[chroma]

In another thread, Jo*mar wrote:

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

I would avoid surgeons unless something shows up that indicates a surgical intervention.

I got the impression that a vascular surgeon was the first/best doctor to see for TOS just based on what I've read. Which leads me to ask:

For TOS symptoms, what kind of doctor would you see first for your exam and tests? If your answer is "GP", what would your 2nd choice be?

Bonus question: Is a "vascular specialist" the same as a "vascular surgeon"?

I'm not looking for specific doctor recommendations; this is about the type of doctor.

[SD38]

Originally Posted by chroma

In another thread, Jo*mar wrote:



I got the impression that a vascular surgeon was the first/best doctor to see for TOS just based on what I've read. Which leads me to ask:

For TOS symptoms, what kind of doctor would you see first for your exam and tests? If your answer is "GP", what would your 2nd choice be?

Bonus question: Is a "vascular specialist" the same as a "vascular surgeon"?

I'm not looking for specific doctor recommendations; this is about the type of doctor.

Hi Chroma, I can only speak for myself here but in my experience I would definately say the Vascular route first.
It was a very unproductive experience with my GP's who made no connection with all my symptoms, even when going back and forth to them over a 6 year period..... it's amazing how while looking through this forum and reading the symptoms of TOS, how likely it was to suggest that TOS be the culprit. If connections can be made by researching forums like NeuroTalk how on earth is it not obvious for "Professional doctors" to ?????
My vascular surgeon is my consultant so I guess surgeon/specialist are one????

[Anne4tos]

It took me a year and a half to get a dx and saw close to 30 Doctors in this time. In retrospect, knowing what I know now, I would have seen an Osteopath and manual therapist sooner in the mix. IMO, TOS encompasses more than the little area between your clavicle and first rib and having someone look at your total body is very important. I have yet to meet a vascular surgeon who will look at my hips, gait and prior injuries in relation to TOS.

I would also see a Vascular surgeon to rule out any "emergency" situations. I'd pick a surgeon who treats TOS, sees many patients but takes very few to surgery.

[Jomar]

I agree with those suggestions, my statement on that other thread was made as a general one for that newbie.

In the past, many had gone to various surgeons (not TOS specialists) whose main focus was to wait til it got worse, suggest PT for 1 or 2 session to see if it helped (that is not enough time), then when pt was in bad enough pain do the surgery. When surgery was done and acute recovery was done, then if pt needed more help with ongoing issues , those surgeons had no time for them....
basically they study surgery and not chronic aftercare....


If I knew back at the beginning what I know now...

Expert & skilled applies to all categories -
- there are ways to find some of this info on doctors online that wasn't easily available in the past.

Osteopath - they tend to study the "whole" body systems more than MDs
Chiropractor - if the foundation is crooked you have to fix it before rebuilding IMO
Physiatrist - often focused on rehab, may stress strengthening - but should have some general knowledge of TOS type syndromes

Body worker - Alexander/Feldnkrais/Helleworker so many names and styles now - some sort of pro to help with overall postures & body use
I used lots of videos, books and vids online for this part.

Vascular check for sure if swelling /heaviness/distended veins/arteries are an issue.

[mspennyloafer]

i agree with all of that

doctors imo are worthless unless you have an extra rib or something really really obvious, like your pec minor is completely cutting off blood flow.