Quote:
Originally Posted by Joanna81
The thought of a second surgery fills me with dread! But although I am still in pain it is better than it was pre op where I had practically no use of my arm.
I will admit when I saw my surgeon it was pre flair up of pain...
I wanted to get them over and done with so I can get on with recovering.
Did your first surgery go smoothly? I was in hospital for 9 days then back in 2 days later for 6 days  i really hope it goes better this time, he said such complications are very rare...
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hi joanna81,
its good to speaK 2 someone closer to home.... in a strange way it makes me feel more supported that I'm not the only one on home ground going through this rotten TOS journey ( there seems to be so few of us here in the UK!!!). I suppose the surgery went as good as it could have but unfortunately I'm still suffering in the thoracic region. Alot of tenderness near my collarbones/ neck and arms etc on use.
Why did you have to return to hosp after 2 days?
Mine wasn't perfect either as I had an extreme reaction to the pain relief meds (diclofenac..... terrible stomach pain and wicked nausea) almost worse than the surgical incision! I thought that I was hard done by because of being in for 6 days, you was much longer.... what happened?
I too went through the phase of wanting to get it all out of the way but sadly encountered unexpected post surgical depression/anxiety.... which hit me me HARD! I thought that I was in control of my emotions but from no where I lost myself, my post op fear and pain was very real and intense.
I have attended a CBT course since to work on my feelings and due to do a pain management course in the hope to take on board some techniques to guide me....... well, that's the idea anyway. I need to prep myself before going through 1st rib excision surgery again. My sleep pattern is still disrupted from the discomfort from my neck/shoulders etc, so I feel very anxious about disrupting the other side. Time to heal is needed.
Anyway I'm glad to say that in the next few weeks I have follow ups with a neurologist and the surgeon who performed my last op.... watch this space!
I wish you all the very best, but give yourself time to heal sufficiently before another op. Take care and keep in touch. BEST WISHES!!!!!!
