Hi Everyone.

I was on the previous board and I was excited to see that I found some familiar signons. I have a question that I know everyone can give insight.

I had rib resection surgery 8/04. Since then, it's been a very long haul. My surgery was done under the arm - which I now hear is the wrong way to successfully complete the surgery. Anyway - I'm still having the problems with arm swelling, pain when the hand is down. I can actually control the blood flow in my arm. I put my hand up and it turns white. I put it down and within minutes you can watch it fill with blood and swell. I also still have portions under my arm that are dead from the surgery. So, here's my question...

I recently saw a Lymphedema Specialist and he said that I have nerve damage from the surgery or TOS in general. Because of the damage to the nerves they don't control the blood flow in my arm - hence swelling and pain. Has anyone else experienced this? What were your options?

Thank you for your help.