You have a vascular surgeon? Why, that's awesome! Not only would he be able to refer you to a good neurologist, he can help you to rule TOS in or out by doing some diagnostic tests.

If I were you, I would make an appointment with him before any hand surgeon. Hand surgeons, in my experience, tend to be soooooo ultra-specialized that they will very rarely look above the wrist - or maybe the elbow, if pushed - for where the trouble is emanating from.

Because of the controversy in medicine concerning TOS I think I mentioned to you before, you might encounter some resistance. So be prepared for that. A lot of us TOSers had to see several doctors before we finally got the right dx. That is what is known as the "TOS shuffle!"

Do you really think your pain doc would hold your meds hostage if you do something he doesn't like, or don't do something he wants you to do? That is outrageous! But you have kids, right? Use your "mommy" skills on him!

I really like your concept of the whole body being treated, rather than having to have a specialist for this, a specialist for that, ad nauseum. Sort of like holistic medicine. A lot of Western docs have adopted that mindset in the last decade or so. I hope you find one of them to put on your tx team!

Take Care, Darlin

Alison