| Last Updated July 19, 2004 |
My TOS :
About 12 years ago I started having sever pain in my right arm after having to brake my truck really hard to avoid an accident. I'm sure I was pulling back on the steering wheel really hard. I was diagnosed with TOS due to an old fracture of my 1st rib on my right side. This was a very old fracture and I wasnt even aware that I had ever broke it or when. Rib removal surgery was scheduled. But I was already scheduled for a back fusion so the Dr. told me to have that done first, wait 6 weeks and then he would do the rib surgery. A week after my back surgery, I had a bad fall and landed on my right side. The arm pain stopped so I never had the surgery. Then about 6 months ago, I started having pain in my right elbow which has eventually spread to both arms, shoulders and neck. When standing and on expanding my chest, I completely lose my pulse not only in both arms but also in my carotid artery within 5 seconds. Needless to say, I don't hold my breath much. Headaches are almost constant and intensity depends on how long I have been on my feet. The Dr scence has been very frustrating. I've seen at least 10 in he last 3 months. The only diagnoses I had gotten was osteoarthritis, which I didnt agree with. About 3 weeks ago, when having x-rays taken, I noticed how much the pain increased when I had to hold my breath while standing up for the x-ray. I also immediately got very light headed and almost passed out. Plus sever pounding in my head when I exhaled. This happened in a matter of 5 seconds or less. I demonstrted this to my family Dr. over 2 weeks ago. I'm suppose to have an MRI of my neck on Monday and see a Vascular specialist next Friday. I'm a little confused about having the loss of pulse and pain in both arms if the problem is being caused by my broken rib on my right side. Is it common to effect both sides like that? I'm also worried about possible nerve damage and whatever else is being damaged by a lack of bloodflow to my brain. But the Dr's don't seem to share my concern. And it's very disappointing that after seeing so many specialist, I had to figure this out for myself. But after reading some of you all's stories, this sounds all too familiar. If it turns out I also have a cervical problem, that should have been discovered 2 months ago. The reumatoligist did a neck x-ray and it showed a 4 mm subluxation at C7 and recommended a CT for further evaluation. But he said it was just normal wear and tear and never did any follow-up. So as you can see, I can certainly relate to the experiences you all have posted. I'd be glad to hear from any of you that have had similair experiences as mine and hear what your outcomes have been. Marilyn
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