I was recently diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and I am having a very difficult time dealing with it. I am only 27. Basically tingling in my hands and a tension in my shoulders that does not go away. My blood gets rather restricted and my shoulders tire easily when they are raised above my head, which clued in the doctor to the TOS.
At first the doctor thought it might just be a pinched nerve or a hernia but it is occurring on both sides of my body particularly on the palm and in the shoulders. I am living in Japan right now and one of my best friends here just went home to Ireland so I have no one really close to talk to, and thus am dealing with a bunch of stress as well. I am also taking days off of work since the fact that the condition has been steadily getting worse since February is really bringing down my spirits.
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posted by Kamelot123
on May 14, 2013 -
7 answers
In general, I'm an individual who's got a good handle on adult stuff: paying bills on time, obeying parking regulations, etc. Once in a while though, when I get stressed out about something, my brain stops taking care of these basic maintenance tasks. Case in point: this week I had a big project due for work, and I lost my car keys -- twice. Anybody have tips for helping me hold onto my sanity in high stress situations and avoiding silly, expensive mistakes?
posted by HeroZero
on May 1, 2013 -
12 answers
I had a phone interview last week that I thought I bombed. But, apparently I did good enough to land an in-person interview on Thursday. I'd like some advice on where in between "Fake it till you make it" and "lay your cards on the table" I should be. Details inside.
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posted by rebent
on Apr 29, 2013 -
24 answers
What are some stress-reduction techniques that support representatives and forum moderators use on-the-spot to remain cool and collected during difficult interactions with clients, and not let their own frustration get the best of them?
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posted by Opal
on Apr 28, 2013 -
6 answers
So there is the stress ball. That one I know. Does anyone have any other ideas for dealing with nervous energy from stress and anxiety in the office that won't bother people around you so much (esp those moments when I can't just go for a long walk or to the gym, etc).
It’s a fairly routine problem for me that even after the stressor is long gone, the nervous energy sticks around. I don't so much need the 'take a deep breath' or 'think positive' type of thing, I might not even be actively thinking or worrying about anything; and I already have a good doc for the long term aspects. Just looking for some ideas about the tactile and physical side of this thing, which tends to stick around for a while and can be pretty uncomfortable.
posted by shimmer
on Apr 23, 2013 -
33 answers
I made a professional mistake which I had to own up to very publicly. No one, not my boss or my co-workers or my friends seems to think any less of me for it, but it's eating away at me and has had me in agony for the better part of a week. How do I stop dwelling on this?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 23, 2013 -
27 answers
I travel on a semi-regular basis and would like to become a better traveler, both in terms of trip planning and packing/unpacking/repacking. If you travel frequently, how do you do it? How can I up my game?
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posted by kat518
on Apr 22, 2013 -
25 answers
I'm going through a bout of depression and while it isn't affecting my work, it is affecting how I behave at work. I realised today that some of my colleagues have picked up on this change in behaviour. How can I maintain my dignity and privacy?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 19, 2013 -
7 answers
About 8 weeks ago I sliced the flexor profundus tendon that allows the tip of my right pinky to function. I had surgery and have now subsequently re-severed the healing tendon, requiring ANOTHER round of surgery to try to repair again. Should I go through with this? Issues related to post-operative depression, unemployment, and general existentialist angst inside. See
previous.
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posted by jnnla
on Apr 16, 2013 -
11 answers
How do you project calmness and authority on days when you're super stressed and tired? Advice from health professionals encouraged.
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posted by cucumber patch
on Apr 16, 2013 -
16 answers
Is there any discussion available of the social/behavior results of having multiple generations of only children in a family? Know of any sources? Have any personal experiences?
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posted by powerbumpkin
on Apr 11, 2013 -
9 answers
I have had what a doctor said is probably a pinched nerve for the last 2-ish months. It started with a tingling in the left shoulder and now runs all the way down to the fingertips. How to heal when you are stressed, it seems to get worse from stress and you cant do anything you love?
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posted by Thanquol180
on Mar 28, 2013 -
4 answers
Looking for lifehacks to help me thrive in a stressful high-pressure job working 50+ hours a week long-term. I am special, find out why..
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posted by f3l1x
on Mar 18, 2013 -
21 answers
How do I effectively communicate to my husband that I'm afraid that his job stress is spilling over into our family life and negatively affecting his relationship with our kids?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 11, 2013 -
14 answers
What are your strategies and best practices for being a cog in an inefficient bureaucracy? How do you compartmentalize the frustration and leave it in the office?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 11, 2013 -
14 answers
My son is almost 9. He suffers from mild anxiety, and very often can't sleep at night. He gets plenty of exercise most days as he plays sports year round. He reads at night, but this doesn't always do the trick. He's a very intense kid, and rather than cut down on the sports (which very often is the source of his stress, even though he loves playing) I'd like to manage the anxiety. I think some sort of guided sleep meditation might be really useful here, and I'd love some recommendations. Most of what I've found so far either is sort of corny and a little babyish, or is not specific to sleep and is more about mindfulness and not as good for relaxation. Thanks!
posted by missuswayne
on Mar 11, 2013 -
18 answers
I have on-going problems with work anxiety and impostor syndrome. The worst part? I’m starting a new, high-demand job in two weeks and need help now.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 8, 2013 -
4 answers
I'm asking this for a friend, A. A has a pinched nerve in the neck that isn't getting any better. He has bad posture and sits in a cubicle all day. He would like to see a physical therapist for this, but has also heard good things about the Alexander technique for correcting posture. Which would you recommend?
