Hi,

I had bilateral venous occlusion in both axillary veins. My symptoms first appeared when lifting weights. My L arm was affected first in 2006. My R arm jumped on board in 2008. Up until my R arm was affected I was on coumadin for 9 months due to failure of a venogram in my L arm. Once my R arm became occluded (originally was being treated at the VA), I was sent to the Cleveland Clinic. A few venogram failures later on my R arm and I was running out of options. I had my 1st rib resected on my R arm in January of 2009 followed up by successful venoplasty! I have had zero issues with my R arm since! L arm... I had 1st rib resected in January of 2010, followed by unsuccessful venoplasty. I have developed some sever scar tissue restrictions. Over all I have pretty good drainage, due to extreme collateral flow, and other then intermiten numbness and tingling. Problem- I was love to lift weights and exercise and most of my issues are exercise induced. My vascular surgeon told me to keep hitting the weights and exercising, since forcing blood through, will over time increase the collateral flow and possibly get to a normal level. I kind of doubt it, but I want to believe it since that what I like to do. Over the past 4 weeks or so I have noticed some increased swelling in my hand and redness. Also, my L arm, shoulder, and axillary area, is somewhat bigger than my R side. The scar tissue I can tell is getting worse, and I am just trying to figure out what my options are both short term and long term complications. Thanks