My TOS

My TOS  : 

In June 2004 I experienced a terrible pain and swelling in my left wrist, in September 2004 it found its way to my right forearm along the ulner nerve . Each time I sought treatment I was told "tendonitus from repetitive motions" and advised to rest the affected areas for weeks at a time,continue with anti inflammatories and if possible find a new career--(I know nothing else...I've been the banker with cold hands and a warm heart for nearly 10 years now!!! ) In October 2004 my neck was insanely sore and I was unable to turn my head for the better part of the next month and a half. I was advised that "some people sleep in ackward positions" and my pain was a result of having done this. Since then I have tried physio, 282's and anti- imflammatories without relief. The pain continued and spread to my shoulders, clavicles, shoulder blades, upper back and lower back and any excercises my PT tried just made me feel worse. (these pains have never left me after each of their onsets) By January 2005 I was barley able to walk, sit or stand . I was advised to start half days until I could see a neurologist. Supposedly we would be meeting during the course of my reduced hours. Well, it should come as no shock that I was on a short term leave before we were able to meet. (I have to admit that not sitting at my computer 9+ hours/day has allowed me to experience more good days in a month instead of all painful days. A little R&R can do small wonders.) After a whopping 5 minutes in his office and no MRI to be scheduled he decided I had a muscular/skeletal problem and not a nerve problem...so off to a physiatrist I went in June. Knowing my own body and being armed with the knowledge that my employer paid him a large sum to see me on such short notice I would not accept his diagnosis- a 1cm diff in the length of my legs and scholiosis. Perhaps it could be the cause of my back pain but how could it be responsible for the continuous pain,swelling, burning, bruising, numbness, discoloration, lack of circulation, loss of strength, grip balance ...etc in the rest of my body?! His recommendation--continue with PT and learn to walk again with a lift in my shoe...approx recovery time 4-6 months. The next MD I saw was a plastic surgeon and the only expert in the area of TOS in our health science region. He has confirmed my suspicions and those of my PT who was the driving force behind this MD referral. Without a doubt I have TOS. I do not have an extra rib but I do have abnormally large lower neck bones that are acting like extra ribs compressing against my clavicles. It was suggested to me yesterday that I go through with surgery as the conservative treatments have not worked over the last 11 months. I am trying to research ALL the pros and cons of the surgery but have found little to no info that can aid in my decesion. I've been told that the surgery is mainly to improve my quality of life. I can not continue on the way I am because I will never be able to work again. I am too young for the pain and suffering I've endured over the last 15 months. I have not had an accident of any sort. I'm just lucky enough to be the ideal candidate for TOS--a tall, thin, long necked female. Heh heh heh... I used to call myself giraffe neck when I was a child as its that long :) I also have droopy shoulders and very poor posture when sitting or standing. If anyone can tell me personal pros and/or cons of going through with surgery I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for reading. I had to tell my story after I had such a good laugh at the TOS humor.

Doctor Recommendations  : 

None.