FrenchFri -

Unfortunately, I have experience with Raynaud's, TOS and also neck & shoulder issues. I have had surgery for TOS and had complete relief of those symptoms and I'm going on 8 years . . . During the pre-surgery TOS days, I had episodes that sounds similar to what you are describing regarding your hands. It was freaky at first to see the fingers dead white/bluish followed by another area that was bright red. Both colors were definitely not normal. The doctors felt it was Raynaud's and I just had to watch it and try not to trigger the episodes. I don't think it was necessarily tied with TOS but it was more tied to an upset nervous system so the nerves overreacted (i.e. turned blue, ice cold, etc.).

Are they sending you to a vascular specialist just to rule out any vascular compression issues? Given the fairly recent neck surgery, it could be that the neck and shoulder muscles need more time to calm down.

Just some thoughts! I hope it settles down for you soon!

Thank you for your response. I appreciate your thoughts. Yes, I was referred to a vascular surgeon. I was lucky to get an appointment for Monday after work. not sure what he will do during the consult. I just hope that the symptoms present themselves during the appointment. Today the first digit on my fingers looked almost black, then dark blue and then red., but not too cold. i am getting pretty concerned about the symptoms. Don't really want to take any more time off. What type of surgery did you have for TOS? Time will tell. Just want to get some answers.

Surgery for TOS - My 1st rib was removed along with a bone tumor. I was predisposed to TOS due to the tumor compromising the outlet but the trigger was a 4 car MVA. I ended up with the 1st rib resection and shoulder surgery due to the MVA and will need my neck fused at some point in the next year or two.

He will likely do some provocative arm and neck tests to check for thoracic outlet along with testing for other possible diagnosis. He should order vascular studies to rule out any vascular compressions but if he feels it's Raynaud's, he may not. They basically diagnosed me with Raynaud's based on the symptoms and left it at that.

Is there any chance you can have an undiagnosed shoulder injury? The reason I ask is when I injured my other shoulder, I went through a rough time with terrible vascular and neuro symptoms. The ortho surgeon was convinced I had vascular TOS as there was an 18 degree difference in the two arms, along with color changes, swelling, etc. They fixed the torn labrum and the vascular symptoms disappeared.

Thank you for all of the information. I don't think I have a shoulder injury, but one never knows. Time will tell. I can't wait until I have this appointment on Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Still on the rollercoaster. Went to the vascular surgeon. He did a dopler on the left wrist and said that there was excellent bloodflow to the hand. When he continued with the exam he found an irregular heartbeat that concerned him. My internist/cardiologist is in the same building. I h ave MVP but I don't think that should cause the problem. Maybe the Tens Unit? They brought me right in had a quick exam and an EKG. I guess they heard something so I wore the Holter Heart Monitor for 24 hours. Handed it in on Friday and should hear by Monday. Assuming it isn't anything serious or they would have called Friday night or sometime over the weekend. I have an appointment this Friday with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctor, getting a ton of bloodwork for him and internist on Tuesday with a full physical the following Friday. Just love all the doctor visits. Then my 6 month check with OSS on June 8th. Hope there is enough bone growth to stop wearing the Cervical Stim. The joys of getting old.
Hope everyone has a painfree and enjoyable weekend.

************************************** **********
12/9/2010 ACDF C5-6 C6-7 with plate, screws,
BMP & bone fragment filled cages
2/14/2011 trying to go back to work as a teacher
2/17/2011 starting PT
wearing bone stimulator 4 hours a day
DDD, arthritis, herniated disks, pinched nerves
3 months saw a little bit of bone growth (YEAH)
4/15/2011 Home Tens Unit

Dealt with the pain and issues for more than 5 years
tried PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, cervical epidural shots and selective nerve root blocks prior to surgery

Sorry to hear about the potential heart problems! I hope everything turns out okay and this was just an episode that goes away without further incidents. Alternatively, if they find something that it is completely treatable. My daughter (9 months old) had something show up on her latest EKG so she'll need surgery when she gets up to 35 pounds to correct that problem.