2005-2008
Spent most of my time working at a computer editing and animating film projects. I was healthy and lifted weights regularly.
2008
Entered workforce taking demanding postproduction jobs that involved many repetitive computer tasks and keyboard strokes.
2010
I pulled my neck lifting at the gym (Oddly I was doing lower body, whole stack on the calf raise machine)
MRI showed "At the C4-5 disk space, there is a 2mm subligamentous extrusion which has extending inferior to the disk level for a length of 2mm. This partially attenuates the interior subarachnoid space without compromising the cervical cord."
Since then the neck pain and tightness has has been pretty constant. Neck was typically better away from the computer but I continued computer work. Neck would continue to get irritated (and sometimes pulled) from computer, weight lifting, basketball, stretching, even sleeping!
2011-2012
Tried PT for neck. Neck stayed very tight. Discomfort was common but not debilitating. Still suffered from occasional "pulls". Continued to work at a computer and developed occasional mild numbness in my pinky and ring fingers.
Took a new demanding assistant editing job with highly repetitive computer tasks. Video editing was also my hobby and so after work I would continue editing my own videos pursuing a more self-sufficient (longshot) career on YouTube. On top of my full-time job and full-time hobby, I was offered a few freelance animation gigs. I was spending 15 hours a day at a computer. I should hv turned additional gigs down bc I was already overworking myself but I was very passionate about animation, and saw them as great opportunities.
I developed a sharp pain in my R elbow when I bent it or used the computer (mouse, stylist, keyboard). As I tried compensating by favoring my left hand my symptoms became bilateral. Pain was so bad at its worst I could not brush my teeth or floss. Even masturbating is painful. My hand would go numb. Now this is serious problem. It got to the point where I could not do my job and avoided tasks, which is not like me at all. I wanted to quit and I should've quit but I didn't bc of pride, guilt, and fear of ruining my "career".
My right arm would hurt more at the elbow while my left suffered from more numbness and tingling in the hand. Doctors at Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) diagnosed me with cubital tunnel syndrome. Physical therapy hurt. And then it helped. But not enough to get me well enough to work at a computer. I needed to be able to work a computer. And I wanted desperately to return to weightlifting and/or running (both had become painful due to elbow bending and numbness).
Dr. Auerbach recommended medial epicondylectomy surgery. Dr. Simic recommended subcutaneous transposition surgery. Dr. Shin (Kerlan Jobe) recommended submuscular transposition surgery. I had three separate doctors recommending three different surgical operations for my condition!
I was terrified and stressed about not being able to work and earn a living, not being able to pursue my own dreams and hobbies of video editing and animation, and not being able to do something as simple as a web search without pain. So I bit the bullet and decided to go with a submuscular transposition on my right arm w Dr. Shin.
Neck pain and tightness at this time was still common for me. I recall a time I was just talking to somebody and all of a sudden my neck muscle pulled and I was stuck with a stiff neck for a few weeks. I noticed that when my neck gets pulled my elbow pain will go away. I still wonder if there is a correlation. My doctors informed me there was not.
2013
My elbow pain is different now. I have numbness around my elbow that I didn't have before. I still have pain which seems like it's inside my cubital tunnel. This is odd bc the submuscular transposition surgery moved my ulnar nerve from the cubital tunnel and put under the muscle on the inside of my arm. In a post op check up appointment Dr. Shin essentially told me "Ya that happens, we don't know why." I recorded the appointment on video if you'd care to see for yourself: http://youtu.be/NDyhSinHV7s . My physical therapist later explained the pain is coming from my tricep tendon at the elbow, which is right under the cubital tunnel. It may have been damaged during surgery.
I'm still nowhere near capable of working a computer full time. I tried modifying my computer ergonomics with voice control, foot pedals, touch-screens/iPads, standing desks, and adjustable "ergonomic" keyboards.
I took a new job (and a huge pay cut) at an after school program. I love kids so it was fun for me. But the commute was 30 mins there and usually even longer back due to traffic. This started out hurting my elbows but ended up hurting my chest even more. I stuck with it for a yr but pain got so bad I sold my car and quit the job.
I've developed chronic thoracic outlet syndrome.
2014
My chest hurts walking, lying down, watching TV. The pain prevents me from earning an income, from practicing my crafts and passions. The pain prevents me from engaging in the activities I used to be able to turn to for stress relief. I can't lift weights. I'm afraid to extend an arm to cuddle with my girlfriend bc it hurts and I know it will make it hurt more later.
I'm afraid of doctors and bills. My grandmother and father don't understand how limiting my pain is. I'm afraid I'm reaching a point where the only answer for me is to find a drug and become an addict. I'm afraid I have a future not worth living.
But I gotta be positive. Best thing is to stay distracted/busy and try not to think about it. That's just really hard to do when it seems like the pain's always there. I'd love to find a helpful PT regimen so I can be proactive.
Thanks to the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome facebook group for their support. Reading your stories lets me know I'm not alone.
