Support Monica's Surgery & Recovery Journey for NTOS

Hi everyone,

My name is Monica, and some of you may or may not know that this past year has been one of the hardest chapters of my life. After nearly twelve months of living in pain without clear answers, I was finally diagnosed with bilateral neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS), a result of an injury that has been progressively debilitating. NTOS is a complex, often misunderstood condition that causes pain, weakness, and numbness due to compression of the nerves in the thoracic outlet area (between my collarbone & first rib). For me, it’s affected not only my physical ability but every aspect of my life and my future.

I’m an ICU nurse—a job that requires physical strength, resilience, and focus. But as NTOS gradually worsened, I had to step back, moving to light duty in February of 2024 just to keep going. Every shift became more challenging as the condition spread to both sides of my body, affecting my neck, arms, hands, and shoulders. As the pain intensified, I had to make the difficult decision to take a medical leave from school this Fall semester, putting my studies on hold to focus on managing my symptoms and searching for a solution.

Finally, after so many months of struggle, there is a plan in place. I am scheduled to have surgery on December 12th (right rib resection, right scalenectomy, and right pectoralis minor release), and if all goes well, I should be able to return to work in six to eight weeks. This surgery offers hope—not only for relief from the pain and debilitation but for the chance to get back to the life and career that mean so much to me.

But NTOS has come at a cost. This year, I’ve used up all of my paid time off, my Extended Illness Bank, and most of my financial resources trying to manage this condition, with doctor’s visits, treatments, and simply needing time to rest and recover. Because I work part-time, I’m not eligible for short- or long-term disability or leave of absence benefits, so I’m applying for FMLA to cover my recovery period. However, FMLA is unpaid, and with everything I’ve been through, I am reaching out today to share my story and ask for your help and support through this journey. This community, my friends, and my family have been my greatest strength through it all, and I can’t thank you enough for being there for me.

Yet, even in this struggle, I’ve found something meaningful: I now know my true calling. This experience has ignited a desire to make a difference not only for myself but for others facing similar challenges. Once I complete my master’s degree, I plan to obtain a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) certification so I can work alongside surgeons who treat patients with NTOS. I want to be an advocate for patients like me, helping them navigate the uncertainties of NTOS and providing the compassionate, knowledgeable care that I’ve come to value so deeply.

Additionally, I am committed to raising awareness about NTOS. I want to participate in research, educate others in the medical field, and work to improve diagnosis and treatment for this often-overlooked condition. NTOS is complex and poorly understood, but I want to change that by using my story to shine a light on the challenges it brings.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support means the world to me, and it gives me the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that I am not alone. Through this journey, I hope to emerge not only as a stronger person but as someone who can make a difference in the lives of others. Every share and donation truly makes a difference.