My nausea is pretty bad today. Is it because of TOS? Or anxiety and fear? I recently found out I have a cervical rib (and its HUGE!). Last week I saw my neurologist who believes I have TOS but thinks its arterial so next week I see the vascular surgeon. I'm starting to get very stressed over this; my worst fear is I will need surgery. I’m in the Navy and I am moving overseas early next year but if I have surgery then I won’t be moving. But if I don’t have surgery I’m scared to have to move somewhere that only offers basic medical services. I also feel exhausted almost every day and perhaps that is because I’m not sleeping well because of the pain??? I would like to relax but the things I find relaxing make my arm hurt – yoga, running, cello. Is nausea normal for other TOSers?

You only have the 1 big c rib and not a set?

Is the C rib on the side that is most symptomatic?
If so, usually a slam dunk , if the c rib is removed (by an expert surgeon of course) many/most of your symptoms will resolve.
And the surgeon might find other issues that are problematic during the surgery - so an expert can take care of those at the same time.

Have you seen/tried the 'hands up/stick em up" test ? this is it - halfway down the page - kind of gives an indication if pulse is being closed off in that position - http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/thoracic_outlet/

useful sticky thread - tons of collected medical & therapy links -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

nausea,
if pain is high I suppose it it could be due to that, but if you are very worried/stressed it is probably more due to that.
If on any meds those could be contributing.

yoga, running, cello - hmm I'd find non arm use/repetitious/static postures/jarring ways to relax
no use irritating things more than they are.

foam roll/inflatable ball/rolled up towels to lay on and let shoulders drop back/down, or even just the lay in the yoga corpse pose and relax and breathe. Gentle stretches to re balance if head forward/shoulders forward posture.

Severe pain causes nausea all by itself. You may just be reacting to your situation.

Left cervical rib, left arm/neck/shoulder/face/back pain. I think I see something on my right side when I look at my xray. I have an appointment with ortho next month but I had to beg my primary care provider to refer me to neuro - I have a history of numbness and tingling with my face. I’m at one of the best Navy hospitals and I figure if these surgeons can repair and rehabilitate Marines and Sailors injured in Iraq and Afghanistan then I stand a good chance!

I gave myself the Roos test yesterday. My arm felt like it was swelling and veins near my armpit started to bulge. It hurt so bad I puked, cried, and then went to cello lessons. I am extremely worried, mostly because I don’t know what’s going to happen. TOS didn’t exactly come at good time in my life. But TOS is never good at any time, lol. I will check out the links, thank you. And take long walks with my dog and think about sepending the holidays with my boyfriend.

Welcome to Neuro talk. I want to thank you for service to our country. I hope if you have to go through with surgery, that you have good resolution, and can continue on in the Navy. Fear, Pain, Worry, can all make you nauseated. I hope the issues can be addressed, so you can relieve the anxiety. Again welcome to Neuro talk. My son served on the Gettysburg #64 for four years, the other one is stationed in Gulfport MS, and is a lifer. Take care and God bless you. ginnie

I do not have problems with nausea, but I have this constant low grade dizziness/feeling lightheaded. I also get bad headaches and my neck pain on my left side is the worst...

Thank you for your kind words. I consider myself lucky to be in San Diego right now but I still hope to be lounging on the beaches on Guantanamo Bay come January . I will feel some relieve once I have answers - even if its not the answer I want.

i have this

I have the same problem and think it's more that I have disk degeneration at C4 disk which can cause these symptoms. Good luck I hope you feel better soon.

http://www.eastbaychiropractic.com/w...ebrachart.html