Hello all... I am thankful to have found this board, as it seems to be filled with knowledgeable and active members... I wish I had found this months ago...

I have been dealing with shoulder/arm pain and numbness in my left hand for about 10 months now. My pain most of the summer was a 2-3, but since August it has been up to 6-7-8 range, and the last few weeks it has continued to get worse. In the last two weeks is when my multitude of doctors have finally landed on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome as the probable cause of my pain. (Diagnosis by exclusion)

My reason for seeking out some insight, I am scheduled to have rib resection surgery on Friday on my first rib on the left side. The doctor has told me that I will stay over night, and be released on Saturday (Christmas Eve).

I am looking for coaching from others who have had this surgery. My family lives three hours from the hospital, and I really want to be home with my kids for Xmas... My current plan is to have my wife drive me back home on Saturday so I can be with my family for the holiday, but I have no idea if I will be 'up' for that kind of travel the day after the surgery.

We have an SUV, so I could lay down in the back, if needed... I just don't know what to expect, so any thoughts would be great...

Thanks in advance....

Steve in Minneapolis...
(S.i.M.)

Hello Steve (in Minneapolis) and WELCOME to NeuroTalk!

I see that you have found your way to our TOS forum.

I wish you the best with your surgery on Friday... you will be in my thoughts & prayers.

Please feel free to come back after your surgery (& the holidays) and let us know how you are doing.

You are welcome to roam around and join in anywhere!

If you have any questions or need any assistance please do not hesitate to ask! Someone will always be around shortly to help any way that we are able.

I look forward to seeing you around the board.

Abbie

Thank you Abby, i appreciate the warm welcome...

Happy to see you have come to be with us. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, just let us know how we can assist, you will see we are a supportive and relaxing place. Just take a look into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. Happy Holidays to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Welcome Aboard!
Plenty of friendly support here at NT.
You'll get alot of good info at the TOS forum.
I wish you the best with your surgery and a Christmas to be remembered with your family.
Safe travels!

It's great to have you!

Caring,
Rae