I have seen a neuro doc who said nothing is wrong with me. My symptoms come and go though and were not there when he tested me. Now they are worse and I really want someone who knows what I have to look at me. My chiro and PT have both said it is TOS. My arms and shoulders hurt like heck if I work over my head. I have rib pain and arm pain and numbness. It feels like there is a rubber band connecting my neck and chest muscle that just pulls every which way and snaps. I used to have shaking fits where my body would shake for 10 minutes too. At times I feel like my pulse stops and blood is not flowing correctly.

What kind of doctor can help????????? Is there a thoracic specialist?

Thanks so much.

Also: From time to time it causes pains in my head. Cold pains usually. I had an mri and every other test under the sun.

The PT and chiro are the only ones who have helped and diagnosed me.

Muscle relaxers and hot baths help the most for some strange reason?

Some expert PT & Chiro were the main ones to dx/help me also.

Sometimes a DO may be of help, a phsyiatrist {sp?}{rehab dr}
or even just a more knowledgeable MD /Neuro, a bodyworker {Feldenkrais or Alexander types}

But unless you use a TOS pro you have to do a lot of searching and asking questions to find a good Dr.

Did you find our drs list sticky?
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=135

Where do you live? Maybe someone hear knows of a doc in your area. you might find a different neurologist who can diax and treat your TOS. Not all neurologists know about this condition. What about a physiatrist? Check other lists to see if there is anyone in your area. Try tellmeaboutTOS.com or others you may find on the stickies on top of the posts.

This brings up a question I am having. I have seen a local surgeon who does diax TOS but there aren't any other TOS drs I've found in my area. (No, the surgeon doesn't have anyone he can refer me to; I've asked.) No doctors on this good list or on anything else I've seen. I am looking for suggestions on how to find someone to help me with meds and follow up care. I also need a PT and possibly a Physiatrist. Not to mention that I am in a hurry. any ideas??

Hi,

I posted in your introduce yourself thread and put a bit about this...glad you made your own thread!!

Welcome!

As for thoracic yes Vascular surgeons are usually the consults....so try for one. there is a post on the top of the forum with docs in each state so try to find one close to you and see what you come up with.

a good neurologist would have ordered an emg to see if you are having nerve issues....sounds both muscular, vascular and nerological......just my two cents.

oh tos`ers---- are you asking why thoracic outlet
if this is your question it is due to the area that is usually compressing the vessels and nerves causing the syndrome. The area is also know as the brachial plexus. It is the area just under your clavicle -collar bone and up to your neck is the origin and it goes under the clavicle
Check out the attachement.

Hope some of this helps.
Victoria

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I live in albuquerque and there are no doctors here from that list. Maybe I will go to denver or phoenix. I'm just tired of living with it. I had the nerve tests done by the neuro doc. One were he listened to my muscles and one where he shocked me and tested the current. I am also thinking of trying another physical therapist. Just frustrating that no one can show me a xray etc... and say "this is what is causing this." But I'm sure most are in the same boat.

Thanks for your help

unless you have some bony anomalies or a extra cervical rib - nothing in regards to TOS will show on xray and usually not on a standard MRI either.
- but it is good to get those pictures, to be sure the extra rib or a cervical spine injury isn't a culprit.

Gibbrn, I saw that the muscle relaxers and hot baths help you a lot too. Why do you think this is? Do the docs know yet? How long have you been like that?

Thanks for the advise. Going back to doctor wednesday to see if he can refer me to someone.

Thunder92 Fun tests huh! As many, I have more tests than I can count! EMG and mylogram are the BEST!! I don't think they do mylograms anymore. Maybe they realized just plain old painful!

I hope you find a doctor in your area who can help you. I have been VERY lucky but I live on the east coast so can't help with any referral. Just keep posting here and let everyone know how you are doing. Everyone does care.

Linda

Please try going to a vascular surgeon that specializes in TOS. It will save you alot of time and money in the long run.
You need a definite diagnosis.
I live in Ohio and had to fly to Denver twice. Drained my IRA to do this but oh well.