I'm back, took me a long time to find this place. I had no idea what happened with the other link. I was RachelJoy on the other forum, Lynda is my real name. I was going through a bad place at the time and didn't use my real name then. My neurologist had diagnosed thoracic outlet syndrome after my injury I am reviewing. That is one of many physical problems I have.

Sept. 11 will be one year since I tore my shoulder up - cuff and labrum. I have been in physical therapy three treatment periods since, Friday was the last day. I had manipulation for frozen shoulder, but no surgeries to repair the tears per the orthopedist (my PT's said it was because I was a woman over 40). I don't have full use of my right arm. The good news is that due to the last PT, I now have much less pain and can raise my arm all of the forward, up and side. During the periods of time that I couldn't raise my arm at all, I had severe pain under my armpit and I kept telling the doctors that. Well, they blew it off, other than the neurologist testing me and saying I did have thoracic outlet, but this was different. This felt like lymph gland. My massage therapist found I had marble size lumps under my armpit and worked them out. It was very painful but it felt so good I made her do it. I checked with my gynecologist to make sure there wasn't anything going on. I honestly believe the lymph had collected there and couldn't drain. Now that I have been in the last round of PT, the physical therapist was pulling my arm out like in traction and that really helped the arm and the pain I was having.

They all say I have the thoracic outlet and I know I will have to watch it and see. The PT worked on opening up that passage way. I am wearing a shoulder brace that opens up my chest and shoulders' passageways. I'm not having as much trouble for now.

Fantastic to see you back, and welcome!!!

First, I too get those lumps in the underarm, and only when I am at my worst with my TOS. For instance, after my surgery in Denver, I had some, and I told doc Annest about them. They just said they were swollen glands. I know that - the question is what does it mean???

My second thought is about that shoulder of yours. I've read hundreds and hundreds of shoulder MRIs, reports and OR Reports. I've NEVER seen a reason to not do surgery because a woman is over 40. Either you've got tears, partial tears or some other obvious need for surgery, or you don't, and if you do, if you're post-TOS surgery, then get the shoulder done too. I am facing this same question, as I could have a shoulder repair...

Did you get a second opinion?

I only ask these questions to make sure you're not getting railroaded into just going away...

So welcome!

Welcome, it is good to have you back!!

I have the lumps under my arm and the armpit area too. They go into my breast also. I think mine are a combination of lymph and trigger point knots as they will start at the top of my shoulder and progress down my traps and under my arm to the upper left quadrant of my breast.

My shoulder is "loose" since the surgery but no one wants to tighten the ligaments because of the TOS, which is o.k. I suppose, as I don't want another surgery, not my idea of fun!!

I massage the knots very gently myself under my arm, and hubby works the traps. Hot baths help too. I usually take one after I/we've rubbed out what we can. I also drink lots of water after this. My P.T. said it helps.

Good luck with your shoulder and please keep us informed!!
G~

Hi,

I too have lumps, but not under arm...perhaps since surgery not as bad....do have them on back and shoulder area and Massage therapist works them out...she is a Goddess.......I love her with all my heart if not for her I would be in a very dirty creek with no paddle if you catch my drift......ha ha too many cliches....lol......hope that you get the help you need and just because you are of a certain age it does not preclude you from having surgery ......unless you are 95 and not well there is not a reason not to do it!!!!!!!!!! Second opinions are a wonderful thing if available...or third or fourth or finally fifth in my case....lol

Take care,
Victoria