United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, I'm bi-lateral TOS, right side dominant. I was in two auto accidents, chest trauma, T-spine compression fractures,rib fractures, and have ulnar nerve damage on the right along with whole arm involvement. The left side has gradually caught up to the right. I've been having left chest wall pain,and down the left arm. I also have hyperhydrosis on the arm to hand and the left side of my chest only. This happens mostly at night, I wake up soaked and in terrible pain. It's like I'm being crushed or squeezed. My specialist says, "Don't worry, it's not a heart attack." I know it is the intercostal nerve but what can be done to stop these symptoms? They did mention deadening the nerve. Has anyone had this done? How was the outcome? I can't understand why this happened so quickly.

Ezra, you need to check out your options caefully. I'm not sure how long it is since your accidents, and i'm not all that up on TOS...there's a poster here called Nan from Ontario who has a good website about TOS and who is very knowledgeable, if anyone has her email or website addy please post it here for Ezra. What methods have been used to ontain a diagnosis, are these symptoms normal for TOS? If your specialist is dismissive of your concerns find another one, you shouldn't be worrying like this. Hope things improve soon for you :0)