Scotts On The Rocks Blog

After my CTA ( http://blog.scottsontherocks.com/blog/2017/08/09/cta-scan-scheduled-for-081017/) I had a follow up w/ neuro who referred me to a different type of neuro surgeon.  If I understood it all, the thinking is that I have something similar to thoracic outlet syndrome but not exactly.  Since I’ve already done PT and that often made my neck/left shoulder worse, they are leaning towards something going on UNDER my clavical / ribs (ie, the similar to thoracic outlet syndrome).

I saw the other neuro vascular surgeon this week and have a venogram scheduled for 09/14/17.  They will inject a dye (so yes, I have to do the allergic protocol again), and manipulate my arm & neck while getting better images.

That’s all I know, will keep ya posted.  The words “you are clearly NOT going to be a textbook case” were said…. confirming yet again… “I’m weird!” 🙂

[NOTE UPDATE: Of course it took multiple sticks for the IV (for blood draw & meds push access)… Jeff & Ashley pointed out my patriotic colors 😉

But during the procedure, they had to have another IV in my left arm for the dye access…. I was “semi-concious… so semi drugged.  When I came to… I have 8 sticks on that arm (those are the ones i can see to count right now 😉 )  [update, I’m up to 10 holes & bruises on left arm alone… 2 on right] We tried to tell doc… I’m a hard stick, oh well have an ultrasound…. “yeah right” 🙂

They did a series of manipulating my arm/neck … and YES… there are “acclusions”  blockages that could be seen on the x-rays.  [since dr did this test, results were immediate)  

I now have a referral to another neuro surgeon in this group to do another “study” (i was drugged, don’t remember details) to test ??? conductivity??? don’t quote me on that…

SOOOO…. we are on a path that is getting us valuable info.  And after, can decide on options.

This was the follow-up from my spinal Tap.  http://blog.scottsontherocks.com/blog/2017/07/06/neuro-070617/

To be honest, I was mostly confused…but… I think that’s OK. The was a lot a talk about doing some more pressure tests and an angigram (sp?) all w/ dyes that require pre-medication since I’m allergic.  I think that’s what we had decided when….

He mentioned as he was leaving, something about blood vessels under clavical and maybe we should get images of these.  [I’ve asked previous docs about getting pics on my neck & chest]  He pulled up some images and explained it’s most common in car accidents….  Which brings us full circle to me trying to get other docs to listen…

Remember that “kinda sorta car accident” I was in: http://blog.scottsontherocks.com/blog/2012/12/20/i-still-have-my-head/

YUP, THAT could cause problems in your brain.  MANY of ya’ll suggested that this could’ve been the problem but I couldn’t get docs to listen nor articulate well enough…

But he stopped & listened.

I cannot remember the technical terms as he explained but basically something along the lines of “thoracic ‘crushing blood vessels’ syndrome ”  He also said this could be the cause of my arm going cold/white & not being able to raise my arm up.

Needless to say, he abruptly changed his thinking and wants to figure out how to test (look at) pressures & blood flow in my clavical area.

He has some research to do but we are now waiting to hear how to proceed.

Will keep ya posted

[NOTE EXTRA :  some other things he said was that instead of (or incl w/) surgical Stent (sp?) in my jugular…. someone may want to surgically repair any blockages/problems w/ any vessels or nerves under clavical]