Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same as me and can offer any guidance.

I was diagnosed with Venous TOS in April last year and had my first rib (right side) removed in October. Unfortunately for me, this didn't work out so well and I was still left with a lot of swelling in my arm and hand, which was very painful.

My surgeon referred me for venous angipolasty, which I had yesterday, however the hospital didn't give me much guidance on after care for this procedure. My right arm is still swollen (I think it's slightly more swollen than normal), a bit red and sore.

I really don't know if this is normal (though I think it most likely is) but am just after any opinions from anyone who's been in (or still is in) the same boat as me.

Thanks for reading, any replies are greatly appreciated.

Good Morning Venous_Tosser,
Sorry, I have not had this procedure, but I would call my family Dr or the hospital for information especially if you are experiencing an increase of swelling and pain. Just to be on the safe side, Take care, bunz

I can't add anything either, if you are still concerned, or if things continue to get worse - do contact the dr , hospital , ER or urgent care, to get it checked if nothing else.

Hi VT

I haven't had this done either but you might find this website informative

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angioplasty

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies. Sorry for not coming back sooner, have just been trying to rest.

I spoke to one of my doctors on Tuesday who said it was still early days and to just rest my arm as much as possible. I'm still very sore and swollen but am just trying to give it some time and see how this plays out.

I had a letter from my consultant this morning stating that it may be worth going back on warfarin for a few weeks to try and prevent re-thrombosis and to contact my GP if I agree to this, so have an appointment to speak to them on Monday about this. As much as I don't really want to go back on it (was on it for 2 months after the rib re-resection and suffered a few side effects from it), I think I'm most likely going to agree to this.

Anyway, thanks again for the earlier replies and reading my ramblings - think it's good to just get this off my chest and be able to voice this in a forum where others are experiencing similar things - this is a great support network and really glad I found it.

Dear Venous Tosser. I wish you well and hope the blood thinner helps the healing along. I was just diagnosed with venous TOS about two weeks ago. It is scary. I think it is less common than neurogenic TOS. I am waiting for my neurologist to set up an appointment with the vascular surgeon. I am not happy about any of this. I sure hope you are feeling better.

TOS is not a good thing to have. It makes life difficult and painful.

Know your limitations. There's a thin line between pain and more pain. Try not to aggravate yourself too much right now.

Find workaround ways to cope right now. It won't always be this way.

I have invisible blinders that helps me stay focused

I hope you find some peace today.

Hi there, I had venous TOS, surgery with rib resection, scalene surgery and "angioplasty" all on same day three weeks ago. My hand and arm are still swollen. I was not placed on blood thinners.

How are you doing now? swelling better? I dont have pain from the swelling btw.

I had venous TOS on both arms. I had both Ribs resected as well as successful angioplasty on one side and failed on the other side. Did they say the angioplasty was successful? When it was successful on my R arm, I had immediate relief, minus the discomfort from the procedure.