Hello,

I've enjoyed and learned so much reading posts from the TOS thread for this past year. I finally have decided to register myself. My story sounds very similar to a lot of others on here. I am currently in limbo with my treatment and just wanted to get any suggestions on where to go from here.
My issue started a little over a year ago. I had a very physically demanding job and while I was working I began experiencing really bad mid to upper thoracic pain, neck and shoulder pain. I continued working for a few more days until the pain increased so much I couldn't function well. I stopped working for a few weeks and started physical therapy and muscle relaxers. I went back to work after the pain improved (but didn't fully go away). After going back to work the back pain intensified and I began having pain radiating below my clavicles into my armpits bilat and numbness and tingling in my hands. Again I tried working through it but after a few days the numbness in my hand was effecting my ability to type. Also I had a severe burning pain in my shoulder when my arm was elevated.
The numbness, tingling and shoulder pain only occurred when my arms were elevated. The thoracic and neck pain are constant. I guess I should also mention that I have a history of 5 MVAs. I was rear ended 4 times and side swiped once My last MVA was several years ago.

DIAGNOSTIC EXAMS I'VE HAD
>C-spine MRI (a few mild bulging discs but nothing that would cause the symptoms)
>chest x-ray (no cervical rib)
>c-spine x-ray (mild enlarged transverse process but not enough to cause issue, no curvature of c-spine)
>TOS doppler study (Bilat total occlusion of subclavian artery with arms in 90 degree position, severe occlusion of rt subclavian artery with arm held out to side)
>EMG/NCV first exam at beginning of symptoms was normal most recent EMG mild nerve damage near elbow
>Botox injection pec minor and anterior scalene (minimal improvement of symptoms)

TREATMENT
>Physical therapy 4 months
>work conditioning 1 month
>work hardening 1 month
>massage therapy 1 year +
>chiropractic
>Occupational therapy

I still haven't been given a definitive diagnosis of TOS since I did not have a significant improvement with lidocaine or botox injection. Throughout the treatment process I've had good and bad days but nothing has seemed to help my symptoms for long. I do get temporary relief from my thoracic pain with the chiropractor.
I've already lost my job but I am refusing to give up hope. Are there any suggestions of any other treatment to try or any other type of diagnostic studies that might be useful? Any advise is welcome Prayers to you all

Hope526,

It is great to have you come and be with us. There are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Nice to hear you have been reading in the TOS forum. AS you can tell there are a great number of friends to assist you with help.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Hello Hope526,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I'm glad you've found the information on the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Forum helpful.

As well as posting here, you might like to repost on that forum and get some advice from the other members who are familiar with your tests, symptoms and results.

You've probably found them already, but there are some very good links in the "Sticky" threads at the top of the main TOS forum.

Did you experience head injuries or concussion when you had your car accidents?

take care there.

Welcome Hope526.