The short story is, two years ago I was at work (auto technician) taking a transmission out of an audi. I was working over my head all day and it resulted in a blood clot in my left shoulder. After dissolving the clot the surgeon told me that I had to have my first rib removed or the clot would return. Since the surgery I have had constant pain when moving, lifting, or using my left arm in anyway. I have been to doctors all over New England but none have been able to help. I have heard that first rib resections often cause long term problems. I am just wondering if others have had the same problems.

I used to be a work comp attorney for insurance co.s (amongst prior career in law also.) So I have lots of years behind me.

First. This sounds like a work comp injury. There is Federal work comp and there is a state by state work comp. I practiced in CA.

I believe you need a consultation (hopefully free in your state like they are in mine.) Find out all of your rights after a work comp injury before opening your mouth to your employer or a doctor again.

If you have a work comp injury, you have to go by all of their rules, including picking a PRIMARY work comp doctor, who then controls and orders all of your other doctor needs as well as testing. You may have a lifetime injury for which you would get lifetime payment and medical care. But you need to know before you make your next move, or say anything about the injury to either your doc or your employer or coemployees. It could mean everything.

Long term problems could be caused by scar tissue regrowth & adhesions, or possibly if the surgeon was not an expert at that kind of surgery.
Other post op causes could have played a part in the continued pain.

The surgery might have fixed the clot issue but you might still have symptoms of TOS that the surgery could not address.

Have you had a comprehensive evaluation by an expert/skilled/advanced PT or chiropractor?
You might have some improvements if you try those.
Also adding posture, stretching & whole body awareness regimen is a good move to make. Some use portions of yoga, tai chi, Alexander technique.

lots of saved info here-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html


I don't know the time frame for wc claims , but you do need to think of your future {jobs & life} and if it was work caused - you should seek a good wc atty {consult and interview some} to see if you have a claim.

unfortunately many will shine you on just to get you to sign with them, and they will not do the best for you, many just want to get the % of $$ you might get.
So be skeptical while interviewing and check them out as best you can before choosing one.