Quote:
Originally Posted by cjennett
I am post op from scalenectomy/ partial removal of 1st and 2 nd ribs on left side x 6 weeks tomorrow. I only take 2 Aleve in AM and before bed for pain now. The more I get back to normal activities, I notice my left arm aching and my left hand getting discolored when it hangs down. Have others experienced this after surgery and how long does recovery take for most people? I am a pediatrician and want to return to work, but still need right side done. I am getting frustrated!
Cheri
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Cheri, I am almost 5 weeks post op from full 1st rib removal and partial scalenectomy on left side. I think the fact that you are only taking Alleve for pain is a great sign. However, the hand discoloration worries me. I have read that partial rib removal increases chances of scarring vs. full rib removal and recurrence due to scarring can occur even in the first 3 months. I know you are a patient of the neurosurgeon Dr. Brown at UCSD, but would you consider a consult with the vascular surgery dept as you have vascular components to your TOS?
http://heartcenter.ucsd.edu/vascular/Pages/default.aspx
There is also Niren Angle (my doc) in Mission Viejo -
www.niren-angle.com who was formerly the chief of vascular surgery at UCSD.
My neurosurgeon (I had a cervical fusion 13 months ago) advised me that surgical treatment for TOS is better left to the vascular surgeons in most cases.