| Last Updated July 12, 2005 |
My TOS :
My story began over a year ago when I noticed burning pain in my hands. I was first diagnosed w/overuse syndrome and began working w/restrictions at work. I have a desk job that is very stressful. I began to wear braces and underwent a lot of scrutiny and stress at work and at home . As a result of having TOS, I get extreme headaches, dizziness, and burning pain in my hands. I also experience numbness and tingling. I wear braces, which really help at the computer. I have had all tests that show positive, including a scalene test block, an SSEP Test, and an MRI/MRA test at UCLA from radiologist, Dr. Collins. Suprisingly enough, the insurance company for my work comp claim has authorized this but they deny everything else. I have compression on both by veins and arteries and am a surgical candidate. I also have carpal tunnel and tendonitis. I have been in rehab for over a year, on and off, for hands, neck and back. Now my treatment is being stopped, because they aren't getting paid. I am disabled from work. It hurts to clean but I have no money for a cleaning crew. I live alone. It hurts to go grocery shopping and do laundry. I am 28 am sometimes feel 80. Sometimes the headaches and dizziness are so severe that I am bedridden for days. I have cried a lot, because I no no one w/this condition and no one understands except specific MD's. I take celebrex, which helps and a muscle relaxant when needed. Neurontin also helps along w/lidoderm patches, aquatic rehab, and accup. I really don't want surgery but am willing to consider to improve my quality of life. Botox and left scalee block recently certified via peer review for work comp after fighting for two years. I also have cervical disc herniations, which also mimick symptoms of TOS!!!! THESE HEADACHES ARE JUST A BRUTAL.
DR. ERNESTINA SAXTON-NEURO, DR. DANIEL CAPEN-ORTHO, DR. SAMUEL AHN-VASCUAL SURGEON AT UCLA, DR. JAMES COLLINS-MRI/MRA RADIOLOGIST-UCLA, DR. SHELDON JORDON FOR SCALENE BLOCKS AND BOTOX