My sincere apologies for sounding self-righteous and inflammatory. After an over thirty year journey with TOS, I've been incredibly fortunate to have found a wonderful doctor, had a successful surgery, and be on the mend. I think I've got a bit of cabin fever and post-surgical depression because I'm still too tired to do much. I apologize for taking that out on all of you. What I really want to do is win the lottery and fly you all out to Boston and get you fixed up,...stat! Unrealistic, but true. I know we all experience things differently and that doctors make mistakes as well, believe me. I've had these symptoms for many, many years, only to be told it might be arthritis, and ultimately treated as though it were all in my head,...grrrr! In my overzealous way, I just want to make sure that no one else has to live through the same painful experience, but I know that it's not quite that easy. My sincere apologies and gentle, healing hugs to all of you suffering. I promise to shut up now.

Limoges,

Constant niggling pain is an awful trip to be on and personal tolerence for these things is always tested. Its natural to want to share the triumphs with colleagues that are in the same boat.

You'll be fine, don't withdraw, you have my support through your trials. I fully understand what you're experiencing. Its natural to want to share good news.

I'm glad to see you are sticking around. I was worried you had disappeared never to be heard from again. Your experience and opinion is valued.

This syndrome is frustrating simply because it is a syndrome and not a clearly definable disease. This means that none of our cases are exactly alike and neither is there a blanket standard of treatment for it. Be careful what you refer to as misinformation (true misinformation should be corrected). Don't take it personally if someone's experience or opinion is different than yours. Doctors are humans who make mistakes sometimes, they have good and bad days just like we do. All that matters is your quality of care and your relationship with your doctor, not anyone else.

We are all here to support each other as well as compile information to help ourselves and one another (and future visitors). My hope is that in part, we contribute to future better treatments for TOS in general.

You're a sweetheart, Blurto, thank you for your graciousness. (I'll keep you posted on the rib exploits. I've come to far to toss it at this point!)

, to you too, Nospam. I'm keeping you in my thoughts for the 19th.

Well said.

Limoges,
I look forward to your posts. Pleeeeease keep us updated on your recovery.

Thanks

I hope that you'll stick around, too. You've been such a wonderful support to me, and my gratitude is endless.

Just remember that this, too, shall pass. We'll get there!