS humor.

I'm F/44, had bi-lateral cervical ribs and an extra left scalene muscle that decided to start giving me sx at age 35. Diagnosed in 2001, had cervie and first rib resections in 2004 in Denver. (I won't mention the first FAILED attempt at a resection in Florida: mangled a nerve in my arm so bad it had to be removed ) Sx persisted, so had bi-lateral Pec-minor disinsertion April 2005. Overall only 10% improvement... but a 10% I accept happily.

Applied for SSD/SSI in 2003... still awaiting court date, another year out for GA. Divorced in 2005. Going to try a letter writing campaign to plea for help. Living with family until I win my case. Surviving on State supplied medical care (minimal and poor) and food stamps.

I'm super-glad that we are coming back together!!!
Anne

[gibbrn]

Hi all not sure if you remember me has been a while since I posted.... couldnt find braintalk, but glad to be here now!

I had work injury nov1 2002 lifted a patient up from a toilet and injured neck and back .....tos dx by three diff doc's after getting out of the wsib system. was initially allowed wsib then dec 15 2003 they denied me once tos dx. I have since won the appeal and am now approved again wsib. it is more paperwork and fighting.....the usual you all know....

Had scalenectomy and 1st rib resection in July 2005. symptoms all went away until doing physio started in Oct 2006. They increased what I was doing and all symptoms came back....was off all my meds now back on many new ones....Lyrica, amitriptyline, diazepam, flexaril, axert.......tramacet for pain relief....yeah right.....lol

went to see surgeon this week and he said not tos my surgery would have fixed it if it was.....hmmmm guess he hasn't read the failure rate of TOS surgery. Still have vascular symptoms as well as neurogenic......is tos.....he is sending me to orthopedic and neurologist to see if other pathology....hello already done veinogram pre op dx is tos.....getting pi%$#E off any how long story short.......still fighting like hell for pain relief...oh and he said I have chronic pain syndorme!!!!!!!!!

Victoria rn

[Jomar]

Victoria,
of course we remember you!!

so sorry your sx are coming back and surg, won't acknowledge it.

I keep wondering how some of the other long time MIA members are doing, someday I hope we hear from them too.
Jo

[gibbrn]

thanks for the reply.....still in parents basement.....ok 32 want a life.....

hugs Vic

[gibbrn]

oh and I am F/32 in sunny Ontario....lol not for long.....snow is soon to come!!!!

[tied]

i drive 2 hrs to go to my old family doc, because it take too long to describe all of my problems to a new doc. she tells me that it's a miracle that i am in such good shape for what i've been through.

it would also take too long here, but here are the highlights.

3 mva's where the car/truck was totaled, one a rollover where i came out of my seatbelt.

3 workman's comp injuries not counting the one with the gag order.

3 toxic jobs, 2 with gag orders.

lots of falls, and a trick leg that sometimes gives way under me.

2 tos diagnoses, but none substantiated by additional testing.

a lifelong sleepwalking disorder that the sleep doctors are calling "alleged". i have broken bones from this alleged disorder.

a retinal occlusion in one eye and multiple minor peripheral blind spots in both. the retinal occlusion is nearly dead center. you can't imagine how annoying that would be until it happens.

high blood pressure.

total hysterectomy 10 yrs ago.

osteopenia.

gosh i am long winded. i also get depressed occasionally, but most of the time i am pretty happy.

i overwork, but i do enjoy my job.

i use a kinesis ergonomic keyboard. it has helped a lot.

i have been a horse woman most of my life and for financial reasons i had to adopt (sell) out both of my horses. i have visitation. i keep my big truck for that day when i can afford to have them back.

i have a very friendly dog and that's most of my social life.

i don't work and play well with others. i guess my social skills aren't up to getting along with (can't use that word here).

really get a lot of support here on this forum and couldn't imagine not having y'all.