Well, had a bunch of tests done this morning:

* Ultrasound -- in the clavicle region, pec minor, all down the arm.
* Blood Pressure Tests -- Both arms, all over, arms in different positions, ultrasound used here as well.
* Blood Circulation -- Sensors put on fingers for both hands. Was asked to move in different positions to compare baseline vs. positional results.

The administor of the tests couldn't tell me much, but he did tell me this: There is no blockage he can see and everything is flowing normally.

I'm starting to wonder if certain positions and movements cause this specifically vs. all the time. Arms overhead seem to lighten up the subclavian artery on MRA. And when I did the tests this morning with hands overhead, I could see the readings on the screen jump as well. For BOTH sides. The administrator even said that it looks to be a bi-lateral situation (which is somewhat consistent with the MRA that showed a little tightening on the left side vs. a lot more on the right).

Is it possible that I create and display symptoms, but only if I'm moving my arms overhead?

I'm definitely perplexed. I just see a complete disconnect with this Doc's rush to surgery vs. the existence of a bruit vs. the test results today. That said, I'm sure there's more data to be reviewed. Will have to wait and see.

KY

Yes, it seems to be good news though. I wonder whether the surgeons thoughts are much more complex than bruit=turbulent blood flow=risk of embolism without being able to accurately quantify that risk. Maybe he'll offer an opinion that is less surgically orientated after these results. Certainly positional blockage is far lower risk than if it was in all positions, otherwise we would regard blood pressire taking as a high risk procedure !

I sure hope you are right.

I'd gather that if you look at the stats the sum of "MRA with arms up and occlusion" + "bruit" usually = a decent amount of risk if you run the historical numbers. Still, I would never just go right to surgery unless 99% of cases with the above combo indicate surgery as necessary.

What's crazy is that he also said he thinks I should do the left side as well!

KY

So he can pocket double the cash !!!