Social Sec.'s first decision on me was a joke. Then at my appeals hearing, despite the fact that I had to stop lifting a paper cup of water (hand overuse) and couldn't get up easily out of my chair to walk, the dr. there said I could stand 8 hours and sit for 4, etc. (Don't react to these comments, btw. Let your attorney handle it.)

You must appeal or have another hearing until the full extent of the disability in your case is properly described and acknowledged. Even though I usually (before TOS) could have done an SS hearing in my sleep, I HAD to hire an SS atty. to properly question the SS "experts" and present all of the med reports that I did obtain along the way.

I don't know what your SS status is, but it is so important to stress the neurological aspects of TOS in tiredness, memory, decision-making, etc. Again, I don't knwo your status, but just in general, I don't want anyone to give up.

Best wishes.

3 weeks post op
 

Well its been 3 weeks and I am doing better each week.

I forgot to mention previously that I had been having TMJ syndrome since this all began. I can't believe it but it seems to be gone. :D I don't know how it was connected, if it was due to the nerve being compressed, or if it was from clenching from being in pain. I can again drink cold liquids, eat ice cream and crunchy carrots without moaning in pain.

Biceps are still sore by every afternoon but I am learning to expect it and take tylenol and do my stretches. I also lay down for at least an hour just to get the weight of my arms hanging down off my shoulders. This seems to help.

I know that mentioning Doctors on here can sometimes cause controversy but I don't care!! Someone finally helped me and I am gonna tell it to whoever wants to read it or listen. How can we learn from each other if we don't?

http://http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Sciences/LifeScience/GeneralBiology/Physiology/Humanbody/Muscle%20Menu/The%20Shoulder/Pectoralisminor/Pectoralisminor.html

Dr Sanders you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi,
 

I am so glad that the surgeries done what you needed done. I think Dr. S is one of the best Drs. I have ever met. He will be your phone buddy. He did my first TOS surgery in 2000 and in 2003, I think it was or 4 he did the other side where he took out 3 inches of muscle to releive my chest pain. It did the job. The first surgery was removing a rib and it did the job also. I know I have to watch what I do but man did he work wonders on me. As far as phone buddy, he called me in Oct. of last year to check on me. We also talked after Bill passed away in Nov. He is a very caring Dr. and like you said he does rock.

I wondered about him retiring. I know he is training another Dr. and I hope this one can do as well as Dr. S does. I still need my left TOS surgery but at this point, I am living with it ok. Again it's just not doing the things that get the TOS flared now.

As far as PT. I was blessed with good PT'ers before and after TOS. I hope you will be able to find one that does know TOS and do the right thing to help you with your rehab.

Hang in and feel better soon.

Ada

4 weeks post op
 

Hi,
I've had some post surgical armpit cysts that turned out to be sweat glands blocked. Right side only. They are going away finally. Dr Sanders had me on antibiotics tho just in case. He said I need to now start some kind of strength training for my right arm. I'm not sure if I want to try Physical Therapy again or look online and do it myself. :confused: I'm gonna tread very carefully on this. I'm nervous about making myself worse.

Other than that, I am doing good.

Ada, good to hear from you again. Hope you are doing well! :hug:

have you looked for a PT'er who is training in feldenkrais or alexander somewhere near you?
that might be a gentle way to start.

Please see my post to you on another thread...it's about lymph glands, etc. under Johanna's 2nd surgery. God bless.

Yes Johanna I looked into the Feldenkrais last year after my initial dignosis of TOS. Its in a bad area of a downtown city about 40 miles from me. I'm gonna hold off for now till this WHATEVER it is......cesspool :D clears up in right armpit. :lookaround:

OK, maybe you coudl look for lymphatic massage...that woudl be a place to start...also just pumping your hands..bending them up and back out can help the circulation in your arm. Make sure you are doing something to keep range of motion...just go as far as you can several times a day focusing on trying to get some blood pumping.

a good PT might still be able to help you work that out, mine does with some gentle massage and ultrasound to warm up the stuff and massage to move it around. The main drain to the lymph is at the base of your neck, very close to the BP...you can also pump your head...by bringing chin to side of chest to help that drain work more effieciently.

almost 6 weeks post op
 

Hello, My underarm cysts are now gone. :D Thank goodness, I was scared about that. I have had some scapula pain over the weekend. Knowing the pec minor can cause some scapular instability, I decided to seek help.
I think I have found a Phys Therapist who can help me. We will see.

My daughter gave me the inspiration to get started. She is 5 weeks pregnant. My first grandchild is due in June. I am so excited!! I want to be able to hold the baby. Whichever way it turns out, I am sure the grandbaby is gonna know Grandma loves him or her. :D

Congratualtions, Grammy!!!!
 

hey, good for you :)

i am sure you will be ready for that baby!!!!