Hi,
I was diagnosed with vascular TOS in October 2008. I was experiencing chest/left arm pain,severe numbness and aching in my left arm, color changes and swelling in my arm.

It was found after numerous trips to the ER after experiencing heart attack type symptoms.I had every type of cardiac test done including an angiogram. It was after one trip to the ER that the ER doc ordered a CT scan wih contrast and that was how the TOS was discovered. I had 90% compression of my artery and was scheduled for immediate surgery for a 1st rib resection.

I'm almost 2 years post-op and have had no ill effects from the surgery other than some slight numbness around the incision site (which is in my arm pit). I had a follow-up CT about 2 months ago and so far everything appears good and my TOS symptoms have disappeared.

I would highly recommend the surgery if no other option is available. I had immediate relief as soon as I woke up from surgery and was home the next day. I spent 6 weeks on light duty and quickly recovered to my normal life style.

Good luck with your TOS and know you're not alone! I never realized how TOS can affect your life until I was diagnosed with it.

Ken