emmaline

I'm now going to PT for the TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome) problems, which I understand is suppose to alleviate the ear pain. Have an appointment with the pain clinic also, so I intend to keep that, since the ear pain is still 5/10 most of the time. Thanks to everyone who has helped with my questions. Thanks "mine" & good luck to you!! Emmaline

Hi mynika, an update about the ear pain. Saw a wonderful neurologist this past Thursday. He did a thorough neurological exam, finding what he believes to be Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Most of the time this can be taken care of by PT & anti-inflammatories. But, he did do a MRI to R/O any possible lesions, tumors, muscular atrophy, etc. The ear pain will not subside until the problem is taken care of, he said. Will get the results on the MRI early next week. Don't know if you have heard of this syndrome or not-there are lots of websites out there. One I found was: http:http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm Thanks so much to you for the time & efforts you spent to help me! I love all you nurses! You've shown me a lot of concern & it's appreciated! Emmaline

Hello Alicia, An update for you. Saw a wonderful neurologist this past Thursday. He did a very thorough neurological exam-said he believes it to be Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). He sat down in his chair & explained that & the treatment to me-can you believe a Dr that does this & not on his way out of the room when you try to find out some answers? He was so kind-made me feel better to know someone cares & is experienced & to give me some hope that there is a solution. Most of the time this can be taken care of with PT & anti-inflammatories. He says my ear pain will not get better until the problem is taken care of. He had a MRI done Friday-will get the results early next week-will let you know when I find out anything. He has to R/O any tumors, lesions, muscle atrophy, etc , of course. Don't know if you are familiar with this syndrome or not. Lots of websites out there on it. One that I found: http://ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm The Dr I saw was Dennis D Thoen,MD @ Parkview Medical Center-Bldg B, 1151 East 3900 So, SLC, UT 84124 Tel: 801-262-3441 just in case this info might help you or anyone else. My prayers are that this will end my Dr search, that I along with possible others can find answers & pain relief. Thanks Alicia! Emmaline

Hello mine, Thanks again for your response & the happy halloween wishes. Lots of fun watching the kids have a fun time in their cute costumes. I gave them lots of candy. I'm a big kid myself at halloween & Christmas. Guess what!! It's the 1st time I have left the Drs office with a smile on my face! (Thursday am). Saw a very experienced neurologist-he did a very thorough neurological exam- says he has seen this a lot, believes it is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). He explained it to me (as he was sitting relaxed in a chair!) and it sounded reasonable according to my symptoms. You know most Drs are on the way out of the room while you try to ask any questions, but this one was wonderful-everything you wish a Dr would be like! He said my ear pain will not get any better until the problem is taken care of. He had a MRI done yesterday, will get the results early part of next week.He's R/O any tumors, massive lesions, muscular atrophy, etc. From what he said, Most of the time PT & anti-inflammatories can take care of it- how nice that would be! Don't know if you have heard of this syndrome or not-there are lots of websites out there on it. One of them I found was: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm Dr Dennis Thoen is the Dr with the Western Neurological Associates, Inc. @ Parkview Medical Center-Bldg.B, 1151 East 3900 South SLC, UT 84124, Tel: (801) 262-3441. Don't know where you are located, but just in case this could help you in any way, I'm passing it on. My prayers are that this will not only help me, but someone else or others in the process of passing the word around. Thanks mine! God Bless You! I'll let you know soon as I find out. Emmaline

Hello mine, thanks so much for responding to me!! For sure, I can relate to your pain & frustrations, particularly since you have had this pain for 3 yrs! I feel sorry for you too! One nurse who sent me a message says she is a chronic pain sufferer & has gotten amazing relief with Pamalor, (non-addictive), as it raises the pain threshold. Read this link: http://www.bayareapainmedical.com/tricyclicanalges.html In oncology they are able to give half the dose of morphine if a normal dose of Pamalor is given. I have an appointment with a neurologist tomorrow, hoping & trying to keep my faith up that he will be able to find the problem. A new symptom I've had the last 2 days is pain in the (L) shoulder,radiating down into my arm to the wrist area-maybe denoting a nerve problem? Will let you know if I find out anything definite. Thanks a million!! Emmaline

Hi Alicia, Thanks for your response; that would be great if an OTC drug would take care of my pain-I'll try that shortly. Plan to see a neurologist this week, hoping he can find the problem &/or get me into a pain clinic. Another nurse told me about Pamalor, a drug that helps to raise the pain threshold. Warmth helps some. Anyway, I plan to be more assertive with the doctor this week. I appreciate your taking the time & efforts to help me. Nurses are very caring, giving people! Good luck to you with your allergy problems!!! Emmaline

Hi fab4fan[/i] ! Got the message loud & clear, yep, I know you are right about pain meds, I just need to take up for myself this time. I'm to see a neurologist soon; I plan to ask him about the drug, Pamalor, that I have received info on-as it raises the pain threshold. You probably know about this med-if not I can e-mail the info that I have to you. I appreciate so much your response & for the good laugh you gave me-bet you are lots of fun to work with & a super nurse! Thanks, Emmaline

Thanks so much for your response, also for info on Pamalor. I'll be sure to ask the neurologist when I see him about it. Have a daughter that has fibromyalgia that also might find some relief with the Pamalor. Nurses have all been so empathetic & helpful- may God bless you all for all the TLC that you give & especially help you to be pain free!!!!Thanks so very much!! Emmaline

Thanks so much for your response, a great idea; I plan to follow your suggestion. You nurses are all so wonderful & helpful. Good luck & may God continue to help you!!! Emmaline

You nurses are all T-riffic!! I appreciate all the great suggestions I am being given-thanks P_RN for the Mouthwash idea-will try that. I've talked with a pain clinic-can't get in till Dec, but I'm going to be more persistent. I wouldn't want my patients to suffer this much, so I don't plan on being a very 'patient' patient, I guess. I have plans on seeing a neurologist soon. Thanks so very much for your response & suggestions!!! Emmaline

I like your attitude & umph! You're right! I would not like my patients to suffer this way; it's time I stand up for myself as well! Thanks; I'll go forward with determination, thanks to Sjoe! Emmaline

Thanks Sjoe! You're right! So, I've talked to a pain clinic-can't get me in until latter Dec. In the meantime, I will try to see a neurologist. It helps to have other nurses' opinions, so thanks a million. I'm sure there are other people out there in the world that have worse problems than I do-maybe it will make a better person & nurse out of me, I hope!!Thanks so much! Emmaline

Thanks Deb RN for your response. I have talked to a pain clinic. It's such a slow process-will be the end of December before they can get me in---so, maybe I'll just give in & go to the ER some until then. As I am told, there will be different types of doctors assessing my pain in the pain clinic, which will be a blessing, Im' thinking. In the meantime, I plan to go on to a neurologist. Never thought I would be be so much of an impatient patient, but it certainly has helped to humble me & helped me to be a more understanding nurse. Thanks again; it's very much appreciated! The world is full of a lot of good people like you!! Emmaline

Since I am new at this, I hope I am getting your reply in the right place. Anyway, I'm so very sorry about your chronic pain!! Wish I could help you. I guess a lot of people like me take so much for granted, not realizing how lucky we are!!! Thanks so much for all that you have sacrificed for our country, also for responding, trying to help me even when you are in pain yourself!!Good luck to you!!!!! Emmaline