Jill,
If we get the same run-around while only dealing with spinal issues, it's easy to imagine what you must be going through.
However, if TOS affects only 1% of the population, it's easier to understand how most spine doctors aren't that familiar with it. It sounds like its own specialty or at least, a sub specialty. I would think it next to impossible to find a doctor who is extremely well versed in both cervical herniations/nerve damage and TOS/nerve damage and able to differentiate the two. But if you're dealing with incompetence, that's a different issue.
I'm sure you have your own opinion as to which is more severe and causing your worst symptoms. Since you're getting such varied opinions, what is your gut telling you? Everything may be culpable but since you can only do one surgery at a time with healing time inbetween, you may just have to choose yourself. And from your description of your symptoms, I would think the sooner the better.
My best to you, Dale
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3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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