Thanks, Jo...I've got several pages, so I'll work on getting it organized and put up a new thread.

Wittesea, I know what you mean about that...having the strap on my clothes and using it does help!

Donna

Some of our pre & post op threads

http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=1629
http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=3576

Accupunture/chiro thread

http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=3337

botox/TrP injections

http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=3036

I am with Wittesea about something that shows you have an injury. I wear a soft cervical collar when I ride in the car because car rides for me are like a roller coaster ride in the sense that the slightest turn or a quick stop feels like major G forces!! I used to take it off when I would get to where I was going until someone came up from behind me and gave me a bear hug around my neck and put me into a week long flair!!

I have also told people at my local shopping haunts about TOS and how it has affected me. They know me as I have lived here all my life,and they have always been more than happy to help. I live in a small town though, so that's a little different than places where the clerks are someone different each time you go.

I have thought about getting a sweat shirt or tee shirt that said something like " I look fine but am broken so please give me a wide berth!!" Funny, but I saw some like that on the "Butyoudon'tlooksick.org" site!! I may order one!!

I also use a "moshi" cylinder shaped pillow when I ride in the car behind my neck and one under each elbow. They are awesome!! I sleep with one too. I must have 10 of them at least as they were on sale at ROSS awhile back for $5.00 each. When I first got them they were at Sharper Image for alot more money than that!!

I have an adjustable tempur pedic bed that makes all the difference in the world. I just got it and have NEVER slept better!!

I also use a " bookchair " or "sliding board" to hold my books as holding them causes my fore arms to cramp and swell.

Then, there is Dragon Naturally Speaking for voice activated typing that is sometimes tedious, but it helps me to be on the computer.

Hmmmm. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If I come up with anything else I'll be back !!

G~

Gromlily... I am not trying to endorse or sell any products, however the following link has items which deal with illnesses such as ours ! I have thought of purchasing an item or 2 ! For the most part when I am in a flare, I usually wear a sling on my left side as this is my worst side and behind it I have a small pillow that holds my arm up and could rest my right hand up on the pillow as well!

http://www.cafepress.com/idastuff/1000918 >>> scroll down to dawn's hyper link instead of this one, hers contains this and and a lot more KEWL stuff

Mark N Goober

This device has kept me working. I highly recommend it as a TOS friendly mouse, if there is such a thing. I would be out on disability if it were not for this. I got it when my ortho said he wanted my hands close to the body and just about at waist level. "Put them there and don't move them", he said.
This fits the bill pretty well. The ergo folks bought me one at work and I quickly bought one for myself at home.

Soon I will be adding Voice Activated Software to my arsenal...


rollermouse

Johanna

Your links gave me more ideas to search for
a variety of assistive tools & diability aids


http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/
http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/index.php


I haven't found a good pillow or neck/back cushion for in the tub-
so i think I will just pick up one of those rubber/padded { closed cell foam??} yoga/exercise type mat and cut it to fit.

Wow you guys!! Lots of good sites and info!!

Mark I'm with you..which shirts do you pick?? They are all great!

This is a great thread! Let's keep it going!!
G~

Hey Mark and Gromiliy,
I had bought a tank top from http://www.myida.org/marketplace.htm (cafepress)
I really like it.. It is made very well, it's not one of those thin cotten shirts you can sometimes get in the mail.. It was a thicker cotton and washed up great..
((Hugs))
Dawn

Hey Dawn, the link I had shared was from CafePress... however your link has a lot more mechandise than mine ! Think I am going to edit mine and tell people to scroll down to your link Mark-n-Goober

An Excerpt from her Thoracic outlet syndrome treatment book:



The Tape Trick is a very simple and low cost way to find out if you are
unconsciously raising your shoulders and perpetually irritating the nerves,
muscles and connective tissues of your neck, shoulders and arms. Here’s
how to do it:

Go to the pharmacy and purchase a roll of non-stretchy bandage tape
that is 1/2 inch in width. Avoid paper tape as it tears too easily. Good old
fashioned bandage tape that is found on the metal roll is a great one to
choose. Tear off a piece that is 12 inches long. Now go find a friend to
help you.

The Tape Trick works best if you do it on one shoulder at a time. Pick the
side of your body that has the most severe symptoms of repetitive strain
injury. If you can’t tell which side is worse, then pick the side that is your
more dominant side. For right handers, that would be your right side.
Have the friend stand next to you, looking at your side. Remove your
shirt. Ladies, it is very important to slip your bra strap off of your
shoulder. Make sure that your shoulders are down and relaxed and that
you are looking straight ahead. Have your friend apply the tape to the
bare skin of your shoulder, in the same direction that a bra strap would
go, with half of the tape extending to the front onto your chest, and the
other half extending down your back onto the back of your shoulder. For
ladies it is important that the tape is not applied in the exact same area
where your bra strap lies because your body has become somewhat
unconscious to feeling pressure in that spot. Instead, have your friend
apply the tape about 1/2 inch closer to your neck.

Now your job is to get dressed and go about your normal daily activities.
If you raise your shoulders at all, the tape will pull on your skin, alerting
you to the fact that you are raising your shoulders. It is important to try
to recognize when and under what circumstances you are habitually
raising your shoulders. By recognizing when you are engaging in this
unconscious activity, you can choose to change it, and relieve your body
of untold amounts of unnecessary strain and compression.
Freely share this Tape Trick with all your friends and colleagues so they
can be on the road to less pain and stress too!