Quote:
Originally Posted by 184jones
These are all great questions and I am going to see the surgeon tomorrow and now at least I have a direction for my questioning.
The Hand surgeon says there is a clear compression, will ask what by.
How do I check out a surgeon, just research him by name on the internet? My hand surgeon said he is the only one in Singapore specialising in this area, guess there is not as much choice here.
I have always had on and off problems with the right side, numbness of the wrist.
The hand surgeon says the blood flow is extremely low to the wrist at the moment and that the whole hand is affected, just that one finger is the worst by far, guess its the longest extremity.
Thanks for your help, will post again when I have seen the surgeon  |
Well, not great news.
He talked through the condition and I have arterial TOS. THe 1st rib and the collar bone are clearly compressing the artery when I raise my arm. THe angiogram showed that with my arm above my head there is a 2cm compression with absolutely no blood flow.
He has said in this case PT will not provide enough release for the artery. Went on to have neurological tests and there is mild nerve damage on the right side
He told me that I have had this condition a number of years and a recent case of bronchitus and the coughing just compressed the artery to a critical level.
At the moment the blood thinner and antcoagulant are working, the colour has returned to my hand but still less sensation than the other side. However I am not to do any exercises that involve raising my arms!!!
I am going to PT on Monday to show me what I should be doing.
He is recommending surgery to remove the rib. THey (there will be 4 specialists, neurosurgeon, vascular surgeon, thoracic surgeon and another one, forgotten who he was) will go in through the neck and remove from that postition. He thinks to go in under the arm is more difficult as ladies have larger fat deposits to go through and its hard to stem the bleeding from that position.
My arm had done 5 days withe little blood flow and I was lucky I sought a doctor at the time. He taught my husband and I to take my radial pulse, if we cant feel it we must go to the emergency room and seek help.
He has said that if I dont have surgery now I will need it further down the line and as I am now I cant do much lifting, or arms above my head and possibly it will be emergency surgery.
My arm is not in pain but slightly dead and heavy and I have noticed a lack in dexterity with my right hand even on the drugs. THe fact that I am not in excruciating pain makes me think do I need this? I guess if it was pressing o nthe nerves as well it would feel very different.
Been a bit blown away, Monday I went to the doctor with bronchitis and a numb finger and by Friday we are discussing 3 hours of heavy duty surgery. Welcome to the efficient Singapore health system!!
As there are very few thoracic surgeons ( he is the only one that does this operation)here, am hoping to find another surgeon in Sydney or Perth. Hoping to be able to courier down the scans and test results and do a phone consultation for a second opinion. Its not that I am not confident in my surgeon but think its prudent before
Am seeing the thoracic surgeon again on Monday for further discussions