Hi Carla,

I have the same questions Astern has. You NEED those tests and possibly many more to not only diagnose TOS, but what kind of TOS and why.

Is this Doc a specialist or your general practicioner? How were you diagnosed? There is too much information missing in your post to really understand what you need.

Most physicians do not like to prescribe RX for pain because there are lots of people out there who just want the drugs. However, if you have been diagnosed, then you will need to be seeing more than one specialist and certainly will need a pain specialist to evaluate you for both pain issues and depression.

It is a frustrating and time-consuming process under the best of circumstances. TOS mimics so many other potential problems, which must be ruled out.

If you have an initial diagnosis of TOS, then there is going to be a series of specialists who will have to weigh in. Is your Doc not referring you to anyone? If not, YOU will have to take the bull by the horns and use our list of specialists to find someone in your area for advice.

I hope you can offer some more information, as many here will want to help you out. In the meantime, Tamara, DiMarie and several others, have posted extensive and in-depth information on the mechanics of TOS, the standard testing program, and several web-sites with lots of diagrams and so forth to help you understand what is going on.

Often the most important issue is to find a specialist who understands what is going on with you and can guide you toward treatment and pain control.

PT (specialized for TOS), is usually the first course unless you have cervical ribs. This is a long, slow proceedure. Try not to be too frustrated.

It took me 11 months and 8 doctors before I heard the word TOS and my complaints began to be taken seriously. Even then, the Docs are cautious and many tests were required before I was aggressively treated for pain.

Do let us know more.

Warmly,
Anne