I had a visit with the cardio/thoracic/vascular surgeon yesterday and scheduled the TOS rib resection. The surgeon told me that he prefers the clavical approach vs under arm because this allows him to have a veiw of the entire thoracic area he said that he will remove a muscle and the first ribe as well as the extra rib. Also he said that he will remove any fibrous bands. I have seen this surgeon 3 times as well as orthopedic and nuero surgeon who have given the same diagnosis. I have had 4 surgeries in the last 2 years carpal left and right, ulnar release and 4 level ACDF. I have been in pain for 25 + years and have been on a severe decline over the last 2 years. I have been telling Doctors for years my pain in left sided heavy arm fingers on left hand turn blue severe burning pain between shoulders left shoulder blade deep pain tingling burning feel like I have band around left arm so much pain I cant focus. Anyway I have made the decision to have the surgery. I don't know anything else I could try I have been seen by every specialist from mayo clinic to shands Hospital. I live in Florida I have been diagnosed with everything from severe degenerative disc disease, fibro, myofascial pain syndrome, chonic pain syndrome, depression, neuropathy, connective tissue disorder, angina, ischemic attacks, I have known through listening to my body for years that something was wrong under my clavical bone and large shoulder muscle but no one would listen. Finally the extra ribs bilaterally were seen on the MRI after the cervical fusion. I have to have hope because even though I love my family and life most days I think it would be a great relief to dye but I think that god has brought me to this place and I know he has a plan for me in my next years to come I feel that I have had a hard time surrendering this to my heavenly father and that I finally have and once I did all this new diagnosis came about. I'm now at peace and ask that you all will pray for me for a sucessful surgery . I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me I put this all in his hands so that I can give him the glory.

Thank you all for this wonderful site that gives light to all of us who are walking in the valley day after day.

Beverley