u/hmmmmmmm94

First rib removal only vs both rib + pec minor release, worth it? (EDS/hypermobility)
Had both diagnostic blocks done. Scalene gave about 30-50% relief, pec minor about 20-30%. Both helped but neither resolved everything. Worth noting my symptoms were flaring more on the day of the pec minor block, so the comparison isn’t perfect. Overhead vascular symptoms persisted through both.

My surgeon in Charlotte, NC is leaning toward just the first rib removal since I’m hypermobile with EDS and Marfan’s, and releasing the pec minor could cause instability.. but I thought releasing pec minor would be less invasive / risky?

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did you do just the rib, or both? Was it worth it? Any regrets either way?

Hypermobile here (EDS + Marfans overlap). My RSI has gotten to the point where even using my phone is painful. Desk work is brutal, but I also can’t just go do something highly physical — overdoing it is its own problem with connective tissue issues.

Feel like I’m stuck between “too stationary” and “too demanding on joints.”

For those who navigated a career change, what did you land on? Did ergonomic accommodations ever actually help long-term, or did you have to leave your field entirely? Any roles that gave you movement variety without wrecking you?

I know everyone's situation is different and the grass is always greener. But my RSI has gotten bad enough that I can't game, can barely use my phone, and I'm trying to figure out what's next.

Did you switch careers entirely? Go part-time? Find ergonomic setups that actually made a difference long-term? Move into something more physical, or something with more variety in movement?

What worked and what didn't?

First time at this venue. Going solo, early 30s, honestly just planning to lay on the lawn with a blanket and vibe. Heard the lawn is the move for this kind of show and it seems like the right call for me.

Main thing stressing me out is the parking situation leaving. I've heard it can be a 2 hour nightmare getting out of there. Is there any kind of cheat code for that? Like a back exit, a specific lot to park in, or a time to leave to avoid the worst of it? I'm not super attached to seeing the last song so leaving a few minutes early is on the table.

Also.. lawn vs terrace/pavilion seats for a chill solo show? Anyone been recently and have thoughts? Appreciate it!

I have hEDS + Marfan's with confirmed TOS. Leaning toward first rib resection. Surgeon mentioned possibly skipping pec minor release since hypermobile patients may need that stability.

Was surgery worth it? Did hypermobility complicate recovery? Did anyone get an upright MRI to rule out cervical instability beforehand? My supine MRIs are normal but symptoms are clearly worse upright and I don't want to go into surgery without ruling that out.

Any experiences appreciated.

Have confirmed TOS with EDS/Marfan's. Did both diagnostic blocks.. scalene gave more relief than pec minor. Vascular surgeon leaning toward first rib only since pec minor may provide needed stability with hypermobility.

Also trying to get an upright MRI before surgery to rule out cervical instability but keep getting denied. Symptoms are clearly worse upright than lying down.

Anyone been through this? Rib only, pec minor, or both? Worth it? Anything you wish you'd checked first?

Taking 5mg IR for the first time in a while today. Plan is to eat breakfast first (eggs, sourdough, yogurt) and then take it. My question is about the coffee — I usually have it with breakfast but obviously skipping it today.

Since it's only 5mg IR, the half-life is pretty short. Is it better to just wait until it's mostly out of my system (like 3-4 hours later) before having my coffee? Or is stacking caffeine on top of a dose that low not really a big deal?

Not trying to be jittery or anxious, just want the Adderall to do its thing and then enjoy my coffee guilt-free once it's worn off. Anyone have experience with this?

Trying to get back into IT and need to figure out a sustainable rig. Planning to use voice (Talon/Dragon) as much as possible but still need physical input options.

Even a vertical mouse triggers me, so I'm especially lost on the pointer side.. trackball? Stylus tablet? Something else?

For keyboards I've been looking at the Svalboard, Glove80, ZSA Voyager, and Kinesis Advantage. Leaning toward pairing whatever I get with a keyboard tray for better arm positioning.

What's actually worked for you?

In my 30s, clinically diagnosed hEDS, starting to notice some recession. Considering finasteride but getting nervous since DHT apparently plays a role in collagen synthesis.. feels like it could make EDS symptoms worse.

Has anyone tried finasteride, minoxidil, or both and noticed any changes in symptoms? Did either seem to affect laxity, healing, or anything EDS-related?
Thinking about getting genetic testing done first before making any decisions. Curious if anyone’s navigated this.

Looking for supplement recommendations for EDS and connective tissue disorders. Trying to keep it simple, not looking to take a ton of stuff.
Specifically curious about:

•	Protein powder — whey isolate or plant based? Any clean brands that work for you?

•	Creatine — worth it? Any issues with dehydration or side effects?

•	Magnesium — which form doesn’t wipe you out?

•	Electrolytes — LMNT, Nuun, something else?

•	Anything else that’s actually made a difference for you?

I have hypermobile EDS and suspected VTOS with cubital tunnel-like symptoms. All my EMGs come back normal but I have clinical symptoms. Doctors want me to get a cortisone injection at the elbow basically as a diagnostic test.

My concern: I'm very lean and I've read it can cause fat/tissue atrophy around the nerve, which could make things worse. Anyone with a similar situation try this? Did it help or did you regret it?