I just need some friends right now. First I am diagnosed with Disc herniation, 10 years ago; have disc replacement. Didn't work. Dianosed with TOS, have rib-resection/Scalanectomy in 2000. Pain free for years due to Dr. Togut. Love him. 2005 symptoms come back. Have seen Dr. Schwartzmann, Dr. Togut and recently Dr. Pappagallos. Confliction diagnosis, TOS, RSD, constriction of nerves and veins.

I am so at a loss. Fighting with husband. He doesn't believe I'm in pain. We fight constantly and am concerned. Causing chest pains and other issues. Also, he is isolationg me from my family.

Sorry, Linda

Linda don't be sorry for anything. We are all family here.
I wish I knew exactly what to say or have the answers, it is a difficult time. I do hope that you do not allow the isolation and use your great love of family to keep those you love close. I have seen spouses that are in not a good place try to isolate and turn other family against them to keep control. They do not want those people to hear or see how they treat you. Isolation is a control method.

You do need to find support....If you had a list or have some names follow up, you need to get rid of the chest anxiety to reduce the pain. The stress increases your pain, but you know that.

Having a supportive companion is not what TOSers generally have because they do not get the pain because you do not walk around with a cast on, there is no shoulder replacemtent or limb loss....No heart on the outside broken and draining.

it is like we need a sign to touch me with gentleness, and treat me with understanding and kindness. In return I will always be there for you as strong as I can be in my heart.

Hugs to you and I think of you so often and add to my list for prayers.
Di

Boy, sounds familiar.

Don't you have the isolation part? Then you have no one to lean on - or run to. But if you still have my phone number, please feel free to call me in the evenings - (when I feel the best and can talk.)

I'd LOVE to be a sounding board, confidential, etc. We all need that sometimes, and Beth helped me a lot a couple of months ago.

LOVE to you.

Linda, you always have friends here!

Something you said concerns me. Your DH is isolating you from the rest of the family!? Isolation is the FIRST tactic of a bully. Now, I don't know you or your marital situation... but in general terms, if you are being isolated (and/or bullied) the best line of defense it to TALK IT UP to anyone who will listen. And I don't mean talk up your health situation, talk up the fact that you are being isolated by DH and it's compounding your health issues. Friends, Family, Doctors, etc. Let everyone know what you are being subjected to.

Meanwhile, if DH does not believe your pain... I will be happy to talk to him. I'm sure many others would talk to him too. Personally, I think he'd take it more seriously if it came from a Male member of the forum. Guys are like that.

Your Dr. should read him the riot act!

I'm sorry to hear you are not doing good.

I agree with Astern on this about your Dr. talking to your husband. He could get to him better and Drs. do have a way of explaining what we can't.

My Dr. talked to Bill many of times explaining to him what I was going through. We had the same PCP and he knew both of our health issues so he helped Bill to understand what I was going through and helped me when we knew Bill wasn't going to make it.

Drs. don't have a stake in your life like your family or friends do so I don't think your husband would listen to them. He might get even angrier for letting them know but you do need to bring someone in to help both of you. Maybe councelling with a Councellor that is up on RSD and TOS.

Have you went to PT. A good Physical Therapist might help you some. Make sure they know about RSD and TOS.

Hope you start feeling better soon.

Ada

We are here for you! I am saddened to hear about the terrible time you are having right now. Is there a local support group (church, other TOSers, etc) you can call on now? Our group here is great of course but I'm thikning you need a more tangible network available to you at your fingertips. In the meantime Please try and see the rainbow through the rain!