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Old 05-29-2015, 05:13 PM
SallyT SallyT is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 4
8 yr Member
SallyT SallyT is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 4
8 yr Member
Default New and wanting appt prep help!

Hi there - I am completely new to the use of forums, so please forgive my ignorance! I am kind of in the middle of figuring out my TOS and looking for a bit of advice for my upcoming appointment with my GP. I am in Canada.

I was told approx 2 yrs ago that I had TOS by my chiropractor based on loss of radial pulse in some manoeuvres. Later saw a neurologist, who confirmed compression but stated that is wasn't nerves. GP sent me for an ultrasound of the neck/shoulder which was normal.

I pushed for a vascular ultrasound and had that a couple of weeks ago. I had one test with a sensor placed on my finger which showed loss of blood flow to the hands (both I believe) during all manoeuvres with arms raised and military stance. The tech then looked at the blood flow in the subclavian artery with arms down and arms raised. The blood flow completely stopped. He seemed interested ("well, loooooooky here!" haha) and I was on my way. My GP called me in for results but said it was not urgent and I go in in another couple of weeks.

My symptoms include: numbness of both scapula, pain near collarbone, arm fatigue, hand cramping, grip that won't quit (stuck in tight grip position after holding/carrying something that lasts for a minute or so), forearm aching, chest pain, etc.

I have additional symptoms and I'm not sure if they're related: face tingling, ear fullness (on side where arm is raised when driving, and where seatbelt crosses over collarbone area); very occasionally my left eyelid won't open very much after lying on left arm in the evening; feeling faint/history of fainting; feeling slightly nauseous and unwell after sleeping in bad position with arms raised or when driving.

In preparing for my appointment, and understanding that this is a rare condition, I want to have some good questions ready for my doc. He has already made a referral to a thoracic surgeon for me but my understanding is that TOS is seen as wait list only as is not a priority condition.

My questions are:
What do you make of the most recent vascular ultrasound? Would this be ATOS?
If the subclavian artery goes from the heart to the arm, why would I have "head" symptoms?
If this is ATOS, is surgery urgent? From what I read it seems to be fairly serious, but his MOA stated that there was no urgency in meeting with the doc for follow-up.
What should I be asking my doc when I see him? Further tests?

I'm sorry for the long-winded message. Thanks in advance for any support/advice you can provide!

Warm wishes-
Sally
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