I didn't have surgery, but costs were discussed. I was told $20,000 each side for rib resection and scalenectomy, in 2004ish. That was Dr. Atasoy in Louisville, Ky. He's world-renowned. He's a professor at Univ of Louisville. He's an associate cardiothoracic surgeon with Klinert Kutz. They were the group of surgeons that done the first successful hand transplant. They have a website and many surgeons. I got lucky and got him. Here's his page: http://www.kleinertkutz.com/ata.htm

and here's Klinert Kutz:

http://www.kleinertkutz.com/

He handles cervical (helped me with my neck), scalenes-not too much help there, shoulders (tried but no help there) arms and hands, thumbs. So far, everything he said is true. He has advised and discussed things with me that really helped me. He has lots of experience. He don't push surgery, procedures and tests too much so it's like x-ray and physically examining you again and again.

I'm reading from our posts that there's newer approaches for rib resection. I pray that's true because the handouts they gave me scared the hell out of me. Knowing that, still, if it would be at all possible he would be a very good consult to differiante the neck from the TOS from the carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, which and what's causing that. He's good. I love him.

He had rods put in his back in Dec 2008. Of course I asked how he was doing and told him I and I'm sure all his patients appreciates his dedication to continue seeing patients.

Consults with him helped me figure out what I could do and realize what I couldn't do at that time. I have treated with him since 2004 until April 2008. I do think I have pec maj/minor which he did not tell me I had. I understand they didn't start diagnosing that until 2005. My own sixth sense has guided me the most.

I don't need him right now as a doctor, but I would like to visit him. He's that kind of person.

I vote for him. If not him, I pray you find kindness and get the proper attention from the doc you ultimately pick.

I invite you to Kentucky and would love to meet you if you come this way. PM me if you want any details about anything.

I'm sure you have a list of questions. I would keep him late into the evening. I think the first visit was 7:30 PM. I was in bad shape then. Long wait time too. I almost walked out due to pain and aggravation. so glad I didn't. I appreciate him so much for his guidance and help.

There's a large airport nearby. They may even pick up your motel if you're having procedures. That's popular in the US, or it was 5 years back, even for MRIs if they're early appointments or far away. Don't know about right now with the economic downturn. Louisville is an exciting city to visit.

Unfortunately there's no quick fixes. we're good examples of that. In reality, I think it will take you several visits to and from and probably several more years.

My pain picture is good right now, but I didn't go through 7 years of hell and the rest a slow recovery till now without deep scars. I didn't think I would be doing this good ever again and I hold my breath.

Oh... BTW, still working (court reporter/stenographer).... struggling lame duck that I am at times. Just this week had a fall going out an attorney's door Made them nervous. Fell on clutched fingers and knees and gave myself a scruffy manicure - took two polished fingernails almost to the nailbed, several abrasions. I got up, looked around and picked up my things and got in my Jeep and went back to my home/office and patched and polished myself back up and was able to go out for a 5:00 appointment. I'm amazed. Abrasions a little sore and I'm a little off balance again - not painful - but I'm not a china doll anymore. So for now if I can do it you can too.

Any hopes of insurance? I hear health insurance policyholders in TX can get approval to go into Mexico and their ins pays for it, mainly because it's cheaper in Mexico. Maybe a medical necessity plea may get some bills paid.

I do think we need to help you get a plan here.