I'm a newbie to NeuroTalk and have not yet had any replies/info from my posts... I'm not quite sure if I'm posting correctly????
OMG I truely feel 4 u!!!!!
I've been there. All I can say is that you know if you're not feeling right so persist in getting yourself checked out.
Its so frustrating and worrying when doctors don't know what is going on with you!
It took over 5 years to get to the bottom of my issues! My symptoms were so varied.... ranging from carpal tunnel, elbow pain, circulation probs in cold weather ( Raynauds syndrome), heavy fatigued arms, neurological issues in my hands ( this lasted for over a year but it then subsided on its own accord ), neck pain, shoulders and back probs etc etc, all the above coming and going long term. At times I would be absolutely fine but when it returned would knock me completely! 3 weeks ago I underwent surgery for a first rib excision, which I'm still recovering from and I am still due to have the same procedure on my left side too.
I was eventually diagnosed as having bilateral Vascular/arterial TOS by my surgeon ( who is great) after I was referred by a PT ( thank goodness ) who picked up on the fact that I may of had a vascular problem. She performed various tests such as Adson's and Roo's which resulted in me losing my radial pulse and both my hands turning white!!!!
I know that I have along way to go yet but I'm hoping that now I will be on the road to recovery/normality. Surgery was painful but I'm so glad that I've been worked on. I have hope.
Keep trying with your doctors, you owe it to yourself, and don't feel guilty for getting a second opinion. I let my local doctors intimidate me ( and in turn prolong my diagnoses) into thinking that I was being neurotic BUT inside I knew something was wrong!
Best of luck
From SD38

Hello SD38,
I made a new thread for you here so members here can say hello.

You know, the problem is not the diagnostic, but the treatment.

Hello Jo*mar and all
I'm really hoping to get some good advice/tips to help me through this tough journey.
What I've seen already on NeuroTalk gives me some kind of comfort that TOS is becoming more recognised..... The UK however is another matter, well my local GP's at least. I really do think that I will pass on details about NeuroTalk to my doctors surgery to hopefully better inform them of patients symptoms.
Is there anyone who could shed some light on post first rib excision surgery?
I'm 19 days into my recovery and seem to be healing well but quite numb/tight around scarring and shoulder area. The scars( above and below my collarbone) have sealed ok but are raised and hard. I really hope they will flatten down soon.
A thank you to whoever sends a reply. SD38

I hear you!!!
I just hope my treatment ( first rib excision ) helps????
Unfortunately I'm also due another op on my left side too for vascular TOS!
I'm happy to now be able to connect with others in the same situation.... I don't feel quite so alone with my TOS probs. Everyone I know is unaware of it.
best wishes to all.
SD38