| Last Updated June 29, 2005 |
My TOS :
I developed tendonitis in both hands/forearms that I worked through and ignored the discomfort till quickly I began to loose feeling in hands. As time went on, I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syn. & Thoraic Outlet Syn. I worked with PT's, OT's and hand therapists for a year. Doing all the tests, nerve studies, and Ink MRI Test. I continued to loose strength and pain intensified with the endless upper body strenghtening, freeze stretching, being taped to "unround" my shoulders, trigger point massage. I finally, reluctantly, underwent a First Rib Resection. I had complications in surgery. Was in hospital for four days with Punctured Lung and Severed Nerve. I regret having the surgery. It went against all instincts and it took a very long time to recover from the scar tissue in lung area, nerve pain, etc. In retrospect, I would have done daily Feldenkrais/Alexander/& or CranioSacral Therapy along with my existing walking routine for 6 months before deciding to do surgery. I thought I had tried everything before I underwent the knife, but I hadn't. I had done all convential methods and worked full time during most of my PT and OT treatments. After surgery, the strength and circulation in my hands got worse. I finally had to stop working after about a year of rehab. I moved closer to family to work with Dr. Ellis and Peter I. Edgelow. There I learned to do nerve glides, Peter's Program, and Introduced to the Feldenkrais Method. I was able to take off my Thoraic Torso Brace after a one week intensive training at a Feldenkrais Training. I was also blessed to have a private lesson by a PT who worked with Peter, her name was Grace. She was a long time PT and current Feldy student. I know have been studying the Feldenkrais Method for 7 years, I teach classes daily and have a full life, NO PAIN. I also have re-learned to use my whole body in all activities. I am now able to do all the things I use to (well buttons are still challenging at times)... But I continue to improve each day and have increase my ability to function to a whole new level. Mind you, I was a very healthy and outgoing 21 year old when my injury began. Volleyball, dancing, and lifting people with Cerebral Palsy out of a pool are back in my life again. I wish everyone much success and perservence on their journey to FULL RECOVERY. The body has an amazing capability to ADAPT AND HEAL...Give yourself time and surround yourself with people who can help you achieve your goal. Press On, In Christ Alone, Kristi Drullard, GCFP 858-663-0920
Dr. Ellis, Peter I. Edgelow, P.T. Feldenkrais Method/CranioSacral Therapy/Alexander Technique