Originally Posted by MP26

Hey all,

I'm a 26 year old female looking for some advice in regards to TOS. I've been having intense chest pain for about six months now, it began in my right pec minor and then proceeded to radiate across my chest, arms, neck, shoulder, and back. My doctor is treating me for fibromyalgia, but neither SSRI's or tricyclic antidepressants have proved effective. I began seeing a chiropractor two months ago who mentioned TOS to me, but the Rheumatologist and Orthopedist both said that I either did not have TOS or said it was a condition that did not exist.

I began physical therapy last week but I've been stretching and exercising regularly on my own accord for nearly two months. I take vitamin D, B6, Chaste Tree Berry, Evening Primrose Oil, and Boswellia but I cannot control the compression/inflammation. I have yet to have an MRI ordered, I figure that my doctor is trying to avoid it. I am currently taking 20 mg of Amitriptyline and sleeping for nearly 12 hours a night. I wake up sore, I feel hungover, my mood is quite low and I'm depressed & listless.

The pain is constant, every second of every minute of every day. I travel for my work, and I've been out of commission for almost three months. How aggressive should I be with my doctor in regards to my chronic pains? I feel as if the specialists have dismissed my condition as hysteria, or have painted me as a hypochondriac. I have read quite a bit about pec minor release surgery, but has anyone had any good experiences with pain management techniques that do not require surgery?

Looking for some advice - thank you for your time -
MP