[gruvingal]

I am in the process of filing for SSI. I have told my Dr so many time over the years that I get a stabbing feeling through my chest a few inches below the collar bone that goes through me to just inside my shoulder blade and behind my armpit. It's usually just on the right side, but does do it on the left sometimes. It causes my arm and hand to tingle and go numb and makes it very hard to use my arm at all. Is this a symptom of TOS? The doctors (neuro surgeon and my doctor) say it's from the degenerative disc and spinal stenosis because of injuries. I feel like I'm wearing a bustier and someone is pulling it tighter and tighter. I can't stand wearing a bra and it has to be really stretchy. Sleeping at night my arm goes numb depending on what side I sleep on. I cannot sleep on my back because of an inner ear problem that causes dizziness. The doctors rush so fast anymore that I never have time to get my problems addressed. The last time she said she was going to send me to a specialist, but I have heard nothing. I am so frustrated and with my anxiety and bi-polar it just makes everything harder to deal with. Anyone have any suggestions! Thanks!

[Jomar]

Is that SSI or SSDI?
[ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.]
http://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/overview-disability.htm

We have a forum with info on both and tips on how to get started on the process.
Check the useful sticky threads there..
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

[Sea Pines 50]

What you are experiencing could be caused by TOS, but it also could be from cervical spine issues, or even pec minor syndrome. You need a differential diagnosis to determine which. It is also possible, unfortunately, to have TOS, pec minor and cervical syndrome each contributing to your symptoms. One of the reasons TOS is so difficult to diagnose is that its symptoms mimic so many other conditions (cervical radiculopathy, carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome, etc.).

What part of the country are you in? There may be a TOS specialist in your area; check the Drs. and PT sticky at the top of the forum. You might need a vascular surgeon to rule TOS in or out of your diagnosis.

Good luck with your SSI.

[gruvingal]

I think it's SSI. I am on WA state medicare under the Age/Blind/Disabled program. I have a DSHS worker who is like a liaison to SS and she helped me file for my hearing. I have been told an attorney would be of great help, although it ****** me off to have to pay someone to get something I'm entitled to. I finally got my Dr to send me to an orthopedic Dr. I have to call and make an appointment. I just pray it doesn't take as long as it did to get into the Neurologist. Six months out on appointments!

[Sea Pines 50]

I'm glad that you have a case worker helping you with the SSI. I know it sucks to have to hire an attorney; I had to also after I applied for SSD and it kept being denied. She was well worth it, though, and helped get my case approved at a hearing before a judge. Didn't even have to write her a check; her fees were taken off the top by the Feds before paying on my claim.

If you really want to find out if you have TOS, there is a top doc in Seattle who specializes in this area of medicine. His name is Kaj Johansen and his contact info is in the Drs. and PTs thread at the top of this forum.

TOS is not an orthopedic problem. I was misdiagnosed for years by orthopedic surgeons (and hand specialists) before a neurosurgeon finally sent me to a top vascular surgeon whose practice includes the treatment of TOS. That doc diagnosed me on the spot based on my symptoms and clinical findings, with an extremely advanced case of true neurogenic TOS. I had suffered a great deal of nerve damage and muscular atrophy in the years and years it took to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Would hate to see that happen to anyone else!

Hope you and your docs figure out soon what is going on with you so that an effective treatment plan can be developed for you.