Originally Posted by Jo*mar

If you are pretty sure that the laptop/couch combo started this, then I don't think you really need to find a surgeon yet.

I don't know if the PT you went to was highly skilled or especially talented.

Did they check your top rib/rib mobilization?
Trigger points manual release?
overall posture assessment?
do you have a better computer set up now? so not to make sx worse?

You might focus on seeking out expert body workers, advanced PT or even a chiro that has many skills/talents and does soft tissue work. Mine did and he was the most help for my version of TOS (chronic multiple RSI type)

There are many things you can do at home to repair the posture and soft tissue restrictions. Youtube is full of so many therapy types, posture assessments, you can get an idea of what might be best or who to look for.

Since you are so from a large town , I would suggest exploring Sharon Butler's website and possible getting her TOS plan (does have a 100% guarantee) selfcare4rsi
she suggests very gentle stretching to loosen the sticky tissues..
her articles are very good -
selfcare4rsicom/rsi-articleshtml

Originally Posted by MoneyInMind

Thanks for the links. They seem to be more about living with pain. I want to get rid of it. I've read that since I've been in pain for only 7 months, there's a good chance that good PT might fix this.

Unfortunately, I'm not pretty sure about anything, even how I got to be in pain. I researched TOS and how I've lived my live over the past year would be conducive to creating an environment for TOS to take hold.

The PT wasn't horrible, but wasn't the best either. He did some clinical testing in-office and said he thought I have TOS. But he's not a TOS specialist. And there aren't any TOS specialists near me. I'll have to travel to Scranton, or Wilkes-Barre, PA, or maybe Bingamton, NY.

I just don't know how to determine who to see first, a TOS PT or a vascular surgeon? I keep reading about vascular surgeons.

Originally Posted by cheryl1593

Whew, I got through most of the post. This is all I have to say. Sinus problems get better with a GOOD probiotic. Sinus problems are related to how much bacteria is in your gut....but give it time. It takes 4 weeks to cure this.

Then you have another problem. To me it sounds like RSD or sympathetic maintained pain syndrome. You can look that up.

I am a nurse with tos so I have been round the block couple of times.....I have sympathetic maintained pain syndrome which made me feel like I was just crazy...doctors treated me bad too....they just are ignorant and do not know about pain syndromes,,,...anyway,hope this helps...good luck

Originally Posted by marlalemons

Hi there. I didn't read your story thoroughly, but what I could already see is that your case is complex. I strongly suggest going to Cleveland Clinic. I had very complex presentation of symptoms that nobody could really figure out in Montana. I got answers and treatment at Cleveland Clinic (the main one in Cleveland) and I have been very impressed with their excellent care. You need doctors that have seen a lot of weird, complex stuff. They have seen it all, and they coordinate your care with all of the necessary speciality depts. Good Luck!

Originally Posted by MoneyInMind

Thanks for the links. I need help in finding what kind of an MD will diagnosis me. I've been to a PT who feels I have TOS, but the regimine of exercises he put me on made my condition worse.