Thoracic outlet syndrome advice please.
 

I have a very large cervical rib and also a mri scan has showed compression on the C6?? Finally seen a vascular surgeon and has told me I need an opp. I have all the usual symptoms of Tos but also get throat swelling, blurred vision,ear pain,even pain going down to my foot! all on the same side, the right where the rib is, all which frightens me, also my symptoms seem worse when sitting/driving, any advice would be great, thanks!

Welcome Suzz. :Wave-Hello:

Welcome to the group! Are you asking us if you should go ahead with the surgery? there are very mixed opinions on this but when there is a bone abnormality then usually only surgery can fix this.

The surgery is not easy and it is a long recovery. I don't care what any surgeon says, it will take longer than they tell you. So be prepared to plan for that.

FYI I had two rib resections for arterial and venous TOS. Recovery is slow but feeling better but still not pain free. I did have those leg symptoms as well when I first started having issues but they went away when the nervous system calmed down I guess. Also eye issues are common. I did not personally have that but I know people who have.

Please make sure you have the surgery with a very experienced surgeon. It's a very controversial surgery, you need the best.

Thanks for your reply, I am going ahead with my opp, can't wait for this feeling of pressure to be gone and the tightness in my arm. Not sure how long I'm going to have to wait for it in the uk, but am getting very anxious as my surgeon has mentioned the word anyresum! Any advice on anything would be great,thanks.

Blood clots are no fun but if you keep your arms by your side and not do any overhead work, movements you should be ok. That's what I had to do while waiting for the surgeries. My artery and vein were severely compressed.

Staying calm is also important as that raises the blood pressure which gives you more pain because the blood is rushing through compressed veins. Much easier said than done. Even I get anxious when things don't go my way and have been dealing with this for almost 2 years.