It sounds like it would be such an easy thing.... but it's SOOOO difficult. With SO many doctors in the Houston medical center, you'd think that there would be SOMEONE who has had TOS experience. I'm sure there is... it's just a matter of calling 200,000 doctors to find that one who has a CLUE.

I'm really glad I found this board. Just being able to read that we're not alone in this is such a help!

Plus the sharing of information... I'm very grateful for the help I've received and hope I can help make someone else's life a little less stressful like the people here have made mine.

Another way to find a smart doc is to find/ask around at physical therapy places.

I figured out after many PT rounds over the years - that talking with the various PT people or even asking at the desk - if they aren't busy - they know what Drs seems to be good with dxing and rxing.

Of course you need to ask the more experienced ones just because they have been around longer to learn this info.

If I had to do it all over again I would start with finding the best PT places & therapists - because they are the ones that will see you weekly/monthly etc and really get to know you and your problems.

then as you are doing that also ask them about Dr recommendations for you conditions....and make a list of the names.

Dr. Azzadeh did my surgery and he botched it. I didn't really like him. He thought he 'cured' me and wouldn't let me tell him otherwise. I left and am now going to colorado to see dr. sanders.

Dr. Azizzadeh seemed too pro-surgery for me. I didn't feel very comfortable after talking to him.

When I said I wanted to avoid surgery if possible, his reply was "well, we'll do what we need to do. If we need to do surgery, that's ok." He acted like removing my rib was equivelent to removing a mole or something.

I found out from calling Dr. Kline's office (LSU) that he has retired. They referred me to Dr. Daniel Kim (Houston - Baylor). I've got an appt with him for next week. Hopefully he'll have a clue. If not, it looks like I'll be taking a trip to Colorado also.

Dr. Azzizadeh did my TOS surgery in December 2007. He did an awesome job and I returned to work in March as a school teacher. The surgery is tough but he knows what he is doing. I had vascular and venous TOS with a clot in my arm and dimished pulse. I knew I could not avoid surgery and could not continue in the pain I was in. I am now pain free and able to use my right arm and hand without it turming cold and full of pain. I had a rib resected and middle and anterior scalene muscles removed. I am glad he did all three instead of partial so I am done with the surgery. There are different opinions as to the method and what works, his approach worked for me and he helped me throught he most difficult time in my life. Him and his staff took great care of me in and out of the hospital.