Back for more testing
 

I had my left top rib removed 5 weeks ago. My symptoms that got me to that point are still happening. I went back to my surgeon and he ordered a CT scan and that showed that my vein has damage. Tomorrow I go back for a venogram and they are going to dilate the vein. My dr says that if that doesn't work he doesn't know what to do. Really? I asked if a stent could then be put in and he said he would look into it. I sure this whole surgery wasn't a waste of time and I still have to put up with swelling and numbness! At least he did finally approve me for PT which I hope helps! AAAAAHHHHHHRRRRGGGG! There done venting now :winky:

It may be time to consult another surgeon for a second opinion and more expertise. Where are you located?

I am located in South Dakota and if this dilating tomorrow doesn't work I will be finding a different doctor to consult with.

As I understand, they don't recommend putting in a stent for TOS patients. Maybe in your case they would but I was told never, ever.
I do hope you feel better really soon! 5 weeks isn't that far out of surgery and you still have many months of improvements to be had as swelling goes down. Hopefully that damaged vein is successfully dilated.

I went into the cath lab yesterday and they did an angioplasty on the vein that was compressed. They gave me a picture that showed before and after they did the balloon and it showed wonderful flow now! I go back in 8 weeks for another CT scan to make sure that this indeed to solve the flow problem. The doctor told me that a stent in this area would be useless because of where it bends so the next step is to put in a new section of vein to replace the damaged area. I hope this works because I really don't want to do the splicing option!

It has been two days since my angioplasty and my arm feels fantastic!! What a joy this is!! I start PT on Tues and I am looking forward to it. Can't wait until my energy level is back so I can start walking and get the weight off that I have gained since surgery from "taking it easy"!

Good news!

Well the good feeling didn't last. My symptoms of numbness, tingling, swelling returned on the third day. I am waiting for a call from my doctor to see what our next move is. Really hard to stay positive at this point....

It sounds like the nTOS symptoms may have returned but did the vTOS symptoms return as well?

did the flow problem come back?

get better T!

My doctor called and said that he talked to other doctors in the area and they all looked at my scans and the conclusion is that it is still just post op swelling that is causing my symptoms.

I am still going to PT and they it is helping alot! I think just knowing that it isn't a blood clot issue helps me to get thru the symptoms.