| Last Updated July 13, 2004 |
My TOS :
Hello All, My TOS Story: In 1990 I accidentally walked off a cliff while hiking at night in southern CA. After a 20ft fall, I landed sitting on a pile of rubble, and the entire impact went up my spine right between by shoulder blades. The pain was immediate and severe, and gradually it subsided over a period of weeks to a persistant stabbing pain when I would inhale, raise my arms over my head, or bend over. Since then, the pain has grown worse. I have been to countless doctors, each one of them seemed to give me a diagnosis along their own field of study. They all do agree that I have a wedge shaped vertebrae - either congenital or the result an injury. I spent 5 useless agonizing months in PT, and for the last 4 years I have been receiving steroid injections from a pain clinic. I also take Ultram(when I have it), which has honestly saved my sanity, and allowed me a breif reprieve from the constant pain. About a year ago I was diagnosed with TOS, I had always thought the numbness in my pinkies was the result of carpal tunnel. Now my lower lip is starting to go numb on a frequent basis, which I am told is also a symptom of TOS. I was told that I was a canidate for surgery, but due to the risks involved, I would prefer not to have any additional problems resulting from the surgery. I am in constant bone-grinding pain, and I have finally found an office job (it's a miracle!) after working ten horrible years as a journeyman electrician. Having to hide the pain, missing work (and getting laid off), not being able to sleep, it really was a nightmare. If there is anyone else out there working a labor-intensive job with TOS, I know what you're going through. If anyone knows of a good doctor in the western PA area, who is familiar with TOS- let me know. My current pain clinic Dr keeps shutting off the ultram. I just need to find a way to manage the pain so I'm actually able to be even somewhat functional. Just doing the dishes has become an experiment in pain tolerance. Mike
Dr. Kang