@ecstyle483, How are things going for you?

When do you expect surgery? please let us how you're doing.

Also, interested in your recovery and adventure with Dr. Brown and UCSD's care

Any update? I'm very curious regarding scalenectomy only vs 1st rib resection. Dr. Gelabert @ UCLA is the only surgeon I've consulted so far.

What are your symptoms and what did Dr. G recommend so far?

hi
 

I just read your post. I too have TOS and live in the L.A. area. Your story is just like mine. I did weight lifting, the repetitive movements did it for sure, thenI had a car accident, from that it's been downhill ever since. What did you end up doing? What DR.'s did you see here in L.A.? What horror stories did you hear about injections? They want to do more on me & I think I too need surgery. Please share with me! I hope you are better.
Thank you, Mitsy

hi
 

I just read your post. I too have TOS and live in the L.A. area. Your story is just like mine. I did weight lifting, the repetitive movements did it for sure, then I had a car accident, from that it's been downhill ever since. What did you end up doing? What DR.'s did you see here in L.A.? What horror stories did you hear about injections? They want to do more on me & I think I too need surgery. Please share with me! I hope you are better.
Thank you, Mitsy

hi
 

I too have TOS and am trying so hard to find relief. Did you like DR. G? How did it work out for you? I am supposed to see him this next week. Any advice? I hope you are doing better!
Thank you, Mitsy

Overall he was good, although I've heard about people getting detailed TOS-specific ultrasounds (I think at John Hopkins) whereas he thinks the u/s is not so useful. I would have liked one.

He recommended me for PT and to also see a neurologist since I had some other symptoms, which turned out to be TMJD. Interestingly, my TMJD seems to be caused by chronic muscle tension which also seems to be the major contributor to my TOS. He didn't really catch onto that, but then most MD's don't really look at the whole body. We have to take some responsibility to gather this info from various specialists and piece it together into a coherent picture.

I only saw him the one time. I'm managing with PT, chiro and self care.

Do not underestimate Los Angeles traffic or the fact that you might get turned around, enter the wrong building, etc. I was way late for the appointment. He was nice about it, but I wish I had gotten there earlier.

Dr. G says physical examination and brachial MRI show evidence of vascular TOS while my symptoms could be neurogenic TOS but he wants to see the results of SSEP and scalene block before making a surgical recommendation. He referred me to a Dr. Fish at UCLA but I think I am going try and see Dr. Sheldon Jordan instead or in addition. I initially didn't want to pay Dr. Jordan out of pocket since he doesn't accept my insurance.