[Sharon]

Just got diagnosed today after an ultrasound angiogram of my left carotid artery and subclavian artery plus all vessels of arm.

My symtoms were/are pain in shoulder, left lower neck and whole arm to hand. Also near-constant tingling in arm & hand. When I move my arm and head during normal everyday use, there is a compression of my subclavian artery that runs beneath the first rib and collar bone. I get pins and needles upon compression then once released a vulgar sensation of the blood rushing back down then tingling. It's so horrible!!

Saw a vascular proffessor today and he proposes to perform surgery - remove a section of my first rib to alleviate it

Weird, after I left the hospital, I felt emotional and shaky and had a sweet coffee

Here is more info and image below:

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition whereby symptoms are produced from compression of nerves or blood vessels, or both, because of an inadequate passageway through an area (thoracic outlet) between the base of the neck and the armpit. The thoracic outlet is the area between the rib cage and collar bone.

Any condition that results in enlargement or movement of the tissues of or near the thoracic outlet can cause the thoracic outlet syndrome. These conditions include muscle enlargement (such as from weight lifting), injuries, an extra rib from the neck at birth (cervical rib), weight gain, and tumors at the top of the lung. People with long necks and droopy shoulders may be more likely to develop this condition because of extra pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include:

·Pain, numbness, and tingling in the pinky and ring fingers.

·Impaired circulation to the extremities (causing discoloration).

·Pain and tingling in the neck and shoulders.

·Weakness of the muscles in the hand and shoulders.

The diagnosis is typically made after the doctor takes a careful history and performs a physical examination.

Some tests usually carried out are:
·CT angiogram
·MRI
·Electromyography (EMG)
·X-ray
·Nerve conduction velocity test

Having surgery November 17th. Removal of the first rib bit-by-bit. Rather like this:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D_jBR0J_sSo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[southerngrrl]

best if luck too you girl <3

[southerngrrl]

*of

[**butterflylove**]

[Sharon]

Originally Posted by southerngrrl ↗

best if luck too you girl <3

Thanks mate, I need it! I don't like it at all

[sassieroses]

You are in my prayers Sharon! Surgery is never fun, but I have faith you will finer than frog hair in no time! When is your surgeon proposing to fix this?

[johnleeknoefler]

I hope there is another option. That sounds like a very deep surgery from looking at the diagram. Thanks for sharing. umm, can you get pics of the surgery? Not to be rude but it would be awesome to see. But scary to be you.

[rhino71]

You'll do fine freckles!!! I'll be thinking of you!!!

[DiamondSmiles]

Good luck. I will keep you in my thoughts.

[Guderian1974]

...Here's to your future well being...