I do not believe I have been to this forum before but have been many times to neuro forums when I was trying to learn more about multiple sclerosis. I have MS since teenager (but only 30 year diagnosis). IN addition, I had left 1st rib resection for TOS in 1982. NOW, my Doc wants me to go back to a Thoracic surgeon for a workup for TOS again, because my left arm is swelling and my left jugular vein and left face and head and left breast are swelling. I think he is on the wrong track and I believe the problem is closer to my heart. Has anyone ever heard of this happening following left rib resection, so many years later. The swelling at the place where the jugular, supraclavicular and sublaclavian are backing up swells up visibly like a balloon that is going to burst and my blood pressure drops. Does anyone have a clue? Moderators?

Hi mspast40,
I must have missed your post earlier today.
I haven't had surgery so i can't compare - but I don't recall reading anything like what you describe- but always a first time .

You could be having a vein compression?? I would definitely have it looked at in detail by someone to track down the cause.

Have you compared heart type sx vs TOS type sx? We have some online diagnosis helpers/checkers in our useful links.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=84

that might be a help to decide which kind of doc to see.

We do have some nurses here they might have some ideas on if it could be heart related.

Hi Ms, there are doctors that specilize in TOS in CA that several here use. Just a surgeon will generally jump to surgery as that is what they are paid to do. A top specialist can review, check your situation, options and start with a less invasive and work up. There may be some scaring, although gee that is a lot of years to develope now.

With their testing it maybe they can do the 3-D and see what is going on.
Hope you feel better soon,
dianne

Hi ,

I would have this looked at asap.....you may be right about the heart issue.....how swollen are you and is there a colour on your skin....are you puffed right up on one side.....These could be signs of vascular compression or occlusion for some reason......please get help immediatly!!
Take care,
Victoria