Hope this makes sense as my brain is scrambled at the moment. Am tired in pain and really fed up.

When I sit upright and rest arms out in front on a table my arms become more painful, colder(like ice blocks) and the colour changes are quite spectacular. I need to try and rest them in front on cushions (bead filled) but even so they feel so heavy and painful all the time.

I presume this is pressure related, though I do not lean on them , that is not good at all). Just do not know what position if any will help. It is like the more upright the more "traction"related pain I get. My neck does not feel like it wants to support my head and I never seem to look like my head is held in vertical alignment, Tried a collar once but that made matters worse, particularly as have those pressure/fulness sensations around my throat. I would love to lie flat as am sure that would help but cannot due to breathing issues.

Any advice. I know this is something we have had big posts on before about getting comy, but wondered what else have anyone tried?

Love Hx

I have some discomfort with arms out too, like playing cards or board games, reading books...I can manage it for 1-2 hrs and if i move around every so often.

I use a pillow on my lap to rest the books on
play card games on the computer LOL
only play quick board games and change positions a lot

for me it is the blood getting stopped when my arms are at 90+ degree and also the additional leverage? of hold arms up/out and the change of pressure on the neck/shoulder/back

I was told when I had those type of symptoms that it was a "vasospasm" due to the nerve irritation. Arranging your position so there is less pull on the nerves (i.e. support your arms, good positioning), frequent changes of position, hot water immersions, very gradually working on stretching out the area and very gradually increasing your aoerobic exercise as much as you can without flaring all seem to help.

if you have trouble holding up your head, exercises to strengthen the longus colli muscles will help, This muscle is often very weak in TOS patients. Gradually trying to increase the time you can be up will help as well.

A recliner is good for in between sitting or laying - takes much of the pressure off.

a variety of pillows near favorite chair might work too- so you can find the best mix for comfort

for sleeping/bed rest-
those medical product sites {and some stores} have those foam wedges you can use to place under head or legs for best comfort positioning.

My out of bed position of choice is sitting in a wingback chair. The tall back support helps my head and neck. It also help support an ice bag or hot pack. The arms support my arms.

I play online poker.....to pass the time, stimulate my foggy brain, and to make a few bucks (unfortunately, not too many due to aforementioned foggy brain ) I have my laptop on a pull up table and all I have to move is my index finger.

Just typing here occassionally really does a number on me because both arms are "up" briefly. I can feel the tug on my collarbone and neck now.

I prefer my recliner . I can get comfy there without too much thrashing around. Also, I keep a pillow under my left arm for support when i'm sitting there, and also while driving also. I'll be driving alot more for the next month or so - 200mi each way to Nashville, up and back at least once a week.

I had written a good thread but couldnt locate it to forward to you. I have found a few things that help. 3" balloons blown up and placed under my armpits helped my TOC. I use Lidoderm 5% patches for painfull areas on my arms. Kinesio Tape, it's a Japanese or Chinese healing technique in which this tape is designed on the adhesive side to lift up the skin just enough that it allows the lymphatic fluids to flow. I have an aligment board I bought off of QVC I place between my scapulas and do some flexion and extension exercises. I also have found keeping a blanket over my shoulders and scapulas and front of brachial plexus to keep that area warm is a tremendous helps. looks stupid in the summertime, but it will keep you from taking pain relievers. Don't give up. THere are things that will give you relief.

Later,
(Broken Wings)

Thanks for that. I always keep my arms and neck and hands warm, cold and my hands just do not like each other. I think I will try the balloon idea that sounds interesting. Not head about the tape, will have to look that one up.

Thanks again everyone for your advice. The bed looks like the pillow and soft toy mountain...Anything to support bits of me!!

Bye for now...
HX

I hve just founf a site selling bands that go round the wrists. They are marketed for Raynauds sufferers and help to keep the hands warm. They are not disimilar to sweat bands but not as thick and different composition. I am soing to get a trial pack and see how thry go. My hands are so cold so I will try anything. I will try and add the site to next post (hope I remember)
I am trying the position with palms upright, but I do find that I do that without thinking about it. Looking into others.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Someone mentionep putting a bandaid on their neck so that when neck dropped foward when typing she knew she was not usong her eyes to view the screen and thus putting strain on the neck and surrounding areas.

Hx

There's another one for ya! You can use first aid tape and have a helper affix it on your skin in the same area where bra straps would be (one strip on the left shoulder one on the right). This trick is to help the same way as the bandaid. When you start to shrug up and create tension in your shoulder girdle, you'll feel the tape go taut. That's a Sharon Butler trick (I think!!).