Question of the Day...
 

...is my TOS a result of a tetanus shot or did the tetanus shot shine a light on pre-existing TOS issues?

A couple of you responded to my last post without me having to ask the question (I didn't even entertain the thought of a connection), so thanks to you both. I'm just curious if anyone out there has experienced anything like this?

I went to see the Vascular surgeon today. He did not look at the results of the MRI done of my brachial/shoulder results -- instead he listened to what I had to say about what they found -- like I know what the hell I'm talking about?!;) From what I understand , I do know that the MRI showed my brachial plexus is compressed, and that when my arm is raised, my subclavian artery is narrowing. I'm definitely not qualified at explaining that to a vascular surgeon (or anyone)! When I did tell him about the results, he told me that Drs will see what they want to see in an MRI as far as the artery is concerned. Hmm. After the physical exam, the surgeon said that he did believe that I have TOS. He said that he has seen 1000's of TOS cases and that they are normally caused by a previous accident, are vascular, and chronic. He then said unfortunately (maybe fortunately?), that out of all those cases, I'm the first one he's seen with a case like mine. According to him, I'm "special". I asked him what kind of TOS he thought it was. He responded, "Symptomatic Tetanus TOS". He was kidding (and it almost seemed funny at the time), but I'm bothered because he said it could be "worse or better" than the average chronic TOS case is (whatever average is -- I've read many of your stories). He did seem concerned that my symptoms are getting worse and not better -- he said an allergic response to a shot usually improves over a short amount of time. He suggested the next step I take is going to a neurologist and then getting an ex-ray of my neck. His instructions for now: No more physical therapy and no activity (i.e. bed-rest) for an undetermined amount of time, due to suspected inflammation as a result of the shot. I'm also supposed to take anti-histamines to see if they help the "allergy".

Two days ago I had the most painful/scary night of my life. Along with the pain, the left side of my cheek, lips, and tongue went numb. Felt like I was on Novocain -- I slurred when I talked and my left arm seemed almost dead. I couldn't use my left hand at all. When I think of the pain, I wish it was an exaggeration... I'm now going to get an MRA done Friday (my primary doc requested this), being scheduled to see a neurosurgeon, and then an ex-ray of my neck to check for an extra rib.

I'm confused...is it the shot or not? The surgeon wants to see me again at the beginning of August to see how I'm coming along My Primary Dr taking this very seriously and wants to figure my health out ASAP.

Any thoughts?