Six months ago, Amy Leach wasn't able to work outside or even make her bed.
"I couldn't breathe well," Leach said. "I was lightheaded all the time. I had no energy."
It all started after a car accident 27 years ago. Leach broke her neck and ribs, which sent her down a long road to recovery, but three years ago, she started experiencing intense pain in her arm and body that wouldn't go away
"Every single day was just an absolute struggle to get through," said Leach.
Doctor after doctor got it wrong until Leach was finally diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, or TOS. It often happens to people who've suffered an injury or perform repetitive motions.
"And what happens is that the artery, vein and or nerve are compressed as it comes out of the arm into the hand," said Dr. Julie Freischlag, board-certified vascular surgeon, dean of the school of medicine and vice chancellor for human health sciences at UC Davis.
Up to 70 percent of patients with TOS that affects nerves can find relief with physical therapy, but Leach needed surgery. Doctors removed a muscle in her neck along with her first rib. Eighteen hours after the procedure, Leach was pain-free.
"I broke down and just wept because it was finally relief," Leach said.
Now, Leach can climb, clip and pull without any pain.
"It's just unbelievable," said Leach. "I mean, I truly, truly have my life back."
Nerve-related TOS like Leach's is often misdiagnosed because it mimics other orthopedic problems. Athletes and those who've experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from it.
UC Davis has one of the only clinics in the country that specializes in diagnosing and treating TOS.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1BqSb7R
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire