Finally an competent Doc
 

So after I saw the Neuro who said that my nerves were fine he referred me on to a Vascular surgeon. I heard good things about this doc but was still fearful I was going to get answers. He told me he believes I has TOS and it isn't my vein or artery it is in fact my nerves. He said EMG's are worthless and he would have never sent me for one. Apparently he is one of the pioneers of this surgery. He started doing it in the Air Force for all military personnel. Such a nice guy. I am about to have a MRI to make sure there is nothing wrong with my neck. He said I have all the signs of TOS and as long as there isn't any other issues I will need surgery. He suggested taking out 2 ribs and cutting the scalenes and releasing the pec minor. He also suggested botox for the scalenes. Anyone had this done? So thankful I found a doc who isn't a moron!

I had botox in January. I think it helped, but I also have been taking it easy with my TOS side arm. Botox did relive my scalene and scapular pain for which I'm thankful for. My arm was mostly pain free last month but since I'm in the military and getting ready for my next physical fitness test I have been exercising and the arm pain is back.

This is my fear that I will do it and at first get some relief in the end it comes back. Personally for me I have already had several nerve surgeries and the longer I wait the more long term damage I seem to get to the nerve. So if botox is just going to prolong the inevitable then forget it! My surgeries have always relieved my pain, I am hoping for the same here. I am going back to the doc in the am for my MRI results and that will be my question is their a possibility that botox will fix long term or is it just a temporary fix. UGGGGHHHH so many decisions :(

Botox will always be temporary becasue it eventualy wears off. But it was better than nothing since I am now overseas and have access to limited medical care. My hope was the botox would allow me to pain free long enough to do physical therapy. I have a cervical rib but I still hope PT can help relieve my pain.

I hope it can relieve your pain too! I have some kind of underlying compression issue and that's why I think Pt doesn't seem to fix me. From what I have been told when you do PT it should be mostly stretching. I hope you are pain free soon!

I was pain free but as soon as I started doing pushups and other exercises - like yoga - the pain has come back. I need to stay physically fit for the Navy; although I could get a medical waiver I feel like why stay in the military. If I can't perform the semi-annual fitness test I want it to be because I'm recovering from surgery. I have a large cervical rib and I just don't see how medication and PT can relive the problems the rib is causing. I am going to ask to be MEDEVAC back to the states for surgery this summer (and I need a vacation from Cuba, lol).

The studies show that if you have a cervical rib, the surgical outcome is greater as it is more likely the cause of the problem. They usually recomend surgery if you have a cervical rib and pt doesnt help.

^great point

Im pretty much against surgery but if i had a cervical rib id get it cut out in a heartbeat

I plan to email the vascular surgeon I was seeing in San Diego and ask her if she is still willing to remove it and the estimated recovery time. If she says yes then I will ask my command to send me back to the US for the surgery. Fortunately I work at the hospital on base so planning will be easier. I will even pay to fly back to SD - I planned on going home this summer to see my kids anyways.

San Diego and your location GTMO you must be Navy. I only know cause my husband served in the Navy. They doc that is doing mine is ex Air Force apparently he was the only guy in the military who used to do it. I am hoping to have surgery next week and I will be happy to let you know how it goes and what I feel up to as I recovery. He tells me I will be better when I wake up and in a week feel great not sure about lifting as I am having muscles removed and cut. I am a very active person and I earn my living as a graphic artist....need my right arm back to work.... So I am very motivated!