Bilateral Pectoralis Minor Syndrome~A successful Surgical Outcome:
Primary Diagnosis of Neurogenic TOS-Rediagnosed with Pectoralis Minor Syndrome

My problems began in December 2005. Pain behind both shoulders, trapezius muscles, and in my neck. After having previous tendonitis problems in arms & feet I decided to start water aerobics and work it out. Boy was I wrong! The cold water became extremely painful for me and my pain got worse. I would wake up crying every time I tried to sleep. Finally I went to my Family doctor and I had the usual x-rays of neck, chest, & shoulders. They were negative except for straightening of the neck (lordosis). All blood tests came back normal.  read update!

Shannon's TOS Story
Primary Diagnosis: Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
April 24, 2007 I was driving home from work on a country road, stopped at a traffic light, quite a ways back, big line, and WOMP! Rear-ended and pushed into the car in front of mine, by a 20 year old going 80 km/ph. Both my 2000 Chevy Malibu and her brand new Mazda 6 were completely written off. My Back bumper was pushed under and wrapped around my rear axle, and my frame was accordianed up to and including my drivers side door. I had to kick at my door several times to get out. The entire front end of her shiny new Mazda was completely obliterated, smoking and sort of wedged under t he front of her frame. (It was slight downward slope, I'm lucky she didn't flip my entire car over) read more

Amanda's Story
Primary Diagnosis: Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
My TOS story is long and dramatic but I will try to keep it as brief as possible!  I grew up on a farm and I always had trouble doing things my brother and sister could do.  For instance, in the hay field, I struggled lifting the bale up to the wagon so I was eventually labeled the "lazy" one.  I always thought the reason people didn't like washing windows was because it hurt them! Things like carrying a purse either on my shoulder or as a handbag always gave me trouble.  I guess I have had problems all my life but it was "normal" to me so I never complained. read more  share your story today!

Follow Richard's journey as he undergoes Physical Therapy in the Netherlands!
As Gail requested I will report on how my PT located in the Netherlands treats TOS. I will describe the sessions as they have taken place. I will try to do this as explicit and detailed as possible. So, when there is a long story: I am not ranting, merely describing what we did, how it felt, the short term effect and the long term effect of it. I will add each sessions as a separate post to this one. When I'm not clear enough, ask away, either via PM or (preferably) via the board and I will answer as good as I can. When you have a better way for me to describe or explain things, don't hesitate to say so. English is not my native language, so I'm sure I'll make an error or two. read from the beginning

In a landmark decision, a Social Security judge in Northern California has issued what amounts to a bill of rights for thoracic outlet syndrome victims. Judge Erickson gave the claimant everything a T.O.S victim could ever hope for and stated in clear and precise language why thoracic outlet syndrome can lead to total disability. Even more important, however, is the fact that the TOS patient had gone back to work on a part time basis, and the Judge rewarded her for going back to work and granted her training benefits which are now available under the Social Security law. The TOS patient testified at her hearing that her own doctor had given her a job on a compassionate basis as a receptionist and part time secretary, but that she was unable to type and could only drag a mouse on her computer. The judge accepted the patient's testimony and awarded her full benefits up to the time that she went back to work and then construed her present employment to be compensable training under the Social Security Act. Judge Erickson bolstered his decision with the opinion of a vocational rehabilitation expert who testified that if a claimant could not effectively type in an office job, the claimant was currently taken completely out of our modern economy. At the time of the hearing, the TOS patient had suffered from thoracic outlet syndrome for 4 years as the result of being hit head-on in a motor vehicle accident case by a drunk driver. At the time of the accident the TOS patient had been in excellent health and had been working. The TOS patient applied for Social Security and was turned down but appealed.  copyright 2008  Neil D. Eisenberg and the American TOS Association. Edited version

Traveling to see a TOS specialist
Most will agree that there not aren't enough TOS experienced physicians to go around. With about 20 TOS experienced physicians nationwide it is not uncommon for patients to travel hundreds of miles to seek consultation, have surgery or for ongoing experienced care. One of the most difficult challenges is the financial aspects of traveling but in the long run these financial challenges may pay off. The long term financial consequences of inexperienced TOS healthcare can have far greater consequences than the immediate cost of travel. It's not say that traveling will guarantee a successful outcome but your odds do improve if you seek help, wherever that may be, from a TOS EXPERIENCED physician.  Insurance companies and workers' compensation often waste thousands of dollars sending patients to physicians with little to no TOS experience which puts the patient at a greater risk of lifelong permanent disability and can potentially lead to or increase life and limb threatening complications such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary embolism). In any event, traveling outside of your homestate may be your best bet in the long run as the cost of inexperience and delay can be devastating and lifelong.