Good days vs. Bad Days
 

Some of you may know my TOS history, but for those that don't I struggled with pain in my right arm for 2 years prior to meeting Dr. Thompson at BJH and being diagnosed with TOS. In january 2013 I had 1st rib resecction, scalenectomy, and
pec minor release. After several months of healing I felt I had beat this monster called TOS. Unfortunately over the last couple months I have began getting more severe symptoms on my left side. And the odd thing is the pattern in which the pain comes is exactly how my right side was.

My right side is for the most part pain free, just still weak. But honestly what I still am trying to figure out is pain pattern, and what things cause my TOS to flare. Some activities (ex. grocery shopping, lifting, etc) I feel the ache hile performing those things. But some days, I feel like I have done nothing strenuous and my arm will be way worse than when I have done something strenuous.

I have tried to keep a pain diary but with a busy life that isnt always possible. The only thing that I have noticed is that the arm and hand pain are much worse when my trap and scalenes are tight, they actually get huge knots.

So what are some things that you notice cause flare ups, or do you notice any pattern to your symptoms. Just curious. Hope everyone is having a "Good Day".

Sorry to hear about what u are going through. Sounds just like my situation. Had two previous surgeries for TOS on the right, but it didn't get better. Started having problems on left side, and left side had gotten worse. I type all day, so any typing,
Lifting, writing made things worse. Had third surgery Dec last year because doctor said my left arm was compensating for my right. There were times I didn't do anything, but the pain, tingling, swelling would still come. Don't wait too long to see your doctor, because I was told my left was so bad I could lose my arm. So u take care and GOD bless u.

I've been keeping a pain journal every day for 11 years. Sometimes I do something that hurts at the time (like washing a few dishes or driving) and I think I will be undone, and then it doesn't happen. Other times I take it easy and my pain still spikes. I know that there are certain activities that make me worse in the moment but I don't understand how some nights I seem to recover and some nights I don't.

Good luck,
Kelly

I've been trying to figure that out for 33 years, so don't feel bad. TOS is much smarter than I am!