Karen -

I flat lined in my vascular studies a few weeks ago. The operated side still looks great, the other side is definitely another story. I didn't catch everything they were saying but your comment about "He continued to say he believes nerves get caught in muscles but didnt think arteries could." coincides with what they were trying to explain to me. They said they sometimes find muscle fibers growing around the artery and I figure that they were trying to explain to me this is why I flat lined. When I have my next appointment in a few weeks, I'll be able to ask questions as I'm prepared now. They are ready to schedule surgery but I need time to deal with this.

Chroma - I've had pain at my sternum but it has always been related to ribs out of place due to muscle spasms. This may not be your case.