I have seen Drs that were posted in threads that were not covered under the Drs. Sticky List at the top of the thread page... it is difficult to find/monitor all threads for new doctors that need to be added to this list and I ask if you would send this info. directly to me via. a PM to DDayMBB,
when doing so I ask that you provide Drs, name, specialty, address, phone number and E-mail address if known thank you DDayMBB it would make it quicker and easier to get it up on the board quicker also one other request is to make sure the Dr or PT you want added is not already up on the board, unless there is a change of address, phone number etc. again please PM this info. to DDayMBB


~~~Mark-n-Goober~~~

TOS Success Story
 

I was diagnosed with TOS 12 years ago... after years of Docs trying to figure out what was wrong. Tons of PT, lots of pain meds and muscle relaxants. Finally had TOS surgery by Dr. George Thomas Providence Hospital Seattle. It took about a year and a half but the surgery was successfully. By successful I mean that I had reduced pain, improved quality of life. I still experience pain on that side if I over do, and have learned to compensate by using my left side predominately. I don't think you ever fully recover, but the surgery did help me.

That's really great news Karrie. So helpful to hear of positive results! What exact surgery did you have?

What helps me:

1. First I have bilateral TOS but pain on Left neck/shoulder.
2. Yoga. Chest openers (any). Roll shoulders back, pinch blades. No eagle pose, no down dog. Nothing that puts any body weight on shoulders. No push ups or plank.
3. Cardio exercise. Increase blood flow to muscles.
4. Long foam pillow against spine when sitting in car/airplane/in front of boob tube. Opens chest more.
5. Watch the posture in front of computer or when sitting. Remember...chest LIFTED, shoulders down and back. (no concave chest).
6. Watch neck posture. Lengthen back of neck, chin down or paralell and not sticking out front (no forward lean to head..it should be straigth up and down in line with backbone).

don't know about cervical rib...don't have that.
If elbow bent a 90 degrees while sitting...could be that you are applying pressure (even slight) to the shoulder...don't! take pressure OFF elbow.

7. Watch what you are "carrying" In my case my problem area is the "coracoid process" this is where the pec minor attaches as well as the bicep tendon (one of them). When carrying packages in front.these two suckers PULL down on the coracoid and create havoc for my Brachial Plexus underneath. One observation.

I (again, i know) have to say that cardio has worked great for me.
Some things doc told me to watch out for also-
- like NoName mentioned, any pressure on the elbow is bad.
- No holding things out at arms length.
- I have lost alot of strength in my left arm, so gripping "large" things like a half-gallon of milk is a no-no, because it causes MORE pain
- Dr. also told me to make sure i wasn't holding my shoulders TOO far back, because that can put pressure on nerves/arteries.

I had rib resection and the scalene muscles detatched (not removed). Update ... I have TOS on the Left side (huge bummer). I meet with the surgeon and they've now modified the surgery very rarely performing rib resection. Instead they generally perform a scalentomy (removal) and Pectoralis minor tenotomy. They gave me a Marcaine injection and my symptoms were almost completely resolved. This a diagnostic tool to assess for TOS as well as predict surgical outcome. Also had Botox to hold me over until I can have the Left TOS surgery. Hope this helps

Hey Kahn good to hear from you, welcome to TOS land! Think positive Kahn you may have luck right, after all who knows what will happen.

Everyone has docs they trust and use, there are very few docs in the nation who know much about TOS, and I'm sure the docs who treat us all know each other. They probably all get togather with confrences and stuff, I know I like my doc in MO.

Kahn stay positive I know it is hard to but who knows what will happen.

Khan
 

Could I ask u:
1. what speciality physician u r?
2. how long has ur TOS been diagnosed?
3. ur sx's?
4. what u r doing for conservative methods?
5. what have the surgeons reccommended?

I realize ur state of mind seeing that everyone here posts and there doesn't seem to be any cure.
I believe if TOS was/is curable we wouldn't be on here looking for answers.
However, there r probably 1000's of patients cured but never found the forum and just as many dx'd who haven't found the forum.
Reality check when I first found the forum was, "FABULOUS, OTHERS HAVE THIS TOO" and "O, ****...WHAT DO I DO NEXT?"

Take a deep breath
Hang tight, TOS is a ride.

just so there's no confusion Khans post is a old one from 11/2006- i don't know if he is reading the forum still or not. Khan hasn't logged on since- 01-24-2007

But a new member Karrie posted here so I'll make a new welcome thread for her.

j...
 

I'm not sure i get it...
What am I missing here?
Khan has not logged in for months but his old thread was posted?
It's so hard for me to spend the time reading posts, threads and reply's and its not going to be read by the member?


I get it...don't respond until you SEE the date(s) posted
DAH