Originally Posted by DiMarie

Hi Nick,
I just wondered if part of the phernic damage is a result of your job. The hoses are so heavy as is most equipment you used. Scar matter could have become an issues as is a stretch injury to the nerves.
The phernic nerve comes through the scalenes in the neck, I know fire guys like to keep fit by lifting weights along with all the work lifting.

This sounds like something work related. I would find someone able to recreate the symptoms to narrow down the cause.
TOS is a group of symptoms not one injury or diagx to cover all, but many individualized complex issues.

The chest wall against the ribs,, especially if you have a narrow opening between the first rib and collar bone, if there is muscle build up of the neck, a fall or injury to stretch the arm, much like zingers from football when the arm is caught and pulled back.

The inability to get a good breath also may be from the years of smoke and fumes. They damage the lungs and then when a contributing factor as the phernic nerve not getting the diaphragm going good can contribute.

Just throwing some other thoughts out there, But I would not accept one label on a complex issue/injury.

Welcome to the site there are many knowledgeable friends here with many different ways they have TOS or phernic nerve damage.
di