hi. I have been certain I had neurogenic tos for a long while with the neck,shoulder,elbow and hand pain with numbness and pins and needles etc.
This morning however I woke up and stumbled around and turned the light on and saw that part of my palm in the thumb area was a strong blue color.This freaked me out of course, but in a few minutes it started to return to its natural color. This is a first for me and find it hard to believe that just sleeping on that side would have an effect like this. Does this ring true with anyone and does anyone think you can have nerve and vascular symptoms simultaneously.Have doctors appointment with specialist on monday so feel lucky in that regard. thanks for listening.

rich

Richard,

Definitely mention this to the specialist on Monday. I've noticed the same thing a couple of different times, where the vein network at the base of my thumb (in the fat and muscle pad there) turns a dark blue, almost black blue, as it is filling with an unusual amount of blood. When that happens, the rest of my hand often looks a dusky purple and some veins distend painfully, though not always. Because the nerves and blood vessels all run through the same "outlets," you can have compression of both going on at the same time. Sleeping on the affected side can cause further constriction for multiple reasons, so if that was the aggravating factor, I would try not sleeping on that side for a while to see whether you remain symptomatic or not. Again, definitely mention it to your doctor, because a blue hand, and at the very worst a blue limb, often mean there is venous constriction in the thoracic outlet.

Thanks Melissa, appreciate your effort to be helpful.

Richard. I have never experienced this. I have neurogenic TOS. I am glad you have an appointment on Monday. Best of luck, Linda

Hi Richard,

This is not uncommon. I have both neurogenic and arterial TOS. I have sometimes awakened with one arm SO numb, that I had to use the other arm to swing it around to start circulation.

Over time, I have progressed to the point that I cannot lie on either side or my stomach, even for a few minutes. If my arms are out on top of the bed covers, I lose circulation.

So yes, this could just be a progression of your symptoms. It does not sound as though you have been tested for circulatory issues with TOS, but that could be the result of time an maybe scar tissue growth.

The fact that your hand color returned to normal is a RELIEF!!! You may find that sleeping positions will change over the course of your TOS life.

Try not to be too worried, but asking a Doc never hurts. It is always important to understand what is going on. Then you won't be subject to panic...which is natural of course.

Warmly,
Anne

Richard- I would make sure to ask the doc (like everyone else said). My PM gave me a good idea to keep from sleeping on one side- sew a pocket big enough for a tennis ball into a tshirt, and wear that to bed. The tennis ball will keep you from lying on that side.