Quote:
Originally Posted by GibsonLP
My wife had 3 activities she loved doing: Kitting, Swimming and thru-hiking. She can't do any of them now and it kills me to see her so disappointed and upset.
I was wondering if there is anyone here who suffers(ed) from TOS that used to do similar activities (especially swimming and thru-hiking) and let us know how he/she coped with the problem, did a surgery help? (The last doctor said she won't be able to swim/put any load on her shoulders after a surgery as well...)
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Definitely don't go with that surgeon. My surgeon's goal was to return me to full activity. While I am having more surgery to clean up the area above the clavicle (my first surgeries were through the armpit), I have been able to swim without any problems from about 3 months after the original surgeries. I can still swim today even though I am having surgery next week. I feel my best when I am in the water...less stress on the body due to buoyancy I am guessing.
Hiking post surgery has been no problem for me, but thru-hiking might be pushing it. I can wear a lightweight backpack, not a heavy one.
I am not saying this will be the case with your wife but it is possible.
My first recommendation is to find a therapist who can mobilize the ribs and scalenes to try and open the costoclavicular space and try to avoid surgery. Also, you need to shop around and find the right surgeon, even travelling away from home for surgery if needed.