[khakis]

Hi, I'm posting again because some symptoms have changed and I'm hoping to get more insight from some of you on if it's TOS and what to do next? Or do I keep waiting it out??
Symtoms-started 2 months ago as carp. tunnel, then ulnar, then shoulder. Now there is almost constant burning under arm pits & back of arms-both sides, occasional pain across back of neck.
Physiatrist thought TOS and wants to do an EMG (have not yet); I don't want a chiro (sorry, no use trying-husband has tried and I won't yet). I am willing (now) to fork over the $2k for the EMG, but wonder if I should see another DR first--preferably who might diagnose and give PT exercises without more tests.
I can't seem to find any around me who specify TOS as a specialty--I don't believe I'll need surgery so I havent gone that route. I read Jo*Mar state most of you had no luck with orthos. From a DR standpoint--should I try neuro, ortho, or a dif physiatrist? I have checked the DR list, none around me--I'm in Charlotte area.
THANKS everyone!

[Jomar]

What about a very good Osteopathic doctor ?
Are there any of them in your area?

[nospam]

Are all of your old symptoms still active?

Originally Posted by khakis

Here's my symptoms--3 months ago I felt carpal tunnel, changed my computer set up & tried ignoring. It moved up my elbow/ulnar area. I had tingling, numbness, at one point the right side of my face was numb just a few minutes. Now it is primarily my shoulder--by the end of the day it feels "inflamed". I feel burning on the backs of both arms. My hands are cold, and occasionally change color. Most of the tingling seems better--mostly there is a throbbing neck pain, burn in shoulder and back of arms, and headaches.

Originally Posted by khakis

Just wanted to add--my real complaint is the circulation problems I'm having--my hands are freezing and I just constantly feel like my body is not getting enough blood or something.

Originally Posted by khakis

Sometimes I think I can handle the pain, IF it will eventually go away--but the circulation and strange headaches cause me the most concern/fear of waiting this out. It also seems to be spreading throughout my body--what was once just carpal tunnel is somewhat all over now.

[Jomar]

Sometimes I think the drs label or title doesn't matter, it's finding one that cares to help and understands how the whole body & postures are involved.

[billy027]

Many here can recommend a doctor if they know your general location.

[khakis]

Originally Posted by nospam

Are all of your old symptoms still active?

the circulation things are definitely better. My thyroid (I havehad Hashimotos 15 years) was way off at my labs a few weeks ago--tsh was 10. Endo adjusted meds 3 weeks ago, and I do think that has helped the more vascular-seeming issues.
I have no loss of strength, and can type, use arm--just not w/o consequence. Mostly pain in ulnar and shoulder. No burning yet today, but afternoons & evenings are my worst.

[khakis]

Originally Posted by billy027

Many here can recommend a doctor if they know your general location.

Charlotte, NC area-thanks.

[chroma]

Originally Posted by khakis

Hi, I'm posting again because some symptoms have changed and I'm hoping to get more insight from some of you on if it's TOS and what to do next? Or do I keep waiting it out??
Symtoms-started 2 months ago as carp. tunnel, then ulnar, then shoulder. Now there is almost constant burning under arm pits & back of arms-both sides, occasional pain across back of neck.
Physiatrist thought TOS and wants to do an EMG (have not yet); I don't want a chiro (sorry, no use trying-husband has tried and I won't yet). I am willing (now) to fork over the $2k for the EMG, but wonder if I should see another DR first--preferably who might diagnose and give PT exercises without more tests.
I can't seem to find any around me who specify TOS as a specialty--I don't believe I'll need surgery so I havent gone that route. I read Jo*Mar state most of you had no luck with orthos. From a DR standpoint--should I try neuro, ortho, or a dif physiatrist? I have checked the DR list, none around me--I'm in Charlotte area.
THANKS everyone!

I can't tell from your message if you're investing any time into your body each day and how so. I find this is essential for resolving or reducing problems. I also find that with TOS, it can be very touchy as to what things will work or not.

Resources I recommend include:

"Pain Free at the PC" by Egoscue

"3 Minutes to a Pain-Free Life" by Weisberg & Shink

"The Core Program" by Brill

"Posture, Get It Straight" DVD by Novak (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y9AELC/)

I've owned up to the fact that if I want my body to work reasonably well, I have to invest in it every morning.

I know that might not be the kind of answer you were looking for, but these are things that you can get started with for cheap right away and may be helpful if you haven't explored them already.

[khakis]

actually--this is all helpful and I will look into it--thank you. You make a great point--and no, I have not done much other than try to change my work station at home--not sure if it's "correct" still.The Physiatrist who suspected TOS didn't want me to try exercises without an EMG and NCV. I tried a massage and she hit a spot that made me cry, so I stopped. I guess with the nerves, I'm a little gun-shy.

Originally Posted by chroma

I can't tell from your message if you're investing any time into your body each day and how so. I find this is essential for resolving or reducing problems. I also find that with TOS, it can be very touchy as to what things will work or not.

Resources I recommend include:

"Pain Free at the PC" by Egoscue

"3 Minutes to a Pain-Free Life" by Weisberg & Shink

"The Core Program" by Brill

"Posture, Get It Straight" DVD by Novak (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y9AELC/)

I've owned up to the fact that if I want my body to work reasonably well, I have to invest in it every morning.

I know that might not be the kind of answer you were looking for, but these are things that you can get started with for cheap right away and may be helpful if you haven't explored them already.

[Jomar]

If that spot she hit was a small super sensitive area, it might have been a trigger point.
-we tend to get those, and they need to be resolved before moving on with stretches and such.