Quote:
Originally Posted by jlrob6
I'm a 19 y.o female and was diagnosed with a 10cm long blood clot in my upper right arm, and multiple pulmonary embolisms in both lungs in October of last year.
After 6 months of Warfarin treatment, maintaing my INR between 2-3, I was told my clots have not dissolved the way they should have.
A CT scan showed that my first rib and clavicle obstruct the artery in my arm where the clot is, every time i put my arm at a 90 degree angle or higher.
My hematologist has discounted rib removal surgery because of the pain, risks, recovery time etc.
I wanted to know if anyone has had this surgery because of this problem (my specialist said she's never heard of anyone having the surgery done, to fix this problem)
Thanks!
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Hello from Toronto Canada! I have had a simliar situation as yours (minus the pulmonary embolisms): blood clot in right arm, comprised blood-flow with arm elevation etc. I have been seeing both a hematologist and a vascular surgeon over the last year (and been on warfarin). Both doctors have concluded that rib-resection / removal is the only option for me. Based on research it appears to be same recommendation for most people in our situation. Staying on warfarin for the rest of your life, especially at such a young age is not optimal by any means. And, if for some reason you ever had to stop warfarin treatment, you are guaranteed more clotting and each additional clot creates further and potentially catastropic damage. While I do not have my surgery date yet, I have been booked for my pre-surgery assessment on June 26. Not looking forward to the recovery, but am kind of glad to finally get some closure given it has been over a year now. I would strongly suggest you visit a vascular surgeon who is well versed and specializes in this condition.