[epidEmic]

Hello all,
My wife has been browsing your forums for quite some time now and i decided its time for intros.

32 yr old male
injured in Sept of 2008 on the job
on W/C
Dx'ed with TOS in left shoulder


We live in AK, so there are very few doctors whom will deal with my diagnosis. I was very lucky to have found my current doctor. I have been doing Phys. Ther. since Sept. 2008. I feel the treatment plan has floundered. There is only one Dr in AK whom will operate. I am at the end of my rope ( ) and it seems from the reading i have been doing that i can expect to wait quite abit longer. Once again i can't say enuff of how much it has helped knowing i am not crazy and that i am not the only one in the world with this problem.

[Jomar]

Welcome,
I brought a copy of your post down here for Hello's

[epidEmic]

tyvm.... i guess i posted in wrong area .... once again ty.

[Jomar]

It wasn't the wrong area, just that sometimes we don't notice the new member posts in the history/ intro thread.

[astern]

Welcome to our home, epidEmic!

Just wanted you to consider traveling for surgery. I used to live in FL and had to experience a BAD surgery before I realized that my life was worth traveling for - TOS surgery is serious business and you want a highly experienced surgeon - fooling around with a surgeon just because he's 'local' is not a good idea. I'm sure you're treating Dr's in AK will get on board with aftercare and working with the surgeon who's out of state. Insurance companies 'in the know' will also be onboard with the idea. The last thing they want is for you to need additional corrective surgeries - or worse - a lawsuit.

There are several excellent surgeons in Denver. Check out the Doctors List 'stickie' at the top of the forum list of threads.

Best of luck to you,
Anne

[LinJane]

Welcome and as always, sorry your here!

You will find great information on this site. I agree about traveling for a doctor. Surgery is a very serious deal. I only traveled about 3-4 hours for mine. Stayed in the hospital for 5 days and a hotel for 2. Family support is important and necessary. Just find the right doctor. I am in NJ and my sugrery was in PA. I had the rib re-section and scalanectomy. Tough stuff but worth it. Just find the right doctor and good luck! Everyone here is of GREAT help and support. I am grateful all the time that I found this site. Take care and Good luck! Linda

[(Broken Wings)]

Originally Posted by epidEmic

Hello all,
My wife has been browsing your forums for quite some time now and i decided its time for intros.

32 yr old male
injured in Sept of 2008 on the job
on W/C
Dx'ed with TOS in left shoulder


We live in AK, so there are very few doctors whom will deal with my diagnosis. I was very lucky to have found my current doctor. I have been doing Phys. Ther. since Sept. 2008. I feel the treatment plan has floundered. There is only one Dr in AK whom will operate. I am at the end of my rope ( ) and it seems from the reading i have been doing that i can expect to wait quite abit longer. Once again i can't say enuff of how much it has helped knowing i am not crazy and that i am not the only one in the world with this problem.

Welcome

TOS is not easy to overcome. There's lots of friendly people willing to share info about our experiences. I hope you find something that helps you.

I look forward to seeing you around. Just ask if you need to know how to get around.

(Broken Wings)

[gibbrn]

Hi epidEmic,
welcome and know u r not crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a strange syndrome that many many doctors have trouble diagnosing nevermind understanding. If you are considering surgery u need to have a very very good surgeon who does tos surgeries a LOT not just once or twice a year. The last thing you need is complications from a very serious surgery that if done incorrectly will cause you a lifetime of hell.

DO not get me wrong I have had surgery!! I hope that where ever you go u find what u need. It is not to be taken lightly! It helped me immensley as I had vascular tos and as it turns out the surgeon told me after that I had neurogenic as well after he did my surgery.

You need to do some research here on the surgeon...YOU need to interview HIM@! Ask questions about tos ...after you do your research...and know your stuff......and see if he knows what he is talking about...make sure he does many a year and not a few. If that's the case it may be worth your time to go to a place that will do the surgery for you who is well knowledged in tos and does many surgeries!!!

Just some thoughts to ponder!!
Ask for help anytime you need it.
This is a great group of people who are always willing to help when you need it...it may take a while for us to answer as you know we have our good and bad days, but we are here for you!! And WE GET IT!
Glad you found us....sorry you had to!
love and hugs,
Victoria