Faz, I've got the exact same thing as you. Symptoms a little different in that I've got severe pain in my bicep/tricep, axillary area. Initial dx w MR angiogram. Doc yesterday had me simply put both arms up yesterday at 90 degree angles with fists closed for 10 seconds, and left hand was corpse-white in that short time. My occlusion is almost 100 % in the subclavian artery.

I had my pre-op appointment yesterday (with my FANTASTIC doc whom I love, btw) and am having my surgery Tuesday. First rib resection, scalenectomy, and angioplasty of that artery that's squished. He initially said the angio would be done later, but yesterday said because it's the artery and not vein, he can do a quick angiogram while he's in there after the muscle & rib are gone to see if the artery fixes itself or if it needs to be "ballooned" and just do it right then. He's going transaxillary too, so only one 3-4 inch scar at the side of your pec muscle.

One major thing he stresses with all TOS patients is to have the scalene block done before surgery. It won't change the fact that you need surgery, but will give you a VERY good indication of how you'll feel after surgery, i.e., positive block = positive outcome.

Good news: barring any complications, will be driving in two weeks, back to work in two months (possibly) and he'll clear me for any activities I can handle once I'm fully recovered -- including RIDING MY DIRT BIKE!!! He said it's very person-dependent, and because I'm young, healthy, and athletic, he sees no reason I won't be able to return to normal in a few months -- provided I am part of the 92% success rate hes got w ATOS surgery patients and dont have any major complications.

I learned A LOT from him yesterday (spent an hour and a half with us) and feel 100 times better about surgery. It would take me hours to post all of the info he relayed, but if you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer them. We took in two pages of questions, and he thoroughly and patiently answered them all, including whether I can keep my rib! My husband is mortified, but I'm definitely keeping that POS too.

Good luck -- I'm full of positive thoughts/energy now. So thankful to have such a fantastic doctor & team. Makes a BIG difference. Well wishes and lots of luck sent your way.

BigMama6, please keep us posted on your surgery. I have a lot of the same symptoms and my docs are recommending surgery because I also have a blood clotting disorder. I am hoping you surgery goes well and interested to hear about your experience so I can prepare myself!