[gbsb]

Hi folks!
I just found this place while searching TOS and SLAP Lesion.
In 2005 I was in a phase at work where I was lifting several thousand pounds a day in 30 - 50 pound increments. Much of this was removing 50# bags from pallets, placing on a cart, and relocating to shelving or piling them up in the work area.
Anyway I had pain in my shoulder after lifting and throwing a 50# bag on to a shelf at or above my head.
As usual I just dealt with the pain and hoped my day off would help if I rested.
Nope it just got worse.
I tried to report it to my managers but they were trying to get me to admit to doing it outside of work and to have my regular medical cover it.
Well, after some persistance on my part they finally got the work injury paperwork going and I went to see the Company's doctor's office that they contract work related medical stuff out to.
That doc said I had a strained shoulder.
I insisted on seeing my own doc and she recommended MRI and a follow up with a shoulder surgeon.
Work didn't want to deal with the restrictions my doc gave me and insisted my doc put me out on disability.
Since then I've been on WorkerComp.
Had three MRI's. One with a dye of some sort. Two were on my shoulder and one on my neck.
The shoulder ones showed some slight tearing or impingment. In the neck it indicated some degenerative disc disease.
The shoulder surgeon deferred from operating on my shoulder because he felt that my symptoms indicated TOS.
Went and saw a neurologist and I guess it was determined that my problem was vascular. So off to the vacular surgeon.
Vascular surgeon indicated I had three issues and he felt TOS surgery would be appropriate and said I might even get relief for my shoulder pain which is what I wanted releif from to begin with.
To make a long story short we agreed to do TOS surgery.
Somewhere in this process the Company and it's W/C insurance carrier were messing with me so I got an attorney. My attorney and the firm agreed to take my case. I'm not sure why as they will only be paid if I get some sort of settlement or pay off.
My TOS surgery was in October and at this point I can say I am almost over the pain from surgery but nearly all my symptoms are still present and my shoulder feels worse.
Followed up with vascular surgeon three time now. More meds and PT.
He has me going back to see shoulder surgeon in a several weeks and then another follow-up with him.
At this point I wish I would have known more about the TOS procedure. I'm still not sure if I'd do it again given a choice.
The surgeon seemed like he knew what he was talking about and my symptoms made sense.
Supposedly the vascular surgeon is one of the best at it in the N.E.
The only good thing is he didn't freak out when I told I actually felt worse.
I thought for sure he was going to tell me I'm nuts.
I think I'm going nuts.......these pain meds aren't helping the pain much and I think they are making me depressed.
Who knows?????
I'm looking foward to being able to read about other peoples experiences with TOS.
Take Care!

[lovetofish]

Hi all I am new here m/51 Kentucky. I have Bilateral Thoracic Outlet secondary Carpel Tunnel. I am a Sr. Maintenance Tech. on work restrictions. No pushing, no puling, no pinching, no griping, no repetitive motion and I am not to raise my arms above the level of my heart.

I found out in Dec. that I had all of this going on with me. I feel lost, I don't know what to do about work. I set here and type this and my neck is hurting so bad that I can't feel the pain in my arms and hands. Work has been trying to put me on modified duty but everything they give me to do causes more pain.

I’m fighting with work comp.

I have been on Neurontin and it helps some but I am gaining weight like crazy from the meds or lack of exercise from not doing the work that I am accustomed to?

I have always been in control of my life for the most part and now I feel lost in not knowing what is next.

Thanks
DA

[watsonsh]

Welcome to our TOS family Love to Fish

It was great talking to you last night in chat!

Hope you are feeling better today.

Send us some pics of your new pontoon boat.

Good luck at PT today

[cindyj]

Hi all, I used to stop in at the old forum once in awhile to read.I was so tired of health troubles that I couldn't stand the thought of typing them out.I am 40 and have 2 grown sons and my 1st grandchild on the way in may. My hubby and I are both unable to work due to health. Just to touch a few troubles i have dealt with bladder cancer on and off for 14 years , but have benn clear for 4 years so far this time.I have severe fibromyalgia,herniated lower disc,sciatica and several other related troubles.I was finally diagnosed with bi lteral TOS 2 years ago and have been on a surgery wait list ever since. I just got a phone call today telling me my surgery will be on tuesday jan.30th!! I am really scared right now.I had myself ready for the surgery 2 years ago but ive been waiting so long that it was a shock to get this call today. I am having left side rib taken out and muscle bands cut.I am supposed to be having surgery on my left arm for a shortened tendon on feb.9th.So now I dont know what will happen with that surgery.I have beenhardly able to use my arm for many months and am losing muscle mass.I am hoping that the TOS surgery might help my am problem too,but don't know if it will with my tendon shortened.I know alot of you have had surgery, did it help??I don't even have a clue how long I will be laid up recovering .Dr. Bethune in halifax,nova scotia, canada is doing the surgery.Does anyone have any advice for me ? I am scared!! thanks for listening cindy

[gibbrn]

I hear your pain and frustration as well as your fear.

I too have had the surgery and am in canada...ontario....so I hope we can help to answer your questions. If you post a thread with your questions you will likely get a better response than just posting here...I will move your post so others will answer and give advice I hope you don't mind me doing this...

take care...here always for help just private message or email me with questions or concerns we are a great bunch of people and we all love to share in each others troubles so welcome again and lets see what we can do to help to get rid of your fear!!!!

Love and hugs,
Victoria....gibbrn

[Starla78]

Just thought I would say Hi and re-introduce myself. My name is Shannon and I use to post under the user name Chlobugsmom. I was living in So CA and am now in Boise, ID.

TOS is still raging only difference is that I can't find a doc out here to save my life....Mine is due to many hours of work (hairstylist) with no breaks. I am a surgical canidate but have refused up to this point. I think that's about it.

Hope everyone is doing as well as can be expecting.

Smiles, Shan~

[finz]

Hello kiddos,

I am a 42 yo TOSer from the Boston area, battling with WC and constant pain. I've just found this place from a link at Braintalk. Happy to find you all again.

[lisagenee']

My name is Lisa, I'm 23 and have bilateral tos. I had BL scalenectomy and left side first rib resection a year and half ago, and am going to have my pec minors removed in a couple weeks. I live in PA but have to fly to Denver..maybe i'll get snowed in!!! Looking foward to meeting you all...Take care!


----
"The world need dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do."
--Sarah Ban Breathnach

[gibbrn]

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the forum. I hope that you get the information you need here there are a great bunch of people here and I hope you'll find we are all very friendly..... any info we can give to help you will gladly give it ........any support you need for here for you...... we understand what nobody else truly does in your life!!
So Welcome and please feel free to post anywhere and lookup information!

Love and hugs,

Victoria

[lisagenee']

Hey Victoria,

i was born in Ft. St. John, BC, but moved to the states when i was young. Good to know a fellow canuck tho!!! Yes, its really nice to meet so many other tosers, its easy to feel like the only weirdo on the planet!!! Seems like an uber-supportive spot.
Later gator,
Lisa