6 days post-op 2nd surgery for recurrence
 

I really need to limit time on computer so I do not plan to post frequently but if it might help others i will try.

Brief history - Carried TOS many years and had numerous shoulder and cervical spine surgeies that were mis-diagnosis or repaired periphael damage but not root cause including torn rotator cuff, torn labrum, detached rhomboid muscles, herniated discs at two levels. Had first rib removal and scalene removal in late 2012. Awesome results for first few months. Thought this nightmare was over. Symptoms began to return and were full blown by 12 months. Months 12 - 18 were worse than original with unbearable scapular pain. Had surgery 6 days ago to remove scar tissue build-up. Both surgeries were done at Baylor in Dallas which I highly recommend as Dr. Pearl is excellent. However I am a very difficult case with a loing history of debilitating symptoms and signiicant amount of muscle wasting and muscle imbalance.

This surgery was much easier than original. First 3 days felt great but increasing pain last 3 days. Pain is more local to surgery site and have some edema build-up of fluid which may be contributing. Surgeon thinks this will resolve over next few days.

In terms of surgery doctor said there was a lot of scar tissue and it was simply sculpting it out for 2 hours. He thinks I will do well but I know it will take time and doing the right things.

I am taking a product called Vitalyzm which is touted as being able to reduce scar tissue build-up. It's not cheap and I have no idea if it is legit but it seems reasonable to try? The part I am unsure about is physical therapy. By that I mean what exactly should I do and not do? I do not think there are PT professionals near me who are skilled in this regard so it is more about telling them what to do. I do believe this is a condition where pain is not gain so Pt should not produce flares.

We are all different and results from TOS surgery are all over the board so please do not take my situate as advice. Neurogenic TOS is extremely difficult to treat with or without surgery. Success rates are much lower than most surgeries but there are successes.

Take care and I feel for all who are suffering and wondering what to do. I will post periodically on my progress and I would love to hear from anyone who has been down this road. God Bless.

Thank you for posting, Romans8. I am wondering about surgery for recurrence as well so I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to post. It's helpful to all of us who are trying to make good decisions.

I wish you the very best. As for PT, I'm not sure what is good to do but I know I responded poorly when the Physical Therapist introduced elastic bands. It wasn't a lot of resistance but it was enough to screw me up.

Take it easy.

Kelly

PT
 

Romans8, I haven't yet had surgery (seriously considering it at this point) but for what it's worth, I asked Dr. Donahue about post surgery PT. Dr. D. says he doesn't recommend PT post-op because there's a risk it can cause damage. In light of my many negative PT experiences, I'm not surprised by this no PT position. I understand Dr. D. has his patients do a simple daily exercise post-op; you might want to reach out to them for specifics. Thanks for your detailed update. It's very helpful. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Hope all is going well. I am still struggling and in pain. Unfortunately I am still procrastinating about the second surgery mainly because I remember how much pain I was in after that surgery. It was good to hear, though, that you thought the second surgery wasn't as painful as the first.

Take Care!

Hi, Dear!
I had surgery 8 month ago and my compressed brexial plexus pain is gone.
But I am still suffering with my muscles because I had it untreated for 3 years
and lost strength.What is a BIG help -creatine supplement that I take
It is a life saver and answer from God for my prayers.
*admin edit*. Yana