I am about to have surgery for my thoracic outlet syndrome issues. I have been suffering since 2003 from an auto accident.I would like to hear from anyone who has had this surgery. My problem is the brachial plexus area and nerve compression.I have done everything else possible so I know this surgery is worth it but not sure what to expect. Will I have to wear a neck thing like they put on dogs after surgery That would be a new fashion statement for sure!!! It is nice to know i am not alone Thanks--bookworm

hi and welcome, bookworm!

you should head over to the TOS forum (if i weren't such a computer illiterate i would thow up the link for you right here...); there's a ton of info about the rib resection/partial scalenectomy over there, as well as the full scalenectomy procedure without rib resection. transaxillary approach vs. supraclavicular, perioperative care, PT or not PT (ha ha, little take on the bard, there, couldn't resist, sorry)... and on and on.

you will meet some great people and be able to access the current medical literature on this still fairly controversial area of medicine.

i take it you are in canada? we have several canucks on the forum across different provinces. but as you may have guessed, TOS does not discriminate, so while the board is a little stateside heavy we do have members from all over the world chiming in with their experience and support, from all walks of life.

if you fool around with the 'search' function towards the upper righthand portion of your screen, you will be able to figure out how to pull up older threads on any given topic (like getting ready for surgery, what to do to get your house ready for your immediate return, stuff like that...), or you can recall threads by poster name if you'd like, using the 'advanced search' modality.

the stickys up top of the TOS forum are rife with information as well. when is your surgery schedded for, bookworm, and who is your surgeon? i take it you have tried a good long course of PT and have not had sustainable results from it; is that right?

i'm sorry for the reasons you are here, but very glad you've found us. look forward to getting to know you better. i wish i knew where you were located in canada but like most americans i am afraid i am clueless, so you'll have to educate me...

alison

Hi Bookworm, welcome to NeuroTalk!

Here's a link to the TOS forum where you'll find lots of helpful information and personal support:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

Hi Bookworm and welcome to NeuroTalk, a fantastic place for support.

I see you have been given a link to the TOC forum.

The very best of luck and prayers for your surgery! Don't be scared.

Bookworm,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. It is great to see you have come into our group of friends. YOu will find a good number of people here with their arms around each other.



I wish you good luck and prayers on your surgery.

Darlene

Hi, Bookworm, welcome to NT!

Oops, I already welcomed you in the combined george/bookworm thread, lol. I see you've already been given the link to the TOS forum, so you're all set there.

But don't forget, we also have some fun here, too. We have a Social Chat thread that can be quite entertaining... there are recipes to try, and we'd love to get one from you... and who can forget the Pet thread, where you can go brag about your darlin's?!?

So look around and see what else you can find... it's helpful to take one's mind off the problems once in a while.

Worry about the neck thing just wear a lovely gauze blouse and long flowing
skirt with lovely shoes,always remember fashion comes first. Please irgore
the up above,hope you will be able to read something that puts a on
your face. So many Blessings are coming your way and to Sue

Hi Bookworm,

Welcome to NT!. I have had the TOS surgery...only a scalenectomy though, no rib removed. What kind are you having? Where are you having it? Oswego? I am guessing maybe Rochester or Syracuse?

Check out the TOS forum there are lots of pre and post surgery tips (like be sure to bring lots of pillows for the ride home). And no you dont have to wear the things that dogs wear..unless you want to of course

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

I've been in your spot twice now. Hi i'm new also. This surgery is so different on every person. If you need it go for it and make sure your PT follows up with neuro streaches and deep breathing.