Arm pain
 

Hi guys, I haven't been on for a while but I have a question for you. I was diagnosed with TOS in 2005. I also have C5/6 nerve entrapment. I was sent to a orthopedic surgeon he ordered a x ray which showed a extra set of ribs. I was then sent for a MRI on my neck which showed the disc problems. He then sent me to a hand surgeon who 'had a interest in TOS'. She done some exercises with me, where my wrist pulse disappeared. She suggeted i have the rib removed but had only performed this operation on one occassion. She sent me back to the ortho with the diagnosis of TOS. He then sent me for Doppler studies that showed as i raise my arms I lose the blood supply to my arms, it also occurs when I have my arms straight by my side. I haven't had any further tests, drs visits since, bar my own GP. In the past couple of months iv had more arm pain, particularly of a night time that can wake me up. 2 weeks ago I started walking about 3 Kim's a day. While walking (with my hands at my side) my hands are swelling, turning red then white. My arms are going spotty and tingly. I also have some nerve jumping a few times a day in my legs. I also have anxirty and think my leg problem is due to this. In 2001 iv been prescribed 25mg dothep for the anxiety then 2008 25mg lyrica which I very rarely take as it makes me tired. Does TOS worsen with age? My previous problems have been mainly neck related but now I'm getting more arm symptoms? Iv never been sent to a TOS specialist.

Has your posture changed over time?
Perhaps head or shoulders are hunched or more forward than they use to be?

If so it could be closing /crowding the vascular & nerves in those important areas.

I would seek out some doctors that will explore more testing and imaging of the extra cervical ribs & the blood flow issues.

But most likely the increased symptoms are due to posture changes and the cervical ribs.

sounds like arterial tos among other things
 

you should see a really good vascular surgeon who sees a lot of tos patients. check out the list of drs and pt on this forum. your symptoms sound a lot like arterial tos and could be some nerve compression too. i had arterial tos and my symptoms were ditto same except your leg symptoms. try walking with your arms in your jacket or sweatshirt pockets and see if that helps. i did not have my ribs removed as i did not have extra ribs, had scalenectomies but don't have those arm symptoms anymore. lyrica only helps nerve symptoms, not so much the vascular component.