Hello all! Sorry I haven't been around lately. Still having the same old problems. My left arm has been having so much discomfort lately that I am really scared that there is something wrong with my heart. I have had every heart test except a catherization in the past 2 years and I have also been to 4 different cardiologists since my symptoms started 6 years ago (3 of them have been in the past year). I'm so lost anymore with all my symptoms. I went to my PCP last Friday because I had a headache for 2 weeks and she walks in and says, "oh it's Rachelle again, what's wrong now?". I HATE going to the dr anymore because they look at me like I am a hypochondriac. I don't know of any good doctors here in Pittsburgh that are familiar with TOS. I talked to vascular surgeon but all he wanted to do was cut me open. I tried PT but the therapist basically told me that I will never be 100% unless I have surgery, and even then it may cause more harm than good since I don't have an extra rib. AAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!

The other day I was sitting at work and all of a sudden I got the dreaded "heavy" feeling in the middle of my chest and then I got pain between my shoulder blades, classic sign of a heart attack, but then after a few minutes the pain and discomfort subsided. I don't know what to do anymore because when I go to the dr. they think I'm crazy. I think my cardiologist (who I used to love) is even giving up on me. I went for my check up and he was like ok, see you in a year. All he did was listen to heart and check my BP.

This is all of my medical "issues" I have been battling for the past 6 years:
-chest pain/discomfort
-left arm pain
-neck pain
-headaches (either sharp stabbing pains or extreme pressure)
-jaw pain
-globus sensation in my throat
-nausea
-abdominal pain
-dizziness/lightheadedness
-SOB
-numbness in extremities
-cold hands
-distended arm veins
-rapid heart rate/palpitations

I have been diagnosed with:
-TOS
-GERD
-hiatal hernia
-MVP
-anxiety (personal favorite )

Does anyone have these similiar symptoms from their TOS? I'm so lost and I just wish I could find a dr that understands. Thanks for "listening" to me. Take care everyone

~Rachelle

Hi Rachelle,
It's not in your head and your doctors need to take a flying leap of a short plank!!!! U are obviously having severe symptoms due to your TOS!! And other issues. I suggest you look up on our list of doctors and find one that is close to you or find your way to UCLA as I understand there are very good doctors there. I am in Alberta Canada and I AM considering going to them to get an MRI to see if I can have more surgery as my first one failed due to poor physiotherapy...they wrecked the surgery. so finding the RIGHT doctor is key. My family doc (PCP) says oh look here comes queen Victoria or oh no what do you want now....admittedly it is a joke but it does bother me a little. He does a good job.....but is not great at dealing with pain...he does not want to give me more narcotics when I have but need more....anyhow.......your issues are real and not imagined. You need to be heard by someone who will help. Perahps a 3dmri at UCLA will give a better idea if you can have surgery and if it will help. Therre are great surgeons here that many here have had surgey from. Most if not all of your symptoms sound to me like TOS symptoms. I'm not sure what else to say except that I have been through tonnes of doctors...many many who did not believe me told me go and live in pain or that it was in my head and nothing could be done. SO YOU ARE YOUR OWN BOSS AND NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF!!!!!! Don't let them tell you what you are feeling tell them what you are feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hope that helps....
feeel free to pm me if you want more help or info!
love and hugs,
Victoria