This is the guy who did mine. Note that he works with Sanders. Bottom line is that it shows some irregularity, but doesn't let the Dr. know where the prob is. Sanders only ordered the MAC test at my insistance. Sanders knew I had TOS based on his physical exam, he didn't need a MAC test to tell him that. If you and a TOS specialist are sure you have TOS, then more tests aren't neccessary. One then just needs to decide to have the exploratory surgery (TOS surgery) or not. Some tests to see if neck is involved might help. But once you know you have TOS, extra tests like the MAC test don't help ---- at least they didn't in my case. My MAC test was positive and Sanders went ahead with the pec minor surgery. That was a mistake because my problems are with my brachial plexus, subclavian vein, first rib, subclavius muscle, etc.
Sanders would have known this if he looked at my MRA. He did not because he didn't believe in the test. Angle looked at the MRA and said it gave him a good indication of what was going on inside. He feels they are useful. At this point, I'm not interested in any more tests (scalene block, etc.). I know I have TOS and so do the Doctors. The only thing left to do is to have surgery or live with pain management.


** The above is only my opinion based on my journey **

Sounds like you've reached the same conclusion I did. I'm so glad Dr. Angle felt more testing was unnecessary when the other doctors wanted to keep repeating the same old tests or try experimental new ones on me. I had been through enough!

I am glad no more testing for you too. Sometimes doctors do things that don't need to be done. Some of the more painful tests, I turn down at every opportunity. Let them get some of the same tests, and they may find it a tad painful too. humph.... Hope all turns out good for you, and that you get the relief you really need. ginnie

Dr. Thompson made me go on disability leave. So no more working for me. Im starting pt on Thursday. We will see how that goes. Dr T's pt has very specific instructions that my pt is to follow, so hopefully that will keep from hurting too much. I am going to try the pt, but I don't think it can get me where I need to be. Thoughts?

I have been off work a week now and I feel a lot better; the change is amazing. But I have to get back to work eventually. I'm facing the fact that I may have to give up a job I love. I don't know what I'll do if I can't work for Starbucks. I love my job and the insurance and benefits are unbeatable. One day at a time.

My primary care Dr started me on gabapentin. That made me so tired I couldn't function. Does the tiredness get better with time? Or is it time to try so something else?

Thanks,
Jess

If the side effects don't fade after a week or so, I say it is time to try something else (like Lyrica). Did you ramp up the Gabapentin or jump straight to a dose higher than 100mg?

I know about that medication. I just started on it. I am taking it at night before bed, so that I sleep when the effects kick in. It does make you very very tired. so far so good. Maybe try this at a lower dose, and gradually work up to more of the medication. I wish you all the best. ginnie

I was considering trying that but Dr. Jordan said the fatigue and weight gain might not be worth it so for now I am sticking with Relafan (Anti-inflammatory and Flexeril(muscle relaxant) when I need it. I had to stop working at a job that I loved, its been a year, but with my current physical therapy going so well, I am hoping to get back to it hopefully next fall. If my symptoms come back,then i will consider other medications and then possibly surgery.

Did Dr. T say to try the meds and pt for a while longer before he would recommend surgery?

Dr T. Pretty much told me that pt won't help but I could try it. I did try it. He was right. He did not prescribe meds my primary care dr did.

Jess,

Hello. I am located in Greenwood and was recently diagnosed with bi-lateral thoracic outlet. I am currently seeing a PT that has treated a patient of Dr. Thompson's. My PT has given me stretching and strengthening exercises that her former paitent was given by Dr. T's pysical therapists. Can you give me an idea of what your physical therapy entails. I am curious if my physical therapy instructions are similar to yours.

Thanks,
Brian

Hi Brian, Welcome.

Does your PT look for triggerpoints and do much manual work on your or is it mostly stretches or weights/strengthening?
How long have you been going & does it seem to be helping at all?

We have a trigger points sticky thread that might be helpful-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread125577.html

some other informative links -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ht=advanced+PT
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135-2.html

You might want to make a new thread of your own so we can focus on helping you.