Thoracic Outlet syndrome

copperd · Mar 13, 2003

All I know is they generally do first rib resection to alleviate this problem. However you might use tips for Carpal Tunnel for some alleviation of pain. Also Never, Never sleep with the arms thrown over the head. I am not an Ortho, or Neuro Nurse, just hints from listening to surgeons in the OR. And that was years ago. Also keep the hands elevated on a pillow while sleeping (to keep circulation going). Knew a CRNA with the problem. She had the surgery and has had no further problems. Good Luck!!!

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2003

I have no advice either! I have only seen this condition once, in a young (19-year-old) man who was a weight lifter. They did the rib resection on him. He was in my unit but I didn't take care of him so I don't have all the details. He developed a clot and had to be on retevase. Then we discharged him on coumadin but he quit taking it so he could try out for baseball....a scout was in the area so he quit meds...and clotted again. That's when they did the rib resection. That's all I know!

Hope you find someone who can help you.

susanmary · Mar 14, 2003

Have seen positive results with many patients -- surgery by a vascular/thoracic surgeon. There are many types/causes of thoracic outlet syndrome "TOS." In a nutshell: true, arterial, venous, and traumatic. From what you have written about the repetitive nature, I'm guessing he was diagnosed with traumatic TOS. Your spouse needs to be seen by a specialist that has expertise with TOS -- this might mean driving a distance. Each case is different -- but the course of treatment a doctor MIGHT prescribe could include heat, analgesia, physical therapy, and possibly surgery. There are wonderful sites on the internet -- type in "thoracic outlet syndrome" and you will get some solid information.

susanmary · Mar 14, 2003

After rereading your post, made me feel fortunate to live within 1/2 hour driving distance to two major hospitals and one large university hospital. Don't always like the drive/traffic into the city -- but I do feel fortunate to be able to see specialists when needed.

sixes · Mar 14, 2003

Thank You all for your responses.

We will be moving to the city on April 1st. I will get him to a neruo consult asap. He is having a better day today.

I will get him the pillows for his arms.

I will also be searching the web.

I'm pretty new at this computor thing and I find it fascinating and frustrating at the same time. I know there is a wealth of knowledge out there I just get confused trying to figure out where to find things.

He is unable to have physio as they say his condition is too far gone and that it would only aggrevate the problem.

I managed to get him to take some advil last night and he at least slept, he hates taking any kind of pill. He has yet to learn what a sick role is:o He has never been sick except when he was born.

Keep the info coming every suggestion will be welcome

It's +7C today. Beautiful

Have a nice day everyone:cool:

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 14, 2003

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm

http://www.tos-syndrome.com/

http://www.medicalmultimediagroup.com/pated/ctd/tos/tos.html

This one has some exercises to help:

http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/thoracic_outlet/

copperd · Mar 17, 2003

Let us know what happens when he goes to the other MD. Best of Luck for you.