Hi everyone...I am so glad that I found this forum.

I guess I should start with telling my story...In 2005, I began having problems with my neck and very severe pain between my shoulder blades on the right side. I went to chiropractor and he did the best he could and finally told me I needed to see a specialist. I did and I went through many tests, the pain was so severe I was taking 2 - 1000 mg Vicodin and Flexaril every 4 hrs not touching the pain. Finally on Dec. 23, 2005 I went into surgery they removed C6 and fused C5 - C7 with a metal plate going through the front of my neck. 5 months later I was getting ready to return to work. A week before I was driving and stoped at a Red light, the light turned green, I started to go but saw a car coming at very fast speeds out of the corner of my eye so I stoped..my wheel didn't even go over the white line. It was 2 boys that had stole a car and ran into me going 95+ mph. I suffered a dislocated left arm and lots of cuts and bruises.

The pain in my neck came back so I went through alot of physical therapy and nothing worked. I also went through alot of MRI and CT Scan's. Finally the doctor said we have to go back in. Nov. 2007 I went back in and he put a rod in the back of my neck. This made things worse. Physical Therapy was a waste of time because all they did was take big ice blocks and do ice block massages because of the swelling that never went down and I still have.

All this time since the accident, I kept telling the doctor's look at my chest on the right side it goes in and their is swelling and my collar bone looks huge. No one paid attention, they kept saying it was because of the surgery and the swelling. After my second surgery when I woke up my index finger was numb/tingly. They said that would go away. It got worse the tingly/numb feeling went also into my thumb and middle finger..then my hand cramps up even when doing the littliest things like opening my blinds. I also had trouble breathing I was put on an inhaler and still use it every day.

I can't do anything it hurts to lift my right arm..I've had numerous cortizone injections that help with the shoulder pain for a couple of days then it comes back. Still all this time my concern is my chest seems like that area is caving in more and more each day.

Aug 29, 2008 they took me back into surgery to remove the rod. They thought maybe a nerve was touching one of the screws. I came out of surgery still same symptoms. Doc said it should go away.

On my post op visit I was talking to him and I also mentioned that in 2001 I had an enchondroma tumor removed from my right humerou..he said let's send you back to your specialist for evaluation. Just to make sure the tumor hasn't returned.

I went last week and he took xrays and said no the tumor has not returned but I think you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I said ok..finally someone is helping me here..I said good so what do I need therapy??? What..he said I wish it was that simple actually you need to have your first rib removed...I was like oh god not more surgery..My body already looks like a road map..

I have to go and get all the MRI's, CT Scan's Xrays that I have had done, he wants to see if there is anything on them..if not then he will send me for some testing just to verify his diagnosis.

I am nervous about all of this. I asked him if he thought it was from the car accident but he said he didn't know yet..could it be the car accident or from my first cervical spine surgery....

I lost my job after the car accident because I was only cleared for right hand work only and my job said we don't have anything for you. I have been collecting wage payment from my car insurance but as of May of 2009 it will end. I recently was told by my car insurance that I had to apply for Social Security Disability. I did that and had my phone interview..this was before I went to my specialist. I guess if his diagnosis is correct I will call Social Security and give them my newest diagnosis also.

There are some things that I've had and just wondering if this also falls in with TOS...My lymph nodes get enlarged on occasion the ones by my ears. I also have just behind my ears sores that come up and seep fluid. A couple of weeks ago I woke up and was unable to touch my teeth together they hurt so bad. I also have the chest pains, feels like my heart is running away with itself, blurred vision, dizziness, shortness of breath and I am tired all the time.

So that's my story...did any of you have the area in your upper chest just below your collar bone that caved in and then the swelling that extends up to your shoulder? Does your collar bone look really big compared to the other collar bone?

I look forward to reading more of your posts and reading any replys.

Diane

Hello Diane and welcome to NeuroTalk. WOW~ You have certainly had a rough ride. I am sorry that I can't help w/your sx's and problems, but I will give you the link to our TOS forum.

Please also take a look around at our many other informative and friendly forums and join in anywhere. Sure do hope you can get some answers and help w/your pain and frustration. Glad you found us, Diane.



http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

WELCOME!

Hi Diane and Welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm glad you found us.

I'm sorry you have so much on your plate but this is a good place to come and vent, get lots of information and make wonderful friends.

welcome to NeuroTalk Diane ...



there are lots of friendly and helpful people here ... again ... welcome to NT

Welcome to Neuro Talk Diane, glad you found us, jump in any where and ask away and answer away too, your going to meet some wonderful people here, kind and helpful, again welcome to NT, any questions do not hesitate to ask

Diane,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk!