Hello to all! I'm new here and have searched the forums and found this site to be full of knowledge. I would like to give a little background and see if anyone has anything similar to my situation.

November 2000, I had Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, bilaterally at the T2 level. This immediately "cured" my palmar hyperhidrosis. This was after much research and feeling like we had the best information possible at that time. Now, 13+ years later, the surgery is banned in Sweeden and being reduced in its frequency in the states. The compensatory sweating started about a year after the surgery and progressed significantly over the years. I am currently taking Rubinol (glycopyrrolate) to help with the CS.

About 18 months ago, I started having burning pain in my shoulder and tingling down the right arm. I will wake up in the middle of the night and my arms or parts of my hand will be asleep. The symptoms are prevalent when the arm is bent (as in working with the mouse or keyboard) and when playing the clarinet and handbells. When I play softball, there is very little discomfort in the shoulder/arm. After seeing my primary, chiropractor, orthopedic neurologist and now a vascular surgeon, the "gang" feels like I have TOS. I have been referred to Dr. Gregory Pearl at Baylor in Dallas.

However, the vascular surgeon was flabbergasted when I mentioned the ETS to him and he thought there was a real possibility of the two being related. He specifically said that I need to tell Dr. Pearl of that right off to make sure he is aware of that history.

Has anyone else on the form had ETS and then TOS? The breaking of the nerve chain obviously had more harm than was expected and now they believe that the T2 level not only stops sweating from that level up (not even my head sweats now - which causes me to overheat) but it also regulates heart rate, blood pressure and regulating the body's temperature.
When I am hot or get nervous, you can literally watch my head turn red from chin to forehead. It's quite embarrassing but I can't do anything about it.
I have had an ultrasound from the chin to hand and it came back crystal clear. I have also had an EMG/Nerve study and it came back normal. My cervical MRI had only slight degenerative changes which are typical for my age (almost 40).

While some of my symptoms are atypical for TOS, I will see Dr. Pearl on 4/29 to get his opinion. I'm reluctant to have surgery considering the results from the ETS and reading some of the stories from the board. If anyone has any similarities, please share!

AuntieSweatsALot,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place. I see you have found the TOS forum which is the forum where you will assistances with your questions.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Hi Auntie,
I just want to say...

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.