In the last two years, I’ve had three surgeries related to a condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Before the first signs of this condition presented themselves, I had no idea of the existence of TOS. 

Before my diagnoses, I began to experience an increase in the frequency and severity of the migraines I suffered, alongside extreme shoulder, shoulder blade, neck and arm pain. I thought the discomfort in my arms may have been an indication of carpal tunnel syndrome (though I had no idea the actual symptoms of the condition) or possibly an early onset arthritis. My arms were falling asleep in the night and I would wake often to the heaviness and fear of numb, unresponsive limbs. I felt also, a cold sensation in my chest, just below the clavicle and though I had no cold or respiratory challenges, I wondered if these might be the first twinges of a chest infection or pneumonia. I visited my doctor in light of the sudden appearance of these symptoms but was re-assured by a healthy blood pressure and body temperature. I was told to carry on and pay attention to changes in my health. 

Two months later, I found myself madly googling one more symptom that had appeared, a swollen, red arm. 

As a yoga, hiking and exercise enthusiast, my impulse was to wait out the discomfort and allow time for the swelling and redness to resolve on their own. But after checking my symptoms on webMD  (I suspect we’re not supposed to do this kind of self diagnosing), I called my parents on the way out the door. Dad, a family physician, suggested, without hesitation, that I have it checked out so I went to the nearest clinic and waited my turn. After five hours of waiting, blood tests, and more waiting, I received a phone call to go immediately to the closest emergency room with a copy of my blood test lab results. I tried not to panic.

It was in the ER waiting room that I began searching (madly, again) at what the meaning of the blood test results might be. Various links suggested a rare condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, but more immediately, all signs pointed to the presence of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or, more simply, a blood clot. Panic set in and my mind raced; Where did the clot come from? Why was it there? Aren’t I too young for this? What does this mean? I don’t want to die. 

I spent the day in the ER and, because of my age (relatively young, at 47), the doctors believed a blood clot ( particularly a DVT) was not likely. I was referred to the ultrasound clinic for the following day and was offered a precautionary blood thinner injection before I left. Not wanting to over-react, I hesitated, but accepted the shot, just in case.

The ultrasound test the next day confirmed I did indeed have a blood clot in the subclavian vein (DVT) on my left side and the appointment referrals began in earnest. / (part 1 of 2)

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