Hi- I am a VTOS'er. I've had bi-lateral first rib resections, first being in March. I can't help a lot with your questions but what jumped out was the blue mark on your arm. Press on it...does it hurt like a bruise? It may ot be one. And contrary to what many think it can take more than one clot to balloon your arm up and turn it all blue. When this happened to me (how we found my VTOS) there were two blood clots in my shoulder/chest. You could actually have one and still be functional. I don't mean to scare you but if they have not performed an ultrasound to look for clots you may want to ask. Much better to know and address...