yrsilly

OMGoodness rpowell01, I swear you have been living in my body for the past several years. What you have written describes me to a “T”.

For starters, 27 years ago I was shot completely through the head and was left with headaches and pain above the clavicle region. In addition, I would experience “ice pick” headaches for days and at times, weeks on end. About 10 years I began having severe fasciculations and muscle spasms in my body. The spasms were so severe that you could see the muscles ( many different individuals including multiple doctors) witnessed this happening. Every test known to man was run through blood work and MRIs of the brain. Finally I was told it was Benign Muscle Fasciculation?Spasm Syndrome and that basically nothing could be done for it.

3 years ago I developed left shoulder pain and went to an orthopedist. He ordered X-rays then after viewing them sent me immediately for and MRI of the Cervical Spine. which stated the following: c3/c4 4 mm posterior protrusion centrally, c4/c5, anterior disc protrusion, c5/c6 4 mm left disc protrusion posteriorly with moderate left neural formanal narroing, narrowing of the spinal canal centrally. c6/c7 4 mm left disc porturstion, severe left neural formainal stenosis and impingement of the left exiting roots, There is rotation of the left thecal sac and cord. I was immediately placed in an Aspen collar for at least 12 hours a day, traction twice a day and severely limited on what I could do with my arms.

Within the year I began having constant pain in my chest, as if someone was tearing out my pecs, and yes, like you, specific areas of pain which later I was told were trigger points in my body. Soon my arms joined in the debacle and I was sent off to have EMGs and NCSs on both arms since my pain was bilateral. Reports came back with median and ulner nerve damage in both arms. I am highly allergic to most medications and one by one we went through the list of pain management medications and slowly eliminated them. I have been in and out of ER with chest pain that mimics a heart attack yet all tests show that my heart is fine even though it feels on a daily basis that a spear is piercing my chest wall.

Woke up one morning last winter to find the area on the right side of my chest were TOS would be located swollen to at least triple its size and I was unable to move my arm from shoulder to elbow. Elbow to hand was fine. The pain was horrific and but all I could use was Advil and ice. all other methods had previously been ruled out. Mind you, I was still working a full work day in the Aspen brace. Slowly over the past 6 months the occasional pain in my arms, from arm pit to finger tips, has grown in intensity from burning nerve pain, to feeling like someone is stabbing me with a knife. 2 months ago my right bicep swelled up as large as a grapefruit and the arm turned a pale bluish white. Back to the ortho, immediately sent in for MRI which indicated fluid and swelling in the cubital tunnel. Back to the ortho who physically tested for TOS and he discovered he could not find a pulse in my left arm, the normal one. Now off to a Vascular Surgeon who stated in his report,” I am not sure of what she has, but something is definitely abnormal.”

Next stop is a Rheumatolgist who diagnosed me with aggressive and controlled Fibromyalia above and beyond the physical findings of the surgeon and orthopedist. Now back to the Neuron-surgeon who put me through the pin prick to the fingers test to having me fail on the right hand; never flinched when he was poking the fingers, but on the left hand, the side with the impingement, I could feel pain, but less than before.

Technically my pain should NOT be bi-lateral but it is, and is proven by observation, physical tests, diagnostic imaging and just about anything you can think of. I have had to leave my job because I could no longer perform my duties. My regular MD just shakes his head and tells me he has never in 30 years of practicing medicine, seen anything like this, but here I am. After the latest series of testing by the Rheu to see if there is another issue, I will return to the Neurosurgeon for another MRI and probably the scheduling of surgery. Do not give up, do not be dismissed and believe in yourself. 10 years ago I was told it was anxiety and look where I am today. In a neck brace and arm braces and sorry, I have never seen a shrink instruct a patient to wear those!