I would echo what Jomar said.

Don't have the surgery unless you have vascular issues that require immediate attention or you are in so much pain that you have no other option.

I had surgery in Jan. 2005 with an experienced TOS surgeon. 5 years later I am much worse off. I never returned to my job as an attorney. I never returned to any job. I can't lift more than a couple of pounds without worsening my pain/headache.

I would urge you to seriously consider whether surgery is absolutely necessary. With or without surgery, you should ask your doctor whether you will have a limit on lifting.

There are several members here who were nurses, so hopefully they will respond.

Kelly