Hi guys, hope everyone is well.

I think an update is due as it's been 6 weeks since my first surgery. I have been recovering very well, I do not have any pain when my arm is resting ( before it used to be non stop pain) and I can use it for small tasks around the house. I'm not able to do anything too crazy yet as I am still healing but overall I am very happy with the result.

The surgery for the left side is happening next week! Feel free to ask if you have questions.

Hi Wow
What surgeries are u having done? Why would u have surgery 7 wks apart? Do u have a blood clot?
Best of Luck!!

I don't have a blood clot, we are trying to avoid one. I have arterial and venous TOS and rib resections.

Hey Nelly - Since you didn't have a clot, how did they confirm arterial and venous TOS?

MRA and CT scan with arms up and dye.

Thanks. I'm assuming the scans showed compression of the vessels in the arms up position. Did you also have some compression in the arms down position? Did the scans show anything else that lead to the diagnosis, possibly collateral vessels? Or, something else that I'm unaware of?? I ask b/c intermittent venous TOS has recently been suggested for me.

Did you go through w/ surgery this past week? If so, wishing you well during this recovery period. And... really appreciate your reply!

I thought it wasn't arterial tos with compression unless there was some kind of clotting event that happened? I've got compression in the arms down position...

Yes, I did have collateral veins on both shoulders. Once you get a clot it is much harder to repair the vein, not sure why drs don't call it venous or arterial until you get a clot.

I guess labeling is less important, what is important is releasing the compression to prevent clotting.

I am so happy to hear you are doing well Nelly!! :-)

When you say collateral vessels do you mean the visibly blue ones that one could see on your skin, or do you mean the ones that show on imaging?

I have lots on my shoulders that are blue and visible.

Thanks Nelly! I finally researched your surgeon and surgery (saw a video clip). Do you mind sharing some of the advantages of robotic surgery, and why you chose this approach? I know you mentioned that you had the rib removed. Did you also have the scalenes removed?

Lindsay - my understanding is that collateral vessels are any extra (abnormal) vessels that sprout or enlarge to reroute blood flow around blockages. These may show up on imaging or may be visible without special imaging. If you are seeing an unusual network of veins on your shoulder, it may suggest more extensive collateralization. Have you been diagnosed with venous TOS?