Upper extremity issues

Hi Everyone:

I haven't been around for awhile, but have some questions and thought that some of you might be able to help.

I purchased a camelbak (Rogue) not long ago but have only used it once thus far. The Rogue is perfect for me in terms of size - I can't stand anything on my back like a huge backpack, etc....

My upper extremity problems are -> reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome.
I was a passenger in a MVA in 1978 which resulted in bilateral hand problems, and have gone through 20 operations from '79 - '94. (hand, wrist, thumb, left elbow). Both of my wrists are totally fused, as well as my thumb CMC joint.

For the past six months I have been having numbness, pain & tingling in my upper right back area, which then travels to the back of my neck. Lidocaine patches do not relieve this. My rheumatologist thinks this is related to my fibromyalgia....but, I don't think so.
After about 45 minutes/1 hour, that whole area feels numb & 'rubbery'.

Now, even without wearing my camelbak, I do have numbness & fatigue in both arms (& numbness in my upper right back/shoulder area).
I can usually ride for about 30 minutes before any symptoms show up, at which time I can (in some cases) ride with one arm while I rest & shake out the other. It IS extremely frustrating though! Oh, I should mention my bike is a hybrid - straight handlebar.

I've only ridden with the camelbak once and immediately started having symptoms of discomfort, tingling & fatigue, especially in my right arm & shoulder. I don't have the straps real tight.

Perhaps I'm just not a candidate for using a camelbak. My bike frame is 13" so I'm only able to carry one bottle of water with me. I have a headlight & computer on my handlebar so there's really no room to put another cage.

Any suggestions would really be appreciated.

Thanks!

Peace to you all,

Denise

What about rear-mount cages -- the kind that mount to your seatpost/saddle rails?

Seatpost mounted cages:
http://www.tri-zone.com/Details.html?cat=89&item=PFAQR

Saddle mounted cages:
http://www.tri-zone.com/Details.html?cat=88&item=MNSCH

Good luck!!!

Sounds like upper trapezius and levator scapulae spasms. Those can pinch down on nerves and burn and cause some fab-o neural symptoms. (and they can kick off any nearby issues, too.)

do you have a physical therapist you work with? Might be good to have the help of a PT and to have them check your bike. (is this only happening on the bike?) Also have them check how your posture changes as you fatigue on the bike.

I wonder too if you are kicking in those muscles to hunch up the shoulder girdle to compensate to get some internal rotation/pronation to grip the handlebar. A PT who can really look you over might know if switching to an albatross-style bar would relieve that (by putting your grip in neutral plane.)

Since this is happening whether or not you have the Camelback on, I'd be looking at your body before I'd look at the Camelback; but it would be good for the PT to see how your body responds to the Camelback, too. (take it in with your bike)

Thank you both for your replies:) .

KnottedYet:

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Those can pinch down on nerves and burn and cause some fab-o neural symptoms. (and they can kick off any nearby issues, too.)

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I CANNOT believe that I forgot one of my most major symptoms which is INTENSE BURNING in the upper right back region!!!! (you helped to remind me). This pain has made me cry before, so it is that bad! (guess I didn't want to remember it).

This intense burning, numbness/tingling & pain in my upper right back area does not happen with riding or with the camelbak on. Weird enough, it can start happening when I am doing the dishes & it escalates from there. (of course, I stop doing the dishes right away).
And, I have wondered if perhaps I should get a stool to stand on to do the dishes..... I started thinking (a couple of weeks ago), that perhaps b/c my wrists are fused and I am just 5' 1/4" tall that I may need to be about 6 - 8" higher (to make up for the length of my straight wrists to knuckles, distally).
Does that make any sense to you as to why I could be experiencing this type of burning pain?

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I wonder too if you are kicking in those muscles to hunch up the shoulder girdle to compensate to get some internal rotation/pronation to grip the handlebar. A PT who can really look you over might know if switching to an albatross-style bar would relieve that (by putting your grip in neutral plane.)

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That really does make A LOT of sense..... I WILL make an appointment to see a PT. Do physical therapists specialize?

Now, I don't know if this complicates anything but, after having a bone density study (? 10 mos ago), they found a compressed thoracic vertebrae fracture. (other than that, my bone density study was perfect).
I had specific thoracic x-rays done on two separate occasions and saw a 'back specialist' orthopedic surgeon. He agreed that there was a fracture there, but said "it could have happened back at your car accident" (? in '78?) & not to worry about it.
But, to come back if I ever have further problems.

To be honest, I really do feel overwhelmed at times with all of my medical diagnoses, that I get everything all confused & mixed up. It is difficult to sort out all my symptoms & get it across to a medical professional. (It can be hard to find a physician who has the patience to really listen).
After having worked in the medical field for 25 years (and hoping to return), I guess I've always been used to diagnosing myself....

Before this post gets too confusing, I'll close. Thank you again for all of your very helpful information :) .

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albatross-style bar

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I've never heard of that kind, but I'll have to check into them.

Peace & Love,

Denise

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Since this is happening whether or not you have the Camelback on, I'd be looking at your body before I'd look at the Camelback...

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Can't argue with that, but there is also the option of a camelback worn around the waist or a second water bottle that attaches to the seat tube with velcro.
Mine is from TWOFISH unlimited www.twofish.biz

Another, somewhat expensive, option might be to ride a recumbent. Those with under-seat steering don't put pressure on any upper body parts.

You might look into it.