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posted by Kamelot123
on Feb 26, 2013 -
8 answers
I've been very stressed for a few months. I've tried managing it, however on Thursday I almost snapped and became quite teary to the point a co-worker mentioned it to my team leader. My team leader was great and told me not to worry. Unfortunately after a stressful weekend I still feel very weepy and have a very tight chest. I think I may need to take a few days off work in order to recover. I haven't got any holiday left so would need to take it as sick. How should I go about getting some time off to recover and get myself straight again?
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posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM!
on Feb 24, 2013 -
10 answers
Need some career advice:
Internet Brands has had me for a few interview for a Project Manager, but
Glassdoor has some really bad things to say (and good, but those can be phony placements). Has anyone ever worked or know someone that worked there? What's it like?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 20, 2013 -
5 answers
I wake up too early every morning. When I wake up, I immediately start to worry about the Stressful Thing in my life. Then I get the tingly feeling in my skin and my heart starts to pound. And then I can't get back to sleep. And because I'm waking up too early, I haven't had enough to sleep. The sleep deprivation is compounding the anxiety. How do I stop this pattern?
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posted by (F)utility
on Feb 14, 2013 -
24 answers
Even when I have free time, I find myself rarely doing the thing called "relaxing". I'm looking for how I can better relax, and what I can do to give myself a better environment to do so.
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posted by parudox
on Jan 29, 2013 -
15 answers
Beyond the initial challenges of quitting smoking, what are the longer-term effects? How does life actually change?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 13, 2013 -
34 answers
The past 3 days I have somehow managed to enter a perfect storm of personal stress. I am looking for any kind of thought-pattern-y strategies that I can use in a pinch to tell myself, so that at least temporarily, I might hold off constant weepiness.
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posted by bitterkitten
on Jan 13, 2013 -
15 answers
I have a ton of work to do over the next few days, and I think the accumulation of poor sleep habits, stress, and caffeine have rendered me mentally impotent. I'm too tired to think clearly, but too wired to take a nap (I've tried several times in the last few hours). I've never felt like this before. I just want to wipe the slate clean somehow. Obviously a full day spa treatment or a weekend communing with nature would be nice, but I ain't got that kind of time. Any ideas? The only plus here is that I work from a computer and set my own schedule, so I'm beholden to nobody but me while I complete these work obligations. PS: I am writing this at 6pm on the west coast.
posted by malhouse
on Jan 9, 2013 -
20 answers
I'm on exchange in France and although I HAVE had a few fun nights, I'm generally having quite a hard time. It's my first week, so I'm aware that things will change. But what can I do to ease my way? I'm anxious, stressed, a little depressed, uncomfortable, feeling pretty low and insecure, etc. Please help me!
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posted by rhythm_queen
on Jan 9, 2013 -
23 answers
I like him a lot, but I have PTSD don't feel like I have much to give in a relationship. He wants to wait, but I'm not so sure.
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posted by proximacentauri
on Dec 22, 2012 -
7 answers
I am trying to process a period of professional turmoil in my life that occured over a year ago. Things are okay now but I am still dealing with painful emotions and memories from that experience. How can I go about finding closure?
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posted by rasselas81
on Dec 16, 2012 -
17 answers
In the past two years my short-term memory has gotten terrible. I forget where I put items, I forget names which I wouldn't have in the past, and I am not good at all in keeping short lists in mind. I have searched for solutions but have found no real answers.
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posted by Lugos
on Dec 16, 2012 -
9 answers
So I'm on a performance plan at work due to dishonesty. Please help me turn this around.
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 14, 2012 -
53 answers
Marriage fizzling; need your best holiday coping methods to get through the rest of the year.
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 4, 2012 -
12 answers
How do I deal with the stress and drama caused by my emotionally manipulative live-in sister? The emotional welfare of her two young children is also at stake. Special snowflake details inside.
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posted by BrianJ
on Dec 3, 2012 -
18 answers
Nearly everything I liked about my current job has evaporated, and I am left with stress and anxiety. In addition, I've always been indecisive about what my career should be. At this point should I try to build a career at my current company or leave and try something else?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 19, 2012 -
11 answers
My life is spiraling out of control due to constant self-sabotage. How do I start battling this problem?
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posted by tammi209
on Nov 18, 2012 -
26 answers
How do I plan for or learn to cope with huge changes in my life this year that include graduating university, getting married, moving cross country? (sorry long!!)
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posted by snowysoul
on Nov 2, 2012 -
3 answers
I need a new career. Special snowflake factors: I like my current career, I've been very successful -- but I've been diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder and can't take the stress anymore. Details very slightly obfuscated.
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posted by sock puppet du jour
on Oct 31, 2012 -
21 answers
Living in Shinjuku, Japan. I have been rather stressed lately due to a variety of factors. Please help me find both exercise locations (cheap gyms, jogging routes) and inexpensive (but decent) counseling/therapy around the Shinjuku, Japan area.
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posted by Kamelot123
on Oct 23, 2012 -
8 answers
I do NOT want to come in to work today. My shift begins in 3 hours and I'm seriously considering just not showing up. One week working there and I already want to quit - HELP!
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posted by HiphopAnonymous
on Oct 21, 2012 -
39 answers
Are there corners to cut that we should be cutting? What tasks do you skip, consciously or not, as a family? Washing dishes? Putting laundry away? IS THERE SOMETHING WE SHOULD NOT BE DOING?
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posted by A Terrible Llama
on Oct 17, 2012 -
84 answers
So, I just started my PhD program. Are my feelings normal? I'm worried that I'm not working enough and that my ideas are bad.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 4, 2012 -
21 answers
