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I am relatively new to thoracic outlet syndrome. And it's looking more and more like I indeed have it bilateral. Thus far my symptoms are primarily neurological and it seems as if I have ruled out vascular issues for now. My particular case, I am 33 years old and male and relatively active. I used to go to the gym a few times a week and am not overweight. I have no history of any traumatic incident such as a motor vehicle accident. I believe my issues are related to numerous years working in front of a computer, unfortunately.

I have been through the ringer to try and get some relief from symptoms, but thus far I have had progressively worsening symptoms. Luckily, my symptoms are at about a 2/10 or a 3/10 but my fear is that they will keep worsening.

I have read numerous articles about thoracic outlet syndrome and in some cases probably have read too much. I know the prognosis and outcome of surgery is not very good so I would like to avoid that if at all possible. My question is, for those that suffer on a long-term basis just how painful or debilitating your symptoms get. I realize everyone is different and that what may be relatively minor for one might be debilitating for another. I don't have the luxury of ending my career, I still have to work another 30+ years before I can even contemplate retirement so my challenge is to find a way to still make an income without getting myself into an even worse situation.

Obviously, working at a computer is going to be a real challenge. I imagine that is how I got myself into this mess, but it's not as if I can up and quit. I guess I'm trying to wrap my head around that if this is something that I have to deal with indefinitely, just how bad it will get.

For instance, I do try to sell myself on the idea that it is not fatal. And while that may seem like a crazy thought, I'm trying to gain some perspective on my issues and tell myself it is not the end of the world. At times I find myself very depressed and pessimistic that my life as I knew it is over. My question is for those that have suffered years and years… Honestly, how bad (REALLY) is your pain? What are your biggest challenges? How have you managed to still make a living or live a semi-normal life with this condition? How have your symptoms progressed or worsened on a long-term basis? Were you able to stave off some of the more serious complications and still managed to continue semi-normal activities?