Also depends on if they do a full emg. My first ones only detected cts but they were partial emgs then a new dr did full emg detected all kind of nerve problems and tos.

Missa,
Don't despair, many of us had the same thing happen. I know it's disappointing when a Dr leaves you hanging- at least you know this dr isn't the one to dig for answers for you.
I would use this time to seek out a more knowledgeable Dr.

If PT isn't hurting you or making anything worse I think keep going for now. But if anything at PT makes you hurt more or the symptoms get worse stop right away. Do they seem to be helping you at all?
step 1 should be reducing your pain -with ultrasound, heat, massage, trigger point

hopefully they are working on your upper back, neck, shoulders arms and wrists and talking about posture and showing you how to be more aware of that.
There are plenty of things that can be tried - second or even 3rd opinions - but that goes back to finding a good and caring Dr.

OR-
If you think it might be work related - have some consults with a few wc attys { they are free}- check them out/ interview them and get as much info as you can before signing , if you decide to do that route.

Most standard tests will come out normal- that is the tricky thing with TOS- why it's difficult to prove.
some will have multiple "crush" that means the nerve is pinched/affected at more than one place - so those tend to show up on EMG/NCV

Thanks for your kind words and advice.

I have only been to PT once so far. I have another appt. tomorrow and another probably on Friday. My PT would like to see me twice a week.

As for it hurting or helping me, I'm not too sure yet. After last weeks visit I felt great for a day or so and then it all just came back.

Oh and billy, they only did an EMG the left arm. Why they only targeted that arm, I'll never know. But I do know I'm not going back to that Dr.

My mother referred me to an Orthopedic Dr. that both she and my sister see. I have yet to be able to get through to them today but I am going to keep trying.

I don't know how some of you have waited for years upon years to figure out what is wrong with you... This is month 3 for me and it's pure torture. God bless you for having that strength... and could please pass some of that along to me.

Yes that's usual for PT - that's why the 2x a week usually for a total 6-8 visits is standard.
usually a reassessment mid way to see if the treatment plan is working or not or if plan needs changed.

Drs-
sometimes you can call the office to find out if a dr has side specialties/interests.

Missa- I hope the PT helps you, and I'm sorry that your doc disregarded, no, ignored everything you had to say. That is horribly frustrating, and makes you feel like they don't care. Hang in there; if its possible, could you get to see a different ortho?

I have an appt. with an Ortho that I just got today, January 3rd. So what's that 2 weeks? More waiting.

Take the time. It will be here fast.
Try to enjoy your holiday. Seriously try I know its hard but they only come once a year. Remember what you are grateful for.
Stay off the computerexcept for reading TOS stuff to educate yourself
Dont let PT push you too hard
Put your thoughts and notes in a logical order and then edit because you know that docs have short attention spans.
Go in unemotional and focused to solve the problem. Tell him you want to partner and solve this.

My ortho diagnosed me with TOS.

Hi Missa,

I see this issue has been touched upon by Tam, but can't tell if you have been X-Rayed for Cervical Ribs.

Also, the EMG and SSEP results certainly can vary depending upon the throughness of the tests. I believe the results can also vary over time if there is a progression of scar tissue for example.

Your frustration is totally understandable, many of us has been through this stuff. It is difficult to not know what is going on. When physicians don't seem to take you seriously, that is very upsetting indeed.

Sometimes however, you ARE being taken seriously, but Docs don't like to jump to the TOS conclusion right away. If you are being referred for nerve or circulation testing, for example, the physician may have a suspicion, but wants some test results before they feel comfortable discussing a relatively unusual diagnosis.

A Thoracic/Cardiovascular Surgeon is also a good choice for a diagnostician. Personally, I much prefer them over Orthos, who often seem to be primarily interested in sports injuries.

Hang in there, you will want to be sure your symptoms are not the result of other issues, which can be very serious.

Docs who hear hoofbeats are looking for horses and TOS is a Zebra. You will find it is not unusual to go thru 10 or more physicians before everything is straightened out.

I do hope you find some answers soon, as you will need to be treated for depression as well as pain...(the sooner the better, No?).

Warmly,
Anne

Thank you all for your responses. Since I last replied I have seen a new primary Dr. and a Cardiologist.

Primary Dr. had me go for a Sonogram of the abdomen to rule out anything with the gallbladder since that can refer pain to the chest. Got those results back today... negative.

Saw the Cardio today. I have to go back for a Calcium score and an echocardiogram to rule out anything bad with the heart. He advised me that he does not think I have anything like Coronary Artery Disease since I am only 23 but that these tests should be done to make sure nothing is going on with the heart. I was also advised that insurance will not cover the Calcium score so I have to fork over $100 for that. Whatever this is that is going on with me is sure draining mine and my boyfriends pockets! Ahh!

Primary informed me that if my Cardio exams come back fine that we will start to look into some muscular dysfunctions. Could that maybe lead to a discussion of TOS? Am I getting any closer?

I am frustrated beyond belief and don't know what else to do at this point. I guess it's just more waiting.

Also, should I keep that appt. with the Ortho next week? Or should I just try my luck with these Dr's?

I don't know what to tell you about the ortho appt- he was recommended by your mom & sis right?
Does he look at the " whole picture" or only focus on "bones, tendons etc" I guess that is a good question to ask them.

With the other doc mentioning muscular dysfunction is getting closer - as long as he doesn't just assume strengthening is always the answer.

With TOS, {and some other conditions},
it's the nerves and blood flow that can mess up the muscles by sending bad signals and on/off blood flow. It also seems to clog up/slow down the lymph system at times too. Puffy and sore arm pits are a give away for me esp when I over do.