Originally Posted by Lava1222

Hi guys! I am new to the forum. Thank you all for taking the time to post about your experiences since I do not know anyone in person who has been diagnosed with this.

I have had symptoms of TOS for over 8 years, but never knew what it was. After seeing two upper extremity orthopedists for more than 4 years and having every test you can think of, I was finally referred to PT to help alleviate my symptoms with the diagnosis of "hand pain". It was the therapist who first recognized my symptoms as a potential TOS diagnosis.
I had never even heard of it before! I was then referred to an orthopedist at Mass General who specializes in TOS. I was officially diagnosed by him as he told me I had all the appropriate symptoms and findings on exam. I tried PT for 7 months without improvement. The next step I am told is the OR for a first rib resection because my left hand is unfortunately beginning to atrophy. I had a second opinion at Brigham and Women's by a thoracic surgeon who also agreed and was concerned about the atrophy in my hand. I am getting a third opinion next month because I want to make sure I am making the right decision since surgery seems rather scary.

Anyway over the past many years my symptoms have been left hand pain, numbness and tingling along with pain in my left shoulder blade, pec and the left side of my neck. However just over the past few days I am experiencing awful, aching pains in my left armpit. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I am just wondering if it is related to the TOS or if something else is going on.

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

Lisa

Originally Posted by Lava1222

Hi guys!! I am 3 weeks post-op today!! I had my surgery at Brigham and Women's in Boston with Dr. Raphael Bueno. He uses the transaxillary approach. Although, I am still having some "normal" post-operative pain, I am not experiencing any of my prior symptoms so I am already considering it a success. Dr. Bueno said when he opened me it was obvious I needed the surgery because it was so compressed in there and I had a lot of scar tissue. He is a wonderful, world renowned surgeon with a great bedside manner and I highly recommend him. If anyone has any questions about my experiences please do not hesitate to ask.

Lisa