I notice there is a few of you who have ATOS or VTOS. I am pretty sure I have true ATOS OR VTOS without neurological part. There are no good doctors in NEW YORK and I cannot see Dr. Donohue in Boston until6 months when my insurance kicks it. Does anyone know if I am a severe risk within 6 months of aneurysm or blood clot?

My symptoms are only bulging veins on right hand only and throbbing. I also get right sided head aches and neck pain. THe pain on a scale 1-10 is not high its a 3 or 4. The only reason I am going forward with this is because I know even though it doesnt disturb my life right now, that one day it will and its dangerous.

I need advice with someone who has gotten diagnosed with this and what their doctor told them.. I went to one vascular surgeon in ny and he didnt know much about thoracic outlet syndrome. He did a doppler on both arms and only put my arms in 2 positions. He said that there is compression and as of now he doesnt see and aneurysms or clots.

Now I could have damage to an artery still, correct? The doppler wouldnt pick up damage to the artery or vein wall would it?

Also, how painful is the venogram and arterogram? I keep hearing bad things about surgery, however, doesnt the patient have no choice in the matter?

If ATOS or VTOS can kill them then they have to get the surgery, no? But the surgery can do worse damage if the surgeon doesnt know what hes doing??

So basically what I am saying is..the surgery is a 100% cure ONLY IF they remove the EXACT PRECISE reason the artery is being compressed int eh first place. If they pick the wrong anatomical structure then the surgery was a failed attempt and the patient is worse off...

I apologize for ranting and raving. You all here are the only people that understand what I am going through. I cannot talk to my family or friends about this because they do know what it feels like to constantly worry if my arm is going to throw a blood clot to my brain.

I am suffering from constant worry from this and I have no hope. Is there anyone out there that can put things into perspective for me? Anyone who can share what their doctor has told them? Thank you everyone who reads this and offers advice. I appreciate it more than you know= )