NeuroTalk Support Groups - Nerve Damage from TOS or Rib Resection Surgery

I had the rib resection surgery two years ago. I still have problems with hand swelling and numbness I also have knot in side of breast from surgery, went back to see surgeon today about all this and he diagnoses me with edema and prescribes me a compression are stalking. Tells me he took out rib nothing else he can do. but when I ask about disability he tells me i can get a job answering phones or making appointments on a computer but if on computer too long everything swells up . If i over use it too much then it causes migraines so who is going to hire someone that only can answer phones and input data in computer. And if has a flare up has to stay home

Quote:

Originally Posted by dealingwithtos (Post 65719)

Hi Everyone.

I was on the previous board and I was excited to see that I found some familiar signons. I have a question that I know everyone can give insight.

I had rib resection surgery 8/04. Since then, it's been a very long haul. My surgery was done under the arm - which I now hear is the wrong way to successfully complete the surgery. Anyway - I'm still having the problems with arm swelling, pain when the hand is down. I can actually control the blood flow in my arm. I put my hand up and it turns white. I put it down and within minutes you can watch it fill with blood and swell. I also still have portions under my arm that are dead from the surgery. So, here's my question...

I recently saw a Lymphedema Specialist and he said that I have nerve damage from the surgery or TOS in general. Because of the damage to the nerves they don't control the blood flow in my arm - hence swelling and pain. Has anyone else experienced this? What were your options?

Thank you for your help